CANON CITY, CO -- 08/06/09 --
When the snow begins to fall, Colorado's Royal Gorge Route
Railroad magically becomes The Santa Express, a meticulously restored series of mid-century
locomotives adorned in holiday décor and brimming with holiday spirit while
one very special guest is on board: Santa Claus.
Tickets sell out quickly each year and are on sale now at the Historic
Santa Fe Depot, the Royal Gorge Welcome Center and online at
www.royalgorgeroute.com, according to Mark Greksa, owner of Royal Gorge
Route Railroad.
"The Santa Express is a train ride like none other," said Greksa. "Royal
Gorge Route Railroad's historic cars possess a nostalgic, cozy feeling that
is perfectly suited for holiday entertaining. When guests board The Santa
Express, they are absolutely immersed in the moment and you can feel the
excitement of anticipation that they will soon meet St. Nick."
The 1.5-hour train-ride begins at the Santa Fe Depot and travels along the
Arkansas River through the rugged, 1,000-foot deep Royal Gorge to the North
Pole and back. This year, it runs every Friday and Saturday from November
27 through December 26 at 6:30 p.m. and costs $19 per child, 3 - 12 years
old, and $29 per adult. When the Santa Express is not occupying the rails,
coach, gourmet lunch or dinner, wine tastings, vista dome and mystery train
service continues to run.
The Santa Express is a winter wonderland, decorated in holiday style, where
children are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and relax with family and
friends while they sip homemade cocoa and listen to classic holiday stories
read by Santa's elves. Large plate-glass windows allow passengers to enjoy
the Rocky Mountain-beauty of the Royal Gorge on the way to the North Pole,
which is fittingly decorated like a true Christmas town, bedecked with
holiday lights and decor for its most famous resident -- Santa Claus.
Once Santa boards the train at the North Pole, children anxiously await
their turn to sit with him, share their holiday wish list and receive their
very special Santa Train gift -- from Kris Kringle himself.
About the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Since 1879, travelers from around the world have made the journey to Cañon City, Colorado to
experience the train that follows the rails on a 24-mile roundtrip through
the spectacular Royal Gorge.
More than 100,000 passengers experience the natural beauty of the Royal
Gorge each year aboard Colorado's finest scenic railroad while enjoying the
comfort and charm of the carefully restored Historic Royal Gorge Route
Railroad cars.
Coach, glass-topped vista dome cars, wine tastings, gourmet lunch or dinner
and murder mystery train service provide many ways for passengers to enjoy
the charm of classic train travel, the dramatic views of the Royal Gorge
and often, a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Quinton Meddles.
Tickets are available online at www.royalgorgeroute.com, the Royal Gorge
Welcome Center or at the Historic Santa Fe Depot located at 401 Water
Street in Cañon City where travelers will also discover the finest railroad
gift shop in Colorado, featuring some of the most beloved and hard-to-find
railroad gifts and apparel.
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CONTACT:
Kelly Pascal Gould, APR
Pascal Public Relations
303.324.6723
kelly@pascalpr.com
