Christmas Train Rides in North Carolina (2026)

Holiday Train Rides
Written By Kelsey Cecil

21 min read

North Carolina is one of the few states with two licensed Polar Express rides, and they could hardly be more different: one runs into the Smoky Mountains from Bryson City, the other is a stage show and train ride at an old railroad shop complex in Spencer, right off I-85. Add a steam train at Tweetsie, a Santa train for the Triangle and a Christmas train in the Sandhills, and most families in the state are within two hours of something. For licensed rides in other states, see our Christmas train map.

The short version

  • 6 holiday trains in North Carolina for 2026, 2 of them the licensed Polar Express (Bryson City, Spencer)
  • First to run: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Bryson City, from November 6. Last: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Bryson City, until January 3
  • Lowest fare: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Bryson City, from $33.52
  • Book only on each railroad’s own site; every ride below links to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally on a Christmas train ride, watching the snow and a lit tree go by.

North Carolina holiday trains at a glance

Holiday trains
6 confirmed for 2026
Licensed Polar Express
Bryson City, Spencer
Season
November 6 to January 3, 2026
Lowest fare
From $33.52 (Great Smoky Mountains RR)
After Christmas
Great Smoky Mountains RR (to January 3), Tweetsie Railroad (to December 30)
Last checked

Plan your date

When each North Carolina Christmas train runs

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Bryson City has the longest season, November 6 to January 3. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.

Look inside the book

Riding a North Carolina Christmas train? Read Rally first.

Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

North Carolina's Two Licensed Polar Express Rides

On the map

Where North Carolina’s Christmas trains leave from

1. Blowing Rock: Tweetsie Christmas12. Spencer: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride23. New Hill: Santa Express34. Asheville: Jingle Bell Trolley45. Bryson City: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride56. Aberdeen: Carolina Christmas Train6
  1. 1Blowing Rock: Tweetsie Christmas
  2. 2Spencer: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
  3. 3New Hill: Santa Express
  4. 4Asheville: Jingle Bell Trolley
  5. 5Bryson City: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
  6. 6Aberdeen: Carolina Christmas Train

Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are North Carolina towns, for shape.

Both follow the licensed story with cocoa, a reading and a silver bell from Santa. One is a mountain train ride; the other is a stage show with a train in the middle.

North Carolina's 2026 holiday trains at a glance

RideTownSeasonPriceTickets
Great Smoky Mountains RRBryson CityNov 6 to Jan 3From $33.52On sale now
NC Transportation MuseumSpencerNov 6 to Dec 23From $45.50On sale now
Tweetsie RailroadBlowing RockNov 27 to Dec 30$45 to $65On sale now
New Hope Valley RailwayNew HillDec 5 to Dec 19See listingSee listing
Aberdeen Carolina & WesternAberdeenDec 10 to Dec 20About $60On sale now
Craggy Mountain LineAshevilleCheck siteSee listingCheck the site

Bryson City: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Licensed Polar ExpressGreat Smoky Mountains Railroad · Bryson City

Operator
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad(opens in a new tab)
Boards at
Bryson City Depot, Bryson City
Season
November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027; see the booking calendar for days and times
Ride length
About 1 hour 15 minutes round trip
What's included
Hot cocoa and a treat, the story read aloud, carols on the way back and a silver sleigh bell from Santa for every child
Price
From $33.52 all-in by class: Coach, Crown, Premium Crown and First Class; peak and Christmas Eve fares can be higher
Tickets
On sale now; some dates and car types sell quickly
Best ages
All ages; infants need their own seat in coach

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs its Polar Express from the depot in downtown Bryson City, about an hour west of Asheville. The ride takes about an hour and 15 minutes with the movie soundtrack playing, cocoa and a treat served while the story is read, and Santa coming through on the return trip to hand every child a silver sleigh bell. Carols fill the ride home.

The GPS address, 45 Mitchell Street, is the paid parking lot across from the depot, and parking is charged with your booking. Arrive an hour early. In coach every infant needs a seat; the table classes let one lap child ride free per adult. Trains run in winter weather, so bring warm layers and closed-toe shoes.

