Christmas-themed train rides can be a fun and entertaining event for the whole family. The historic Thunder Mountain Line, based at Horseshoe Bend near Boise, Idaho, provides a variety of excursions that range from the more formal holiday dinner trip to the festive Santa trip where passengers enjoy music and entertainment while munching on cookies and milk on their way to the "North Pole".
Originally built as a branch-railroad line to transport the gold and ore from the Thunder Mountain mining district, the Thunder Mountain Line was established in 1897 as a division of the Idaho Northern Railroad. Throughout its long history, it has transported everything from gold and lumber to freight and mail. Today, it serves the Boise region as an excursion train that offers passengers a variety of scenic and themed tours on board its air-conditioned passenger cars, open air cars, and dining cars that can accommodate up to 72 people.
The Christmas Party Dinner Train is a three-and-a-half-hour, round-trip excursion on the Horseshoe Bend route that departs from Horseshoe Bend and travels along the Payette River to the town of Banks. The trip includes a gourmet holiday dinner served on fine china within a holiday-decorated dining car. Live musical entertainment as well as karaoke is also provided for additional enjoyment. The journey also makes a stop at the "North Pole" where guests can view a Christmas light display. The excursion is offered each beginning in early December and continuing through December 23.
The North Pole Express is a three-and-a-half-hour excursion that also travels the Horseshoe Bend route. This family-oriented trip provides cookies and milk while presenting Christmas stories and carols sung by the musicians and staff. Upon arrival at the "North Pole," Santa climbs aboard to visit the passengers. Afterwards, guests can leave the train to view the Christmas light display before returning back to Horseshoe Bend. The North Pole Express is offered each year beginning in late November and continuing until December 23.
The Santa Train is a three-hour, round-trip journey that also travels along the Horseshoe Bend route. The festive journey includes complimentary milk and cookies as well as hot chocolate and culminates in the arrival to the "North Pole" where passengers meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Passengers can also leave the train to view the Christmas light display before taking the return trip to Horseshoe Bend. The Santa Train begins running in early December and continues until December 23.
