Christmas Train Rides in South Carolina (2026)

Oct 14

16 min read

South Carolina’s real Santa trains run at the South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, about 30 miles north of Columbia. On three December Saturdays the North Pole Express runs in daylight, and on Friday and Saturday evenings the Twilight Express adds cocoa and stories in a 1924 dining car. Both work the same way: Santa walks through the train, so there is no line. On the coast, North Myrtle Beach’s Christmas light show has a $3 Santa Express. There is no licensed Polar Express in the state; the nearest are across the line on our state-by-state Christmas train guide.

The short version

Santa's North Pole Express, Winnsboro: Dec 5, 12 and 19, from $25
Santa's Twilight Express, Winnsboro: Dec 4 to 19, evenings, $32
Santa Express Train Ride, North Myrtle Beach: Nov 27 to Dec 30, $3
No licensed Polar Express runs in South Carolina in 2026; the closest options are in the drive-time table

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.

South Carolina holiday trains at a glance

Holiday trains: 3 confirmed for 2026
Licensed Polar Express: None in South Carolina in 2026
Season: November 27 to December 30, 2026
Lowest fare: $3 (North Myrtle Beach Parks)
After Christmas: North Myrtle Beach Parks (to December 30)
Last checked: October 13, 2026

Plan your date

When each South Carolina Christmas train runs

Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach has the longest season, November 27 to December 30. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.

Santa Express Train RideNorth Myrtle Beach · Nov 27 to Dec 30
Santa's Twilight ExpressWinnsboro · Dec 4 to 19, evenings
Santa's North Pole ExpressWinnsboro · Dec 5, 12 and 19

Look inside the book

Riding a South 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.

South Carolina's Santa Trains for 2026

On the map

Where South Carolina’s Christmas trains leave from

1Winnsboro: Santa's North Pole Express
1Winnsboro: Santa's Twilight Express
2North Myrtle Beach: Santa Express Train Ride

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

Two museum trains near Columbia and a lights train at the beach.

South Carolina's 2026 holiday trains at a glance

Ride	Town	Season	Price	Tickets
South Carolina Railroad Museum	Winnsboro	Dec 5, 12 and 19	From $25	On sale now
South Carolina Railroad Museum	Winnsboro	Dec 4 to 19, evenings	$32	Few seats left
North Myrtle Beach Parks	North Myrtle Beach	Nov 27 to Dec 30	$3	At the gate

Winnsboro: Santa's North Pole Express at the South Carolina Railroad Museum

Santa trainSouth Carolina Railroad Museum · Winnsboro

Operator: South Carolina Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
Boards at: South Carolina Railroad Museum, Winnsboro
Season: Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, noon, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Ride length: About 90 minutes to 2 hours, until Santa has talked to every child
What's included: Santa visiting every seat; Dining Car riders also get a light snack and a drink
Price: Coach $25, ages 0 to 2 free on a lap; Dining Car $30 for every rider, babies included
Tickets: On sale now
Best ages: All ages; under 3 free on a lap in Coach

The museum’s daytime Santa train is simple and sweet. Families ride for about 90 minutes, and the train keeps going until Santa has visited every child at their seat, so nobody waits in a line. Pajamas are welcome, and kids should bring their letters to Santa.

Coach seats are in retired Chicago & North Western commuter cars with flip-over seatbacks, so a family of four can face each other, and lap kids 2 and under ride free. The Dining Car is a 1924 Pullman diner built for the Southern Railway, with tables for four and a light snack and drink, and every rider there needs a full ticket. Check in at the ticket office 20 minutes early. There are no restrooms on the train, strollers stay in the car, and the old cars are not fully accessible; call 803-635-9893 before booking if you need help.