Check dates and tickets with Great Smoky Mountains RR(opens in a new tab)

Spencer: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the NC Transportation Museum

Licensed Polar ExpressNorth Carolina Transportation Museum · Spencer

Operator
North Carolina Transportation Museum(opens in a new tab)
Boards at
North Carolina Transportation Museum, Spencer
Season
November 6 to 8, 13 to 15, 20 to 22 and 27 to 29, and December 4 to 6 and 10 to 23, 2026; Train A and Train B between 2:30 and 8:30 pm
Ride length
About 70 minutes, including two stage performances and the train ride
What's included
Hot cocoa, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell and a golden ticket for every standard passenger
Price
From $45.50 by class: Standard Coach, Deluxe Coach, First Class tables, and Parlor Class on Train A only
Tickets
On sale now
Best ages
All ages; 2 and up need a paid seat

The North Carolina Transportation Museum stages its Polar Express at the old Spencer Shops, where Southern Railway once repaired its steam engines, off I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro. It is live theater plus a train: two stage performances and the ride take about 70 minutes, all on the museum grounds. Everyone in Standard gets cocoa, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell and a golden ticket.

Train A and Train B carry the same show at different times; the classes change the seats and extras, not the story. Seats are assigned when you buy. Arrive 45 minutes before your performance. Only two cars, Jingle on Train A and Noel on Train B, have wheelchair seating.

Check dates and tickets with NC Transportation Museum(opens in a new tab)

Other North Carolina Christmas Trains for 2026

Not licensed, and often easier to book: a steam park, a volunteer railroad, a Sandhills short line and a mountain trolley.

Blowing Rock: Tweetsie Christmas behind a steam engine

Steam Christmas trainTweetsie Railroad · Blowing Rock

Operator
Tweetsie Railroad(opens in a new tab)
Boards at
Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock
Season
Select evenings, 5:00 to 9:30 pm: November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 23 and 26 to 30, 2026; Santa through December 23
Ride length
A reserved 20-minute train ride plus the evening in the park
What's included
One steam train ride through the lights with carols, four amusement rides, Santa's Gingerbread House, a stage show and other holiday attractions
Price
Children 3 to 12 $45, adults $65, 2 and under free, taxes included
Tickets
On sale now; nights can sell out
Best ages
All ages

Tweetsie is a narrow-gauge steam railroad and Wild West park between Boone and Blowing Rock, and on select December evenings it becomes Tweetsie Christmas. Your ticket includes one reserved 20-minute ride in open-air cars behind a historic steam locomotive, through thousands of lights with everyone singing carols, plus four amusement rides, a Christmas stage show and Santa waiting inside a giant gingerbread house through December 23.

The time on your ticket is your train, not your arrival, so come early and do the rest of the park around it. S’mores supplies, fudge and food cost extra. December nights up on the Blue Ridge are cold and the cars are open, so dress the kids for real winter. Parking is free.

Check dates and tickets with Tweetsie Railroad(opens in a new tab)

New Hill: the New Hope Valley Railway Santa Express for the Triangle

Santa trainNorth Carolina Railway Museum (New Hope Valley Railway) · New Hill

Operator
North Carolina Railway Museum (New Hope Valley Railway)(opens in a new tab)
Boards at
North Carolina Railway Museum, New Hill
Season
December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19, 2026, at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30, 2:15 and 3:45 pm
Ride length
About 1 hour
What's included
Santa greeting every passenger, an I Spy game for the decorations, and a rail yard with a fire pit, Frosty and food trucks
Price
See the railway's ticket page
Tickets
Check the railway's schedule page
Best ages
All ages; under 2 ride free with an adult

The all-volunteer North Carolina Railway Museum runs the Triangle’s Train on four miles of track through the pines between Bonsal and New Hill, about 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh. For the Santa Express the crew decorates the woods, hands out an I Spy game, and puts Santa aboard to greet every passenger. Back in the rail yard there is a fire pit, Frosty, food trucks with cocoa and a garden railway running while you wait.

