ANTONITO, Colo., CHAMA, N.M. — To help make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) will once again run holiday trains to collect food and toys to distribute in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico.

The one-hour rides are free for children and only $10 for adults (ages 13-over). A donation of either a non-perishable food item or a new boxed toy is required per person.

There will be two different opportunities to experience the C&TSRR Santa Trains, either departing from Chama, N.M., on Dec. 7 or 8 or departing from Antonito, Colo., on Dec. 14 or 15. Ticket reservations must be made in advance. Tickets go on sale Friday. The Chama departures will run to the Lobato Trestle and back, while the Antonito departures will climb  the foothills of the San Juan Mountains to the Ferguson Trestle and back.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children onboard and Santa’s elves will serve complimentary hot chocolate and cookies during the ride. 

The highest and longest narrow gauge steam railroad in America is owned jointly by the states of Colorado and New Mexico with stations in Antonito and Chama.

This is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the thrill of a steam locomotive in winter, while also helping those in need in the community.

Over the past few years, the railroad has collected tens of thousands of new toys and cans of food, which have been distributed in the San Luis Valley of Colorado and Northern New Mexico to benefit local residents and children.

All food and toy donations are distributed to the Toys for Tots program from Antonito and the local food bank.  Food and toy donations in Chama are distributed locally by the Chama Fire Department and the local Rio Arriba County Food Bank.

HOW TO BOOK: To make your reservation on the C&TSRR Santa Trains, go to www.cumbrestoltec.com and click on the Santa Train link or call the train depot at 888-286-2737. Train rides start at 10 a.m., with the last train departing at 4 p.m. Hourly trips can be for either weekend. Reservations are required and must be made in advance to avoid disappointment.  This event sells out.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES/VISUALS

VISUALS:  Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, a working steam train pulling in and out of the station and families riding the train through beautiful Colorado and New Mexico scenery will make for one-of-a-kind Christmas card visuals.

We will be happy to work with credentialed media on cab rides, interviews and help in arranging shots.

VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWFZ6sM0Fu4.