Holiday outings by Polar Express train, gondola and snowshoes

Family traditions are wonderful, but they can make the holidays somewhat ... predictable. Maybe this is the year to break out and try something new. Here are a few of my favorite things that would make for a great mini-vacation between now and New Year’s Day. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start a new tradition.

By rail: Hop aboard the Polar Express, a.k.a. the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Ariz. The train ride features the telling of the children’s Christmas story, along with hot chocolate, cookies and more. Where does the train go? The North Pole, of course, complete with reindeer and Santa. Most dates are booked, but when I last checked, there were still 8 p.m. departures Dec. 28 through 30. The ride costs $29 for adults and $19 for children 2 to 15 (not including tax). Contact: Grand Canyon Railway, (888) 848-3511

By sea: Santa will sing Christmas carols to you on a gondola ride along the canals and waterways of Coronado Cays near Silver Strand State Beach, south of San Diego. The hour-long Buon Natale ride (that means “Merry Christmas” in Italian) includes hot chocolate and cookie. The gondola departs from Loews Coronado Bay resort. Rides are available from 4:30 to 11 p.m. daily through Dec. 23. The cost is $145 per couple, but the gondola holds up to six people; $20 per extra person. Contact: The Gondola Company, (619) 429-6317. (You need to call to reserve the holiday rides.)

By land: Look up – at the stars, that is. Guide and poet Tony Berendsen will lead a tour of the night sky with telescopes during a two-hour snowshoe outing at Northstar at Tahoe ski resort near Lake Tahoe. The cost is $50 for adults and children 13 and older, and $30 for ages 12 and under. (Snowshoe rentals cost $5.) Tours leave 5 p.m. Dec. 30, Jan. 8 and Feb. 14. Reservations are recommended. Contact: Northstar at Tahoe, (530) 562-3270