The cars are open-sided with a roof and bench seats, and there is no restroom on the train. You can bring your own snacks. A wheelchair lift and one car built for several wheelchairs are available; email ahead. A separate sensory-friendly ride on December 9 has no music and no Santa.

Check dates and tickets with New Hope Valley Railway(opens in a new tab)

Aberdeen: the Carolina Christmas Train in the Sandhills

Christmas trainAberdeen Carolina & Western Railway · Aberdeen

Operator
Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway(opens in a new tab)
Boards at
Carolina Christmas Train, WYE Welcome Station, Aberdeen
Season
December 10 to 13 and 17 to 20, 2026, as advertised; family class includes morning rides
Ride length
About 50 minutes in family class
What's included
Twinkling lights, holiday music, cocoa, a cookie and Santa in family class
Price
Varies by class; family class listings have been about $60
Tickets
On sale since August 14; sells quickly
Best ages
All ages in family class; the Mix & Mingle car is adults only

The Aberdeen Carolina & Western is a working freight short line near Pinehurst that also runs a fleet of restored private cars, and in December it sells the Carolina Christmas Train out of Aberdeen. Family class is the one for kids: about 50 minutes with lights, holiday music, cocoa and a cookie, and Santa on board. There are morning family rides as well as evening ones.

Read the listing before you buy. The railroad also sells an adults-only Holiday Mix and Mingle car on the same dates, which is a different ticket. Tickets went on sale in August and go quickly, so check what is left soon.

Check dates and tickets with Aberdeen Carolina & Western(opens in a new tab)

Asheville: the Craggy Mountain Line Jingle Bell Trolley

Santa trolleyCraggy Mountain Line · Asheville

Operator
Craggy Mountain Line(opens in a new tab)
Boards at
Craggy Mountain Line depot, Asheville
Season
December; check the line's site for 2026 dates
Ride length
About 25 minutes, a 2-mile round trip
What's included
An open-air trolley ride and a visit with Santa at the depot
Price
See the line's ticket page
Tickets
Check the site
Best ages
All ages; best for preschoolers

Asheville’s own holiday ride is the Jingle Bell Trolley on the volunteer Craggy Mountain Line in Woodfin, just north of downtown. It is a 25-minute, two-mile round trip in an open-air trolley, and Santa visits with kids at the depot. In 2025 it ran for the fourteenth year.

The line had not posted its 2026 dates when we checked in October, so watch its news page. Dress warmly, since the trolley is open to the air. For a bigger outing, Bryson City’s Polar Express is about an hour west.

Check dates and tickets with Craggy Mountain Line(opens in a new tab)

Bryson City or Spencer, and the Rest

Watercolor of Rally standing on a red train seat, looking out an arched window at the ocean and a white bird. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Window seat, nose to the glass: the spot every kid on a North Carolina holiday train will want.

Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem

Spencer. It is about 45 minutes up I-85 from Charlotte and the season covers most of November and December.

Asheville and the mountains

Bryson City for the Polar Express, Tweetsie for steam and a park full of rides, or the Jingle Bell Trolley for small kids.

Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill

The New Hope Valley Santa Express is the closest at about 30 minutes, with five December dates and daytime trains.

Fayetteville and the Sandhills

The Carolina Christmas Train in Aberdeen, about an hour from Fayetteville.

Kids who want a movie-style night

Bryson City, where the ride is longer and the scenery is real mountains after dark.

How Far North Carolina Holiday Trains Are From the Big Cities

Watercolor of a conductor in a blue suit shaking Rally's paw while Rally sits on a red seat holding his ticket in his mouth. Text: Hello Mr. Conductor, are you a new friend? Rally hoped this ride wouldn't end.
Ticket in his mouth, Rally meets the conductor, just like kids boarding a North Carolina holiday train.

Typical drive times without holiday traffic.

