Christmas Train Rides in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee has a Christmas train in each of its three big eastern and middle cities. In Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s North Pole Limited has been a family tradition since 1999. Knoxville’s Three Rivers Rambler runs the Christmas Lantern Express, with local celebrities reading a holiday storybook aloