A beloved Folsom tradition is back on track for the 2024 holiday season, promising to deliver a unique blend of nostalgia, wonder, and festive fun. Santa’s Whistlestop Adventure, a local perennial favorite for families, is gearing up to bring holiday cheer to kids and adults alike with a magical journey down the rails.
This enchanting experience invites guests to board a real-life motor rail car near Willow Creek, just off East Bidwell Street. As the train glides through the scenic landscape, passengers are transported not just physically but also into the heart of the holiday season. The highlight of the adventure? A stop at a magical destination where children can meet Santa Claus himself, enjoy delightful holiday activities, and indulge in seasonal treats and beverages before returning to the starting point.
For generations, Santa’s Whistlestop Adventure has brought joy to hundreds of young faces, thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the Placerville and Sacramento Valley Railroad Association. These hardworking individuals keep the history and charm of the region’s railways alive while spreading holiday cheer.
Folsom Times file photos by Bill Sullivan.
This year’s rides will operate on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, beginning at 10:45 a.m. and departing every 30 minutes throughout the day. Families are welcome to linger at Santa’s magical stop as long as they wish, making the overall experience flexible and enjoyable, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.psvrr.org or by simply CLICKING HERE. Adult tickets (ages 12 and up) are priced at $18, while children’s tickets (ages 5-12) are $11.50. Best of all, little ones aged 4 and under ride free—no ticket required! Boarding takes place at 700 Oak Avenue Parkway in Folsom, conveniently located next to California Family Fitness.
Don’t miss out on this cherished holiday tradition! For more information, visit www.psvrr.org or call 916-597-0107. Whether it’s your first ride or a family tradition, Santa’s Whistlestop Adventure is the perfect way to make memories and celebrate the spirit of the season.
The Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving California’s rich railroad history. Their mission is to protect, preserve, and develop the Folsom-Placerville railroad right-of-way, celebrating its legacy through the creation and operation of a sustainable community heritage railroad for the benefit, use, education, and enjoyment of the general public.
The organization operates scenic train excursions and motorcar throughout the year over 15 miles of track between Folsom and Latrobe on Southern Pacific Railroad’s historic Placerville Branch in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains of northern California.