Check dates and tickets with South Carolina Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)

Winnsboro: Santa's Twilight Express

Santa trainSouth Carolina Railroad Museum · Winnsboro

Operator: South Carolina Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
Boards at: South Carolina Railroad Museum, Winnsboro
Season: Fridays and Saturdays, December 4 and 5, 11 and 12, and 18 and 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Ride length: About 90 minutes to 2 hours
What's included: Hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and stories in the 1924 dining car, then carols and a visit with Santa in a coach
Price: $32 per rider, lap babies included
Tickets: On sale now; only a few seats left on some nights
Best ages: All ages; every rider needs a ticket

The Twilight Express is the evening version, with one train at 6 pm on six December nights. Riders are split into two groups. One starts in the historic dining car with hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and stories, while the other sings carols and visits with Santa in a coach. Halfway through, the train stops and the groups swap.

The dining car has fixed tables for four, so a family of five may be split across two, and a family of two or three may share a table. Every rider, including lap babies, needs a $32 ticket, and infant carriers go on a seat, not a table. A few evenings were down to the last handful of seats when we checked.

Check dates and tickets with South Carolina Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)

North Myrtle Beach: the Santa Express at the Great Christmas Light Show

Christmas lights trainCity of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation · North Myrtle Beach

Operator: City of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation(opens in a new tab)
Boards at: Santa's Village, North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, North Myrtle Beach
Season: Santa's Village nights: Thursdays to Sundays, November 27 to December 6, then nightly December 10 to 30, 2026 (closed Christmas Day); gates 5:30 to 9:30 pm
Ride length: A short ride past the lights
What's included: A ride on the Santa Express through Santa's Village lights; visits with Santa in the village are free
Price: $3 per person, 3 and under free on a lap; the drive-through light show is $25 per car on Village nights
Tickets: Tickets at the event; no advance sales
Best ages: All ages; 3 and under free on a lap

North Myrtle Beach turns its park and sports complex into a two-mile drive-through light show with more than two million lights. After the drive, park and walk the lighted boardwalk to Santa’s Village, where kids can ride the Santa Express for $3 for an up-close look at the lights. Children 3 and under ride free on a lap.

Check dates and tickets with North Myrtle Beach Parks(opens in a new tab)

From the Rally Shop

Bring the train ride home

If your family makes a South Carolina holiday train a tradition, an ornament marks the year. The puzzle is for the long December evenings at home.

Rally the Corgi Watercolor Ornament
Glossy ceramic, about 3 inches across, with the same watercolor painting on both sides and a gold-colored string. Hang it the night you get home from the train.
See the ornament: Rally the Corgi Watercolor Ornament
Rally Takes the Train Jigsaw Puzzle with Tin
Rally at the window of the red train as it heads into the tunnel, in 30 or 110 pieces, packed in a white metal tin with the painting on the lid. For ages 4 and up. A quiet project for the afternoon after a big train night.
See the puzzle: Rally Takes the Train Jigsaw Puzzle with Tin

Painted by Leslie Dunn in real watercolor, made to order, with US delivery usually in 6 to 9 days. Browse the Rally Shop

Which South Carolina Santa Train Fits Your Family

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 South Carolina holiday train will want.

Toddlers and early risers

The North Pole Express on a Saturday morning, in Coach, where lap kids ride free.

Cocoa and cookies

The Twilight Express, where every rider gets cocoa and cookies, after dark.

Grand Strand families

The $3 Santa Express in North Myrtle Beach, with a free visit with Santa.

Your kids want the Polar Express

Drive to Spencer or Bryson City in North Carolina; neither is in South Carolina.

How Far South Carolina Families Drive for a Holiday Train

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 South Carolina Christmas train ride.

Typical drive times without holiday traffic.

Starting from	To	Drive
Columbia	Winnsboro	About 40 minutes
Charlotte, NC	Winnsboro	About 1 hour
Greenville	Winnsboro	About 1 hour 45 minutes
Charleston	Winnsboro	About 2 hours 15 minutes
Myrtle Beach	North Myrtle Beach	About 25 minutes
Rock Hill	Spencer, NC (The Polar Express)	About 1 hour 15 minutes

The closest licensed Polar Express rides are in Spencer and Bryson City, and the Carolina Christmas Train runs in Aberdeen, all on our North Carolina page. Lowcountry families are about two hours from the Savannah Santa Train on our Georgia page.

Free to print

A crayon for the ride

Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.

