Celebrate the Holidays Riding the Rails - Carolina Country

All Aboard for the North Pole!

Celebrate the holidays while riding the rails

By Renee C. Gannon

As the holiday season ramps up across North Carolina this month, a train seat transports young and old through the magic of the lights, sounds and festivities. The following are just a few found across the state, please check your local areas for more holiday events.

The Polar Express Train Ride

Aboard the Polar Express

Visit Rowan County, NC

NC Transportation Museum, Spencer 
704-636-2889  |  nctransportationmuseum.org
Weekends throughout November and December

Inspired by the family holiday classic movie, the ride to the North Pole comes to life on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families enjoy hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers are entertained by a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, “The Polar Express.” Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas. Before exiting the train at Candy Cane Lane, all passengers who BELIEVE will receive their own sleigh bell.


The Polar Express with GSMR

Polar Express Great Smoky Mountains Christmas

VisitNC.com

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City
800-872-4681  |  gsmr.com
Almost daily throughout November and December

The train departs the Bryson City depot for a roundtrip journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm hot chocolate and treats while immersed in the story. Santa awaits to greet families at the North Pole, with each child receiving a silver sleigh bell.


The Carolina Christmas Train

Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway, Star
910-974-4219  |  acwr.com
Weekends in December

Families young and old enjoy holiday lights, carols and a visit with Santa while riding the rails through the heart of North Carolina in historic passenger cars.


A Tweetsie Christmas*

Tweetsie Christmas Train Crossing the Trestle

Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock
800-526-5740  |  tweetsie.com
Late November through December

The entire Tweetsie Railroad park is lit up for the holidays, offering holiday activities including variety shows, rides and a visit with Santa for young and old. Enjoy a 20-minute nighttime train ride on a historic steam locomotive, following 3 miles of tracks illuminated with more than 1 million lights.

*Editor’s Note: At press time, Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock was temporarily closed due to ongoing cleanup following Helene. Please check the park’s website for updated information.


Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express

New Hope Valley Railway, New Hill
919-396-5833  |  triangletrain.com
Weekends in December

Ride along with Santa on a search for his missing reindeer.


Holidays in the Park

Museum of Life + Science, Durham
919-220-5429  |  lifeandscience.org
Select nights in December

Ooh and ahh at the colorful holiday lights aboard the Ellerbe Creek Railway within the Museum of Life + Science park.


Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express

Village Park, Kannapolis
704-920-4343  |  kannapolisnc.gov
Mid-November through December

Hop aboard the Winterland Express, a g-24-scale replica CP Huntington engine all spruced up for the holidays. Ride through the park to see the light display, animated bears singing carols and catch up with Santa.


Holiday Express

Pullen Park, Raleigh
919-996-6468  |  raleighnc.gov  |  December

Walk along Holidays Highway to visit with Santa, enjoy reindeer food, try your hand at the Crafty Elves stations and sing to your favorite carols while riding the historic Dentzel carousel before hopping aboard the miniature train for a trip through the park’s holiday lights and decorations.

About the Author

Renee C. Gannon is the senior associate editor of Carolina Country.

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