I’m always curious about the Niles Canyon Railway’s Train of Lights, but when the tickets go on sale back in October I’m still in Spooky Season Mode so I never think seriously about riding until tickets are already sold out. This year, my disorganized self was saved by Fremont’s Chamber of Commerce, who invited me on the test train on Nov. 17.
(Incidentally, this is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the volunteer-run railroad museum.)
Recently, I’ve ridden Ride the Rails for Relay in the spring, and the Skunk Train that goes east of Sunol. But I haven’t ridden the train in the dark, so I was curious how the ride would be with the greenery of Niles Canyon hidden by a rainy November night. In spite of the cold, some riders did brave the open cars to watch for sights along the route and wave to commuters stuck in traffic.
What I learned is that there are two trains of lights. Obviously the train with its Christmas light-bedecked cars is delightful to watch from Mission Boulevard. Aside from a few times when the track curves, you can’t see the outside decorations well while you’re riding.
For riders, the vintage train cars are packed with wreaths, wrapped presents and more Christmas lights. Obviously the decorations are fun, as is visiting with the Santa who roams up and down the cars. But I also appreciated the chance to see so many different old-timey train cars. It truly felt like a step into the past.
After running into some friends from Fremont Cultural Arts Council, I mostly hung out in the general seating near the dome car. But we braved a journey to the dining car for cider (about 10 cars away), navigating the slippery floors of open cars and narrow aisles. I didn’t even make it through the whole length of the train.
There are so many local events around the holidays that I don’t get to participate in because I also have to work and keep up with family get-togethers. But I’m glad I was able to add one more unique ride to my holiday memories this year.
In a season like Halloween or Christmas, there’s always a feeling of the holiday happening all around you, but with no center ring that you can step into where the “main thing” actually unfolds. You have to piece together your own holiday from the places, people and events you can make time for. No one’s holiday is exactly like anyone else’s. I think that’s the magic!