Get the free printables

South Carolina Santa Train Details Worth Knowing

Watercolor of Rally's dad lifting Rally up the steps into a red train car. Text: Little legs and some very big stairs, meant he needed a boost from his Dad who cares. — Dad gives Rally a boost up the train steps. Small riders on a South Carolina holiday train may need a hand, too.

No restrooms on board

The Winnsboro trains have no restrooms, and rides can run close to two hours. Use the museum’s restrooms right before boarding.

Getting there by Amtrak

Amtrak stops in Columbia, about 40 minutes from Winnsboro, and in Greenville, Spartanburg, Florence and North Charleston. See our Silver Meteor with kids guide.

No Line for Santa

Watercolor page: Mr. Conductor in a blue uniform reaches out to greet Rally the corgi on the train. — Mr. Conductor reaching out to greet Rally the corgi on the train.

In our book, Rally doesn’t have to go looking for a friendly face. Mr. Conductor comes right to his seat. That is the best thing about the Winnsboro trains, too: Santa comes to you, so the kids just watch the aisle and wait.

My mom first told Rally’s story, and I finished it after she passed; our story page has more. Print our free Rally coloring pages and bring a crayon or two for the ride.

A train story for South 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)

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach, cliffs and the train track. Text: And with his big ears, Rally heard the sound of happy cheers. Goodbye tunnel! You caused us no trouble. — Out of the tunnel and into the sunshine, from Rally Takes the Train.

More for holiday train families

Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
Christmas trains in North Carolina
Christmas trains in Georgia
Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride

Sources

Checked against each railroad’s own pages on October 13, 2026. 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.

South Carolina Christmas trains: questions parents ask

Is there a Polar Express train ride in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina has no licensed Polar Express ride in 2026. Its Santa trains are the South Carolina Railroad Museum's North Pole Express and Twilight Express in Winnsboro. The nearest licensed Polar Express rides are in Spencer and Bryson City, North Carolina.

What Christmas train rides are in South Carolina in 2026?

We confirmed three holiday train rides in South Carolina for 2026: Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro; Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro; the Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach. None of them is a licensed Polar Express ride, which South Carolina does not have in 2026. The season starts November 27 with the Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach and ends December 30.

What holiday events for kids are in Winnsboro, South Carolina, in 2026?

Two holiday train events run in Winnsboro in 2026: Santa's North Pole Express from South Carolina Railroad Museum (December 5, 12 and 19, from $25); Santa's Twilight Express from South Carolina Railroad Museum (December 4 to 19, evenings, $32). Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro includes Santa visiting every seat; Dining Car riders also get a light snack and a drink. For other Winnsboro, South Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What Christmas events are there in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this year?

For families, North Myrtle Beach has Santa Express Train Ride from North Myrtle Beach Parks (November 27 to December 30, $3). It includes a ride on the Santa Express through Santa's Village lights; visits with Santa in the village are free. Plan on a short ride past the lights. For other North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

Where can families near Columbia, South Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Columbia, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Winnsboro, about 40 minutes. Each South Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Columbia families can compare before they drive.

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

From Charlotte, NC, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Winnsboro, about 1 hour. Each South Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Charlotte, NC families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Greenville, South Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Greenville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Winnsboro, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each South Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Greenville families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Charleston, South Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Charleston, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Winnsboro, about 2 hours 15 minutes. Each South Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Charleston families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina find a Christmas train ride?

From Myrtle Beach, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: North Myrtle Beach, about 25 minutes. Each South Carolina ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Myrtle Beach families can compare before they drive.

How much is the Santa train in Winnsboro?

The daytime North Pole Express costs $25 in Coach, where children 2 and under ride free on a lap, or $30 per rider in the Dining Car. The evening Twilight Express costs $32 per rider, including lap babies, and includes cocoa and cookies.

When does the South Carolina Railroad Museum run Santa trains?

The North Pole Express runs Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, with five departures from 10 am to 3 pm. The Twilight Express runs at 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, December 4 and 5, 11 and 12, and 18 and 19.

How much is the Santa Express in North Myrtle Beach?

