Away We Go: Sky Railway’s Pablo’s Holiday Express

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on December 18, 2024
- 9:01 am

Los Alamos residents preparing to board the Sky Railway in Santa Fe recently from left, Aidan Monteith, Norm Delamater and Christopher Rutherford. Photo by Becky Rutherford

By BECKY RUTHERFORD
Los Alamos

What’s more festive than a holiday train ride? Ummm nothing! Although the Durango Silverton holiday train is a wonderful experience, have you ever wished for a festive express closer to home? Look no further, Sky Railway in Santa Fe has a family friendly option for you!

The family friendly Pablo’s Holiday Express departs and returns out of the historic town of Lamy, NM. Lamy was a former railroad town, once a bustling hub, that declined as the railroad industry waned. The Lamy Depot was formerly a busy stop for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. Today, Amtrak trains pass through twice a day, and the depot offers a shuttle to Albuquerque.

In addition Lamy is home to the Legal Tender, a historic and allegedly haunted restaurant offering tasty fare and drinks under the helm of Chef Gabe Calhoun and ownership of Allan Aufeldt and Murphy O’Brien.

Legal Tender. Photo by Becky Rutherford

Pablo’s Holiday Express runs throughout December weekends, and Dec. 19-24. The Lamy Depot is turned into a charming and festive winter wonderland, your adventure starts off with included hot cocoa and storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Lamy Depot. After you board the train, your child will receive their own special bell to take home, and each car has an in-car performer (performers are all local, and tips are appreciated!). We had Terry Diers, a local blues musician, and his music was wonderful!

Local musician Terry Diers. Photo by Becky Rutherford

There is an open air car with fabulous views.

Los Alamos residents Aidan Monteith and Christopher Rutherford enjoying the air open car. Photo by Becky Rutherford

Gorgeous high desert scenes viewed from the Sky Railway. Photo by Becky Rutherford

The ride itself is an hour, half hour out and half hour back, and there are refreshments (including their awesome margarita!) available for purchase on board. Get there a half hour early for the story time.

Margarita! Photo by Becky Rutherford

They are offering a locals discount this year, which is awesome!

Locals Child Tickets
- Ages 3-12
- $ 29
Locals Adult Ticket
- $ 59

Compared to the cost of driving up to Durango for their holiday train, and hotel, etc. this is a bargain. We had an amazing experience, and we will definitely be back aboard Sky Railway for the holiday train next year!

After the train ride we walked across the street and got a fantastic dinner at Legal Tender. We got the pate appetizer (amazing), trout entree, green chile cheeseburger, chicken wings, mushroom soup, and shared onion rings and fries. Food and atmosphere were outstanding! I love historic old buildings, and the place was charming.

Pate is serious business. Photo by Becky Rutherford