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Quick Details:
📅Service Times: Tickets on Sale September 1, 2026
⌛Duration: 75 minutes
♿Accessibility: Please read our FAQs▸
All aboard a Christmas Adventure Through Time!
Leave the holiday hustle behind and step back into Christmas. Steam Into Christmas: The Holiday Timber Train is a cozy, homegrown Christmas experience set against the backdrop of the Cascade foothills, where steam whistles echo through the evergreens and the stories of Pacific Northwest timber country come to life.
Climb aboard Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad for a 75-minute captivating holiday adventure, all from the comfort of the train. As your vintage steam train travels through the forest, you’ll journey back to the 1930s and meet a colorful crew of timber workers with a Christmas story to tell: the tale of how they helped save Christmas.
Along the way, you’ll discover the people, places, and traditions that shaped the Pacific Northwest’s timber country and get a glimpse into life at the North Star Logging Camp, the 1930s forest outpost where our Christmas tale began.
Santa and Mrs. Claus join the journey, visiting with families along the way. Settle in with hot cocoa and a fresh-baked cookie, and take home a collectible ornament as a keepsake from your adventure.
Part history, part theater, and plenty of Christmas magic, The Holiday Timber Train is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Come make a new Christmas tradition in the mountains and discover the timber-country tale of the crew who helped save Christmas.
Notes:
👶Children: Under 2 do not require a ticket and will be considered lap children. If you would like them to have their own seat, please reserve a ticket for them.
♿ Accessibility: If you need boarding assistance, use a wheelchair, or prefer to board using our lift instead of stairs, please reserve ADA seating. For details, see our FAQs.
Train Classes
🚂 Coach Class
Enjoy a cozy ride in our vintage passenger cars, where every seat is part of the story. Coach Class passengers are hosted by our spirited Kringle family – portrayed by a professional acting cast – bringing the magic of Christmas to life with songs, stories, and cheer throughout the ride.
🚂 First Class
Upgrade your experience with reserved table seating, extra comfort, and a collectible souvenir mug to take home. First Class guests are treated to the same lively Kringle family hospitality, performed by our dynamic cast, with a little extra room to sip cocoa and soak in the holiday magic.
FAQs
Where is your train departing from?
Where do we park?
Do we need to print our tickets? Where do we pick them up?
You don’t need to print anything at home! Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time. After parking, please follow signs and to our ticket booth. Please have the reserving party’s last name and order ID handy. We’ll hand you special tickets for boarding, as well as your car and seat assignments.
Will there be hot chocolate and cookies? What if I have dietary restrictions?
But of course! Mrs. Claus and helpers from the Kringle Family specially prepare delicious cookies and hot chocolate for all our passengers. We do have gluten-free, nut-free, allergen-free cookies and (dairy free) hot cider available upon request. If you have other dietary concerns, please shoot us an email at info@wfim.org and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
How long is the ride? What should we expect?
Christmas with The Clauses is a 75-minute theatrical train experience unique to Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. Unlike larger franchise events, this homegrown production blends the charm of a real working railroad with a professional cast portraying the warm and whimsical Kringle family.
From the moment the steam train arrives at the station in Elbe, the story unfolds around you. On board, guests are immersed in songs, storytelling, and heartfelt moments as Santa makes his way to the Kringle Logging Camp. There, the Kringle family puts on a lively welcome celebration before Mrs. Claus joins the return trip to serve cocoa and cookies alongside her cheerful crew.
It’s a magical mountain Christmas experience that’s festive, funny, and rooted in tradition—with no corporate script in sight – allowing us to deliver a high-caliber, more genuine event.
What’s the difference between Coach and First Class?
Both Coach and First Class offer a festive ride hosted by our dynamic cast of Kringle family performers—so no matter where you sit, you’re part of the story.
Coach Class features traditional paired seating in our vintage passenger cars, with all the music, magic, and merriment included.
First Class offers reserved table seating (four guests per table), a bit more space to spread out, and a special souvenir mug to take home. It’s a cozy upgrade with a few extra touches of comfort and cheer.
What should we wear?
We encourage guests to come dressed in their favorite festive attire—cozy sweaters, holiday hats, or anything that adds a little cheer to the experience.
Our historic depot is small, and you may be waiting outside under covered areas—so be sure to dress warmly and prepare for typical mountain weather, including rain. Layers and waterproof shoes are highly recommended!
Is the train ADA accessible?
Yes, please select our ADA seating when you book. We do have a wheelchair lift to accommodate those with mobility issues, walkers and wheelchairs. Due to constraints with our wheelchair lift and the size of doorways in our historic equipment, we recommend wheelchairs and scooters are less than 27” wide. Please note, there are various lips and bumps in doorways and between train cars, which may make it difficult to move between cars.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, one restroom is available in each first class car. Coach cars do not have restrooms but have a restroom available one car away in our concession car. All restrooms have changing tables.
Which locomotive is pulling the train?
Most excursions will be pulled by one of our historic steam locomotives—either the 103-year-old Polson Logging No. 70 or our newly restored Porter No. 5, both lovingly maintained by our mechanical team.
On occasion, due to weather conditions or unscheduled maintenance, we may substitute a diesel locomotive to ensure the experience runs smoothly. No matter what’s on the front of the train, the magic on board remains the same.
What if I need to change the date or time of departure?
Rescheduling or other changes to a booking may be made through our ticket office (253) 900-7245 and info@mtrainierrailroad.com are subject to availability. Ticketing changes are subject to a per-ticket change fee, equal to the processing fees of the order. Rescheduling 72 hours (about 3 days) to one week ahead of the scheduled departure time will result in a rebooking fee equal to 30% of the order total. We are unable to reschedule trips within 72 hours (about 3 days) of the scheduled departure time.
What is your refund policy?
All refund requests are subject to current per-ticket handling fee, equal to the processing fees of the order. Partial refunds (70%) will be issued for cancellations made between 72 hours and one week in advance of the scheduled departure. Cancellations made within 72 hours of departure are ineligible for a refund.
Can I bring alcohol on board?
No. Due to liquor regulations, no alcohol is allowed on board the train.
Can I bring firearms?
Passengers are not allowed to carry firearms of any kind on the train. Due to federal regulations, we do not allow open or concealed carry on the train rides.
Do you have lodging recommendations?
Our friends at Visit Rainier have done a great job assembling information on recommended lodging (and deals) especially for passengers of Christmas with the Clauses. Check it out at VisitRainier.com
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