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Pictured: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Excursion Train Rides. Climb aboard a vintage steam-powered excursion train for an enjoyable six-mile, 40-minute round-trip ride through the scenic Sierra foothill. Vintage passenger coaches are pulled by an authentic steam locomotive on Saturdays and a vintage diesel locomotive on Sundays. Last rides of the year take place on the Santa Train Ride Dec. 15-16, 2012.  See railtown1897.org

This time of year is magical in Tuolumne County located in California Gold Country. If you are searching for an old-fashioned holiday experience, bring the family and let the spirit take over! Ice skate at Long Barn Lodge (longbarn.com) throughout the winter, take a ride on Santa’s Starlight Express at Railtown 1897 State Park, and see the charming Christmas Parade & Craft Fair on December 14, 2012. The Craft Fair opens at 4pm in the Tuolumne Veterans Memorial Hall and the Parade will start at 6pm in downtown Tuolumne. Stick around on Dec. 15 & 16 for A Miners Christmas at Columbia State Historic Park. Guests are invited to sit around a campfire drinking hot cider or coffee and join in conversations with miners as they roast chestnuts. Children can make some favorite crafts of the 1850’s and keep an eye out for Father Christmas as he wanders the streets greeting all he sees. For information on local events, and a free visitors guide offer, see yosemitegoldcountry.com