A Peak Inside The Boulder City Santa Express

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right through Boulder City! Hey it's Wendy Rush. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I took the family out to Boulder City to check out the recently returned Santa Express. It's a fun activity for the family. And, bonus, it helps our local Nevada State Railroad Museum.

When we first got to the Nevada Southern Railway train station, Baby Z was blown away by the train. The Santa Express is an actual Union Pacific train on the railroad tracks. And to make it festive for the holidays, the Friends of Nevada Southern Railway have decked it out in Christmas lights. And the walkway up to the ticket office also has cute decorations to get you into the holiday spirit.

We chose an inside car on the Santa Express because they are heated and it was cold out. The Boulder City Santa Express only runs at night so plan accordingly if you're not getting a heated car. But even if you are, dress warmer than you think because you'll be outside in Santa's Railyard for almost an hour.

The train ride was fun. About 45 minutes out to Railroad Pass and back. The train cars are decorated in stockings and garland. There's a woman reading The Night Before Christmas. We even had some riders break out into Christmas carols. Z liked looking out the window at the scenery going by.

After the ride, the train stopped at Santa's Railyard. We were greeted by elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus. There was a gift shop, goodie bags and a special tent for VIP passengers and hot chocolate and sugar cookies. Everyone also got a photo with Santa in front of a train. More food was available from the Chilly Jilly'z food cart so we got hot dogs and chips to munch on. Z's favorite part was probably the snowball yard where she and other kids threw "snowballs" at each other.

When the snow came, it was time to get back on the train. A very short ride back to the station and we were done. It's a quick hour and a half trip (total) that helps a local museum. We're happy we went. Thank you, Friends of Nevada Southern Railway! We'll see you at Easter. :)

–Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas

Happy Holidays!

Follow us! Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Christmas is right around the corner and we couldn't be more excited!

Las Vegas might not be known for being the storybook, winter wonderland of a holiday season, but Christmas in Vegas is an event in its own right.

Nothing screams Christmas quite like a real, farm-fresh Christmas tree. Lucky for us, there is an abundance of them in the Vegas Valley.

Douglas Firs, Noble Firs, Nordmann Firs -- there's a tree for every want and need. They're as big or as small as you need them to be. We've got a tree for every budget. There's no need to break the bank -- you just need a little bit of looking. Thankfully, we've done that for you!

A tree for your home, a tree for the office, a tree for yourself -- don't fret over the little details! Our carefully curated selection of tree farms have everything you need.

Christmas tree shopping is a perfect activity for the entire family. Stop and shop at Moon Valley Nursery or make the day an event with Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch & Trees.

There's no experience like coming home and being greeted by the sight of your very own Christmas tree, bright, beautiful and decked out in holiday cheer. Let's not do anything in halves this year -- buy a fresh Christmas tree, if you can! They're not only good for the environment, they also make your house look, feel and smell like something out of a movie.

There might not be snow in town, but no holiday is complete without a tree. A plastic tree just isn't the same.

We know what you're thinking -- it's only November -- but it's never too early to spread some yuletide joy. Christmas only comes once a year, after all.

The year is coming to a close. Finish off with a bang and get your very own Christmas tree at these lovely Las Vegas tree farms today!

Star Nursery is the perfect place to get all your Christmas needs. They offer not just some of the best Christmas trees in town, but also garlands, wreaths and poinsettias so you can deck the entire house out in holiday cheer.

For more information on their hours and locations, click HERE.

'Tis the season! This family-owned and operated Christmas tree lot offer some of the best Christmas trees out there. "Grown on Grandpa's farm," they say. You can't get any fresher than that!

For more information, check out their Instagram! Don't forget to catch them soon.

Are you looking for something a bit more budget-friendly? Moon Valley Nursery has you covered! With a selection of variety and size that is perfect for whatever you need. They're cut within 48 hours of shipping -- a Christmas tree-version of farm to table, if you will.

Find out more about everything they have to offer HERE.

If you want to make Christmas tree shopping a real event, Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch & Trees is the place for you. A combination pumpkin patch, carnival and Christmas tree farm, this little spot is perfect for a fun day out even if you don't buy anything.

Get more information HERE.

We know you're busy. Maybe you don't have time to buy a tree in-person. That's okay! Rudolph's Christmas Trees is here for you. They offer delivery, so just pop onto their website and choose your tree. Customize it, even! The options are truly endless.

For more information, click HERE.

If freshness is what you're after, Gilcrease Orchard has the freshest Christmas trees in the Vegas Valley. They're closed for the season, but mark your calendars because they open on Nov. 25th to sell their supply of trees, open as supplies last. They go fast, so don't miss it!

For more information on Gilcrease's Christmas trees, click HERE.