Starting fromToDrive
CharlotteSpencerAbout 45 minutes
GreensboroSpencerAbout 50 minutes
AshevilleBryson CityAbout 1 hour
CharlotteBryson CityAbout 3 hours 15 minutes
CharlotteBlowing Rock (Tweetsie)About 2 hours
Winston-SalemBlowing Rock (Tweetsie)About 1 hour 45 minutes
RaleighNew HillAbout 30 minutes
FayettevilleAberdeenAbout 1 hour

Northwest Georgia and Atlanta families drive to Bryson City too; Georgia’s own trains are on our Georgia page. The Tennessee side of the Smokies has the Three Rivers Rambler in Knoxville, on our Tennessee page, and Charlotte families can also look south to the trains on our South Carolina page.

Free to print

For the drive up the mountain

Free printable Rally pages with a red train to color, a maze and a word search. Print them before you leave; cell service gets spotty in the mountains.

Get the free printables

North Carolina Holiday Train Details to Know

Watercolor of Rally the corgi stretched out on a wooden floor beside his blue dog bed and a packed suitcase. Text: It was quite early to be out of bed, but Rally the Corgi had a big journey ahead.
Too excited to sleep: the night before a North Carolina Christmas train ride.

Parking and timing in Bryson City

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad charges for parking when you book, and the lot across from the depot fills well before evening trains. Plan to arrive an hour early, as the railroad asks.

Infants and seats

In Bryson City coach, babies need their own ticketed seat. At Spencer, everyone 2 and up needs a paid seat. Tweetsie lets children 2 and under in free.

Getting there by train

Amtrak’s Piedmont and Carolinian stop in Salisbury, about three miles from the museum in Spencer, which makes a train-to-the-train trip possible from Raleigh or Charlotte. See our Piedmont with kids guide and the Carolinian with kids page.

Into the Tunnel, Out to the Lights

Watercolor page: Rally the corgi on a red train seat in a dark tunnel, just before the bright light.
Rally the corgi on his red train seat in a dark tunnel, just before the train bursts back into the light.

The page in our book I hear about most is Rally in the dark tunnel, ears up, waiting for the light at the other end. An evening holiday train has that same moment when the cars roll out of the dark into the lights, and kids go quiet and then loud all at once.

Rally’s story began with my mom, and I finished it for her after she died; our story page shares how. Before a long mountain drive, print a few of our free Rally coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for North Carolina kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for holiday train families

Sources

Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.

North Carolina Christmas trains: questions parents ask

Where is the Polar Express in North Carolina?

North Carolina has two licensed Polar Express rides in 2026. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs one from the Bryson City Depot from November 6 to January 3, and the North Carolina Transportation Museum runs one in Spencer, off I-85 between Charlotte and Greensboro, from November 6 to December 23.

What Christmas train rides are in North Carolina in 2026?

We confirmed six holiday train rides in North Carolina for 2026: the Polar Express in Bryson City; the Polar Express in Spencer; Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock; the Santa Express in New Hill; the Carolina Christmas Train in Aberdeen; the Jingle Bell Trolley in Asheville. Two of the 6 North Carolina rides are the licensed Polar Express.

What Christmas events are there in Bryson City, North Carolina, this year?

For families, Bryson City has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Great Smoky Mountains RR (November 6 to January 3, from $33.52). It includes hot cocoa and a treat, the story read aloud, carols on the way back and a silver sleigh bell from Santa for every child. For other Bryson City, North Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What holiday events for kids are in Spencer, North Carolina, in 2026?

For families, Spencer has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from NC Transportation Museum (November 6 to December 23, from $45.50). It includes hot cocoa, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell and a golden ticket for every standard passenger. Plan on about 70 minutes, including two stage performances and the train ride. For other Spencer, North Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What Christmas events are there in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, this year?

