Christmas train gets Kamloopsians in the holiday spirit

Dec 7, 2017 | 10:24 AM

KAMLOOPS — Those looking to get into the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ are invited to hop aboard the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society’s train for a festive ride along the Thompson River.

The annual Christmas-themed train ride gets rolling Friday with an adults only event at 7 p.m.

Passengers can enjoy an alcoholic beverage and dessert outside the CN station on Lorne Street before embarking on a one-hour festive ride to the Halston bridge and back.

The train will be pulled by the restored ‘Spirit of Kamloops’ steam locomotive.

Manager of Rail Tour Operations Rosanne Nelson says along with carolling and taking in Christmas lights, the excursion will include a special stop midway.

“We will bring people in red suits, that’s all I’m going to say,” said Nelson. “From there, they will visit everybody in the coaches. Everybody has their own seat, no one is seated outside but everyone is encouraged to wander around and look at the other coaches because each one is decorated differently.”

Family rides are also being offered this Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, as well next Thursday to Monday.

Both Sunday afternoons are sold out, with those passengers asked to bring a donation for the Four Paws Food Bank.

All other riders are asked to bring socks, gloves, or a monetary donation for the Out of the Cold Program.

This marks the 15th year the Spirit of Christmas has been lighting up the night sky and getting people into the festive spirit.

“You get to just sit back and relax. We’ll have different characters, photo ops and live music in station plaza. Everything that you think of for Christmas will be there.”

Tickets can be bought at Kamrail.com or at the Kamloops Heritage Railway office on Lorne Street.