Holiday Express Adult: $35 , Child (3-12) $16 2 and under ride FREE, must sit on a lap Holiday Express Spiked!: $49, Adult only Holiday Express First Class: $75 Adult, $56 child (0-12) |
Adult $28.00 round trip, plus tax $23 one way, plus tax |
Children (3-12) $13.00 round trip, plus tax $12 one way, plus tax 2 and under ride FREE |
#1: When selecting your depart from/time, this is the station you will leave from. You will arrive at your first destination one hour after the time listed.
#2: When selecting your return from/time, the time listed is the time you leave that station. You will arrive at the final destination one hour after the time listed.
As with any railroad, motive power, schedules and fares are subject to change without prior notice.
Experience the magic as you take a one hour, round trip journey from Hill City to the North Pole where Santa will board the train and ride back to Hill City, taking time to visit with each child on the way. Passengers enjoy hot cocoa, a sugar cookie and a special story on the way to the North Pole. Santa hands out a special gift to each child on the trip.
New this year! Holiday Express First Class! We are excited to announce this new option for 2019. Holiday Express First Class seating offers an elevated experience in our Hilyo caboose. This option is available November 29 & 30 and December 21-24 only.
Holiday Express Spiked passengers enjoy everything received with a regular ride along with spiked hot cocoa in a keepsake mug! Adults only (21+), limited runs. Check out our new, Spiked only departures on Friday, December 6 at 5:30pm or 7:15 pm. This is a great office Christmas party outing or the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Call 605.574-2222 today or purchase online!
Download a map of the 1880 Train Station in Hill City
One hour, round trip; ½ hour each way. The Holiday Express travels to the North Pole (Oblivion) and back. It does not travel to Keystone.
Tickets sell quickly for all Holiday Express departures, so yes, purchase your tickets now!
Yes, they are heated, but not to a toasty warm. We encourage dressing in layers. If the temperature is cold outdoors, bring a blanket or two. The boarding area is outdoors, so dress accordingly.
We do not offer group rates for special events.
Holiday Express seating is assigned. When purchasing your tickets, purchase all tickets together and select the seats you prefer. Once selected or assigned, seat assignments cannot be changed. The earlier you purchase your tickets, the better the chance you will be seated together. All Holiday Express departures sell out.
The day of your ride, come to the Hill City Depot, give your last name, and your boarding passes will be printed that day. You do not need to bring your confirmation, just give your last name. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure.
Seating is assigned. In order to sit together, all passengers must be under ONE reservation. When making reservations online, you may select your own seats. Please ensure you have the final count of your party when making your reservation and selecting seat assignments. Seating assignments cannot be changed once selected or assigned. Guests who add on to a reservation at a later date are not guaranteed a seat with your party. Children 2 and under must be held on a lap, except on the First Class car where lap seats are not available. If you would like children 2 & under to have their own seat on a regular departure, or would like to bring their car seat, a child’s ticket must be purchased.
Absolutely! You are welcome to wear your pajamas or any festive attire you wish. Just be sure to dress warmly!
Hot chocolate and sugar cookies are served in route. If you have dietary restrictions, please feel free to bring your own food and beverage on board. Wine by the glass, wine by the bottle, beer, hot cider and coffee are available for purchase in the depot as well as snacks that you are welcome to bring on board.
Please plan for the unexpected, South Dakota winter weather! The 1880 Train is not liable for road closures or delays. This event will run no matter the weather.
Once the train arrives at the North Pole, Santa boards the Train and the diesel engine switches from the front to the back of the train. Once the engine is ready to go, the train heads back to Hill City with Santa on board. Passengers are able to see the North Pole buildings from the Train, but passengers do not deboard the train during this time. The stop at the North Pole takes less than 10 minutes.
Santa visits with each child on the way back to Hill City from the North Pole. There will be time to take your own, free photos with Santa when he visits your train car. In the first class, Hilyo car, a dedicated Santa is available for photos the entire ride back to Hill City. Professional photos are available at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, next to the Hill City Depot on the following dates and times:
Guests who purchase a First Class ticket are seated in the more spacious, Hilyo caboose car. Each first class passenger receives unlimited hot chocolate with special holiday toppings, a keepsake campfire Holiday Express mug, sugar cookie, candy cane, special, first class gift from Santa, a dedicated Santa and Mrs. Claus and special entertainment. A children’s ticket must be purchased for all children (0-12). Since tables will be in use, there will not be space for laps. Only 38 First Class seats are available on designated departures.
November 29 & 30, and December 21-24.
Yes, everything will be the same for the after Christmas rides. Santa & Mrs. Claus have agreed to come back after Christmas in order that they do not miss anyone who is in the area for the holidays. Santa will get a head start on what the children would like for Christmas in 2020!
For more detailed ticket and cancellation policy information, please refer to the information at right (on desktop) or below (on mobile).
Please call our office at 605.574.2222 or email us at office@1880train.com with any questions regarding your group!
Enjoy a keepsake photo of your Holiday Express experience by getting a professional photo with Santa! Photos are $10 each or 3 for $25 and are taken at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, right next door to the Hill City Depot. Santa photos will be taken from noon - 4:00 pm each day of the Holiday Express rides.
Holiday Express
$35 Adult, $16 child (3-12)
2 and under ride FREE
Group rates are not available for special event rides.
Holiday Express – Spiked!
$49 Adults only
Holiday Express – First Class
$75 Adult, $56 child (0-12)
Group rates are not available for special event rides. Your credit card is charged at the time of purchase. Please pick up tickets 30 minutes in advance at the Hill City Depot.
Available November 29 & 30 and December 21-24 only, with 38 seats available each departure.
Seating is assigned. In order to sit together, all passengers must be under ONE reservation. When making reservations online, you may select your own seats. Please ensure you have the final count of your party when making your reservation and selecting seat assignments. Seating assignments cannot be changed once selected or assigned. Guests who add on to a reservation at a later date are not guaranteed a seat with your party. Children 2 and under must be held on a lap. If you would like them to have their own seat, or would like to bring their car seat, a child’s ticket must be purchased.
Credit card is charged at time of reservation. Like any ticketed event, all sales are final and no refunds or cancellations are offered unless ticketed train does not operate.
Bad Weather: Please prepare for winter road and traffic conditions! The 1880 Train is not liable for road closures or delays. This event will run no matter the weather.
If you need lodging, follow the links below for options available during the Holiday Express:
Double Diamond Cabins
Super 8
Palmer Gulch KOA
Cabins near Hill City
Harney Peak Inn