The Santa Express Train Ride at the Great Christmas Light Show costs $3 per person, and children 3 and under ride free on a lap. It runs on Santa's Village nights, and the drive-through light show is paid per car at the gate.

Are there any South Carolina Christmas trains after Christmas?

Yes. The Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach runs until December 30. Every other South Carolina ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach: Santa's Village nights: Thursdays to Sundays, November 27 to December 6, then nightly December 10 to 30, 2026 (closed Christmas Day); gates 5:30 to 9:30 pm.

What is the cheapest Christmas train in South Carolina?

The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in South Carolina is for the Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach: $3. At the top end is Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro: $32. Prices come from each South Carolina railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach: $3 per person, 3 and under free on a lap; the drive-through light show is $25 per car on Village nights.

When do South Carolina Christmas train tickets go on sale?

On sale now: Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro; Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro. The Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach: tickets at the event; no advance sales. Popular South Carolina dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.

Which South Carolina Christmas trains have Santa?

All 3 South Carolina rides on this page include Santa. Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro: Santa visiting every seat; Dining Car riders also get a light snack and a drink. Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro: hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and stories in the 1924 dining car, then carols and a visit with Santa in a coach.

Can you take Amtrak to a Christmas train in South Carolina?

Amtrak stops in Columbia, about 40 minutes from Winnsboro, and in Greenville, Spartanburg, Florence and North Charleston. See our Silver Meteor with kids guide.

What is included with Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro?

Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro includes Santa visiting every seat; Dining Car riders also get a light snack and a drink. For the Winnsboro ride, plan on about 90 minutes to 2 hours, until Santa has talked to every child. Bring the kids' letters to Santa, because he collects them as he comes down the aisle.

What happens on Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro?

Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro includes hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and stories in the 1924 dining car, then carols and a visit with Santa in a coach. For the Winnsboro ride, plan on about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Halfway through the ride the train stops and the two groups trade places, so everyone gets both the dining car and Santa.

What happens on the Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach?

The Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach includes a ride on the Santa Express through Santa's Village lights; visits with Santa in the village are free. North Myrtle Beach Parks ride length: a short ride past the lights. Santa's Village, where the train runs, is open only on certain nights, so check the calendar before you drive.

Where do you board Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro?

Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro boards at South Carolina Railroad Museum, 110 Industrial Park Road, in Winnsboro. Check in at the ticket office 20 minutes early. There are no restrooms on the train, strollers stay in the car, and the old cars are not fully accessible; call 803-635-9893 before booking if you need help.

Where does Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro leave from?

Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro boards at South Carolina Railroad Museum, 110 Industrial Park Road, in Winnsboro. South Carolina Railroad Museum tickets: on sale now; only a few seats left on some nights. Halfway through the ride the train stops and the two groups trade places, so everyone gets both the dining car and Santa.

Where do you board the Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach?

The Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach boards at Santa's Village, North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, 150 Citizens Circle, in North Myrtle Beach. Tickets at the event; no advance sales. Santa's Village, where the train runs, is open only on certain nights, so check the calendar before you drive.

Any tips for Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro with young kids?

What should parents know before riding Santa's Twilight Express in Winnsboro?

Any tips for the Santa Express Train Ride in North Myrtle Beach with young kids?

Visits with Santa, the petting zoo and the photo spots in the village are free. Admission is paid per car at the gate, and there are no advance tickets. The village and the train are open Thursday to Sunday through December 6, then nightly from December 10 to 30, except Christmas Day. After the drive, park and walk the lighted boardwalk to Santa’s Village, where kids can ride the Santa Express for $3 for an up-close look at the lights.

Do babies need a ticket for Santa's North Pole Express in Winnsboro?

South Carolina Railroad Museum lists ages as: all ages; under 3 free on a lap in Coach. On fares: Coach $25, ages 0 to 2 free on a lap. For the Winnsboro ride, plan on about 90 minutes to 2 hours, until Santa has talked to every child. Bring the kids' letters to Santa, because he collects them as he comes down the aisle.

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Kelsey Cecil