For families, Blowing Rock has Tweetsie Christmas from Tweetsie Railroad (November 27 to December 30, $45 to $65). It includes one steam train ride through the lights with carols, four amusement rides, Santa's Gingerbread House, a stage show and other holiday attractions. Plan on a reserved 20-minute train ride plus the evening in the park. For other Blowing Rock, North Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What Christmas events are there in New Hill, North Carolina, this year?

For families, New Hill has Santa Express from New Hope Valley Railway (December 5 to December 19, see listing). It includes Santa greeting every passenger, an I Spy game for the decorations, and a rail yard with a fire pit, Frosty and food trucks. Plan on about 1 hour. For other New Hill, North Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What holiday events for kids are in Aberdeen, North Carolina, in 2026?

For families, Aberdeen has Carolina Christmas Train from Aberdeen Carolina & Western (December 10 to December 20, about $60). It includes twinkling lights, holiday music, cocoa, a cookie and Santa in family class. Plan on about 50 minutes in family class. The railroad runs restored private cars, some of them Pullmans built for oil barons and railroad families, on its Christmas trains. For other Aberdeen, North Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What Christmas events are happening in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2026?

For families, Asheville has Jingle Bell Trolley from Craggy Mountain Line (check site, see listing). It includes an open-air trolley ride and a visit with Santa at the depot. Plan on about 25 minutes, a 2-mile round trip. It is a tiny volunteer line in Woodfin, and the ride is short enough that even a two-year-old will not get restless. For other Asheville, North Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

Where can families near Charlotte, North Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Charlotte, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Spencer, about 45 minutes; Bryson City, about 3 hours 15 minutes; Blowing Rock (Tweetsie), about 2 hours. Each North Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Charlotte families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Greensboro, North Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Greensboro, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Spencer, about 50 minutes. Each North Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Greensboro families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Winston-Salem, North Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Winston-Salem, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Blowing Rock (Tweetsie), about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each North Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Winston-Salem families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Raleigh, North Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Raleigh, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: New Hill, about 30 minutes. Each North Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Raleigh families can compare before they drive.

What is the difference between the Bryson City and Spencer Polar Express?

Bryson City is a train ride of about an hour and 15 minutes out of a mountain town, with cocoa, the story and Santa on board. Spencer is about 70 minutes in all, combining two live stage performances on the museum grounds with a shorter train ride. Both give each child a silver sleigh bell, and Spencer is closer to Charlotte.

How much is the Polar Express in Bryson City?

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad lists 2026 Polar Express fares from $33.52, shown all-in with its preservation and ticket fees. Prices depend on the date and class, from Coach through Crown, Premium Crown and First Class, and peak dates and Christmas Eve can cost more. Parking is charged separately when you book.

Is Tweetsie Christmas worth it for little kids?

For most families, yes. The ticket covers a 20-minute steam train ride through holiday lights, four amusement rides, Santa's Gingerbread House and a stage show, and children 2 and under get in free. The trade-off is cold: the train cars are open and Blowing Rock is high in the mountains, so dress children warmly.

Is there a Santa train near Raleigh?

Yes. The New Hope Valley Railway in New Hill, about 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh, runs its Santa Express on December 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19, 2026, with five daytime departures. The ride is about an hour in open-sided cars with Santa on board, and children under 2 ride free with an adult.

Are there any North Carolina Christmas trains after Christmas?

Yes. The Polar Express in Bryson City runs until January 3; Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock runs until December 30. Every other North Carolina ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Polar Express in Bryson City: November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027; see the booking calendar for days and times. Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock: select evenings, 5:00 to 9:30 pm: November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 23 and 26 to 30, 2026; Santa through December 23.

What is the cheapest Christmas train in North Carolina?

The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in North Carolina is for the Polar Express in Bryson City: from $33.52. At the top end is Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock: $45 to $65. Prices come from each North Carolina railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Polar Express in Bryson City: from $33.52 all-in by class: Coach, Crown, Premium Crown and First Class; peak and Christmas Eve fares can be higher.

Which North Carolina Christmas train is best for toddlers?

