The holiday season brings many magical experiences for families across North Carolina. Hopping aboard a holiday train for the ride of a lifetime is a favorite holiday pastime. Two popular train ride attractions are the Polar Express in Bryson City and the Tweetsie Christmas experience.
Kids of all ages find themselves in the festive spirit once they grab a ticket to ride a holiday train. When you’re ready to ride into the Christmas season and snag a ticket of your own, you’re faced with the difficult decision of which attraction to visit. Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you and have broken down the details of both holiday train experiences below. Now all you have to do is pick out your most festive Christmas sweater and create some magical memories with your family.
All aboard for family fun at Tweetsie Railroad!
Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock, NC)
Tweetsie Christmas is a magical holiday experience for the whole family, offering a blend of classic amusement, festive activities, and Christmas cheer. One of the highlights is a 20-minute nighttime train ride in an open-air car behind one of the park's historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives. The train takes passengers along a three-mile route illuminated by over 1 million twinkling Christmas lights. Trains depart every 30 minutes, starting at 5:30 p.m., creating a dazzling journey through enchanting holiday scenes.
In addition to the train ride, families can enjoy a heartwarming live Christmas variety show at the Tweetsie Palace, filled with toe-tapping music and performances that capture the spirit of the season. For those seeking more excitement, four classic amusement rides—Little Drummer Boy, Bikes & Buggies, F-80s, and the Himalaya—keep the fun going throughout the evening.
A visit to Santa's Gingerbread House is a must for children and those young at heart. Decorated with oversized candies, presents, and festive trees, the house creates a whimsical wonderland. Upon entering, you may be greeted by a live tin soldier or friendly elves who guide you through the charming space. Santa and Mrs. Claus are there to welcome visitors with warm smiles, ready to listen to holiday wishes, take photos, and spread joy and holiday spirit.
To complete the experience, gather around an outdoor fire to roast s’mores and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Whether you're there for the lights, rides, shows, or a cozy chat with Santa, Tweetsie Christmas provides a magical holiday experience that will leave everyone in the family with lasting memories and a heart full of Christmas cheer.
Tweetsie Christmas is an incredibly popular event with limited space each night, so it’s recommended for families to purchase their holiday train tickets in advance.
Put on your most comfy pajamas and board the Polar Express at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC. Photo by Christopher F Esposito.
Polar Express (Bryson City, NC)
Throw on your best Christmas pajamas and prepare to live out one of the all-time best holiday stories on the Polar Express Train Ride NC with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This holiday train experience runs November 7 to December 31 and takes you on a roundtrip journey departing from the Bryson City depot.
The Polar Express ride aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a cherished holiday experience that brings the magic of Christmas to life. Departing from Bryson City, NC, this enchanting train journey immerses passengers in the classic story of “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. The 1¼-hour round-trip ride takes families on a festive adventure to the North Pole, complete with dancing chefs serving hot cocoa and delicious cookies while the story is read aloud.
Highlights of the 2024 Polar Express ride include visits from Santa Claus, who personally greets each child and presents them with a special silver sleigh bell, just like in the story. Throughout the journey, passengers can sing along to favorite Christmas carols, adding to the festive atmosphere. The train cars are beautifully decorated with holiday lights and decorations, creating a cozy and magical setting for the whole family to enjoy.
In 2024, Polar Express rides begin on November 7th and run through December 31st, with multiple departures daily. Ticket prices vary based on the type of seating selected. Coach Class tickets start at $39 for children (ages 2-12) and $52 for adults. For a more immersive experience, First Class tickets are available at $58 for children and $78 for adults, featuring upgraded seating and a keepsake ceramic Polar Express mug. For the ultimate experience, Premium First Class offers larger, private seating and additional amenities for $78 for children and $100 for adults. Babies under age 2 can ride for $10 if they sit on a parent's lap.
The Polar Express aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a memorable holiday tradition that captures the wonder and joy of Christmas, making it a must-do experience for families and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Additional Holiday Train Rides in North Carolina
If you’re unable to attend either the Polar Express Train Ride or Tweetsie Christmas, there are a few smaller holiday train options scattered throughout North Carolina. Check out one of the below:
- Carolina Christmas Train in Star, NC (select dates December 4-20, 2024)
- Pullen Park’s Holiday Express in Raleigh
- NC Transportation Museum’s Polar Express in Spencer (select nights November 8 to December 23, 2024)
- Denton Farmpark Country Christmas Train in Denton (select dates November 29 to December 28, 2024)
- Museum of Life + Science’s Holidays in the Park in Durham (select nights December 1-31, 2024)
No matter which holiday train you select to ride this holiday season, you’re sure to create memories to look back on fondly for years to come.
While you’re making plans for the festive season, be sure to check out our list of recommended NC Christmas tree farms for more festive merriment. And, as always, don’t forget to tag us in your Carolina holiday adventures so we can share in the fun!
