San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Lights 2026
The Pacific Locomotive Association runs the Train of Lights on the Niles Canyon Railway, a 13-mile nighttime round trip through Niles Canyon. The antique coaches and open cars are decorated with holiday lights inside and out, with festive music and refreshments on board.
Board at Niles or Sunol. The Niles departure leaves at dusk, so you see the canyon scenery on the way out and the lights on the way back; the Sunol departure leaves after dark. General seating is $40, and First Class Dome and First Class Parlor seats are $70 each. A private caboose for groups of up to 24 is $850.
Trains run rain or shine and an inside seat isn't guaranteed, so dress for cold and wind, and bring a small flashlight for the walk to your car. Everyone 3 and older needs a ticket, and strollers and car seats stay off the train. Parking is at Niles Station and Sunol Depot; arrive early, especially in bad weather.
Questions
What seating options are there?
General seating is an unreserved seat in a coach or open car. First Class Dome is a reserved swivel seat in the glass dome of the Santa Fe 505, First Class Parlor is the mahogany-lined Southern Pacific 10040 Dining Car, and a private caboose holds up to 24 with a docent.
Do young children need a ticket?
Everyone 3 and older needs a ticket. Children under 3 ride free on a lap but need a ticket if they take up a seat.
Which departure should you choose?
The Niles departure leaves at dusk, so you see the canyon on the way out and the lights on the way back. The Sunol departure leaves after dark.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Only in selected covered Open Cars, and wheelchairs can't move around the train because the aisles and doors are narrow. Arrive early and tell the train crew if you need help boarding.