The shortest North Carolina ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Jingle Bell Trolley in Asheville: about 25 minutes, a 2-mile round trip. The longest is the Polar Express in Bryson City, at about 1 hour 15 minutes round trip. Ages for the Jingle Bell Trolley in Asheville: all ages; best for preschoolers.

When do North Carolina Christmas train tickets go on sale?

On sale now: the Polar Express in Bryson City; the Polar Express in Spencer; Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock. The Santa Express in New Hill: check the railway's schedule page. The Carolina Christmas Train in Aberdeen: on sale since August 14; sells quickly. The Jingle Bell Trolley in Asheville: check the site. Popular North Carolina dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.

Which North Carolina Christmas trains have Santa?

Five of the 6 North Carolina rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Bryson City: hot cocoa and a treat, the story read aloud, carols on the way back and a silver sleigh bell from Santa for every child. Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock: one steam train ride through the lights with carols, four amusement rides, Santa's Gingerbread House, a stage show and other holiday attractions.

Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in North Carolina?

One North Carolina holiday train is listed with steam: Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock. Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock: one steam train ride through the lights with carols, four amusement rides, Santa's Gingerbread House, a stage show and other holiday attractions.

How long is the Polar Express in Bryson City?

For the Bryson City ride, plan on about 1 hour 15 minutes round trip. Included with the Polar Express in Bryson City: hot cocoa and a treat, the story read aloud, carols on the way back and a silver sleigh bell from Santa for every child. It is the only licensed Polar Express that rolls out into real mountains, and the season runs past New Year's to January 3.

What does the Polar Express in Spencer cost in 2026?

The Polar Express in Spencer costs from $45.50 by class: Standard Coach, Deluxe Coach, First Class tables, and Parlor Class on Train A only. The Polar Express runs November 6 to 8, 13 to 15, 20 to 22 and 27 to 29, and December 4 to 6 and 10 to 23, 2026; Train A and Train B between 2:30 and 8:30 pm.

What does Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock cost in 2026?

Fares for Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock: Children 3 to 12 $45, adults $65, 2 and under free, taxes included. Tweetsie Christmas runs select evenings, 5:00 to 9:30 pm: November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 23 and 26 to 30, 2026; Santa through December 23. Tweetsie Railroad tickets: on sale now; nights can sell out.

How much are tickets for the Santa Express in New Hill?

New Hope Valley Railway posts current Santa Express fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Santa Express runs December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19, 2026, at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30, 2:15 and 3:45 pm. New Hope Valley Railway tickets: check the railway's schedule page. New Hope Valley Railway age rules: all ages; under 2 ride free with an adult.

What happens on the Carolina Christmas Train in Aberdeen?

The Carolina Christmas Train in Aberdeen includes twinkling lights, holiday music, cocoa, a cookie and Santa in family class. For the Aberdeen ride, plan on about 50 minutes in family class. The railroad runs restored private cars, some of them Pullmans built for oil barons and railroad families, on its Christmas trains.

How much is the Jingle Bell Trolley in Asheville?

Craggy Mountain Line posts current Jingle Bell Trolley fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Jingle Bell Trolley runs December; check the line's site for 2026 dates. Craggy Mountain Line tickets: check the site. Craggy Mountain Line age rules: all ages; best for preschoolers. It is a tiny volunteer line in Woodfin, and the ride is short enough that even a two-year-old will not get restless.

Where does the Polar Express in Bryson City leave from?

The Polar Express in Bryson City boards at Bryson City Depot, 45 Mitchell Street, in Bryson City. The GPS address, 45 Mitchell Street, is the paid parking lot across from the depot, and parking is charged with your booking. Arrive an hour early. Great Smoky Mountains RR tickets: on sale now; some dates and car types sell quickly.

What happens on the Polar Express in Spencer?

The Polar Express in Spencer includes hot cocoa, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell and a golden ticket for every standard passenger. For the Spencer ride, plan on about 70 minutes, including two stage performances and the train ride. Live actors perform two stage scenes on the museum grounds before and after the ride, so it plays more like a show than a train trip.

Kelsey Cecil
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