Through Dec. 27. Any Christmas-themed event that lands before Thanksgiving is bound to feel slightly premature, but there’s a good chance your kids won’t feel the same way. This weekend, early adopters can get their yuletide fix as Royal Gorge Railroad brings back its Santa Express Train, which runs through Dec. 27. Operators of the Cañon City-based railroad have expanded departure times based on last year’s demand to include 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. rides (depending on the date). The 90-minute experience takes kids from the Royal Gorge to the North Pole (decorated with 30,000 lights) and includes Christmas stories, carols, cookies ‘n’ cocoa and an audience with St. Nick. Santa Fe Depot, one block south of Colorado 50 and South Third Street in Cañon City. $30-$60. 888-724-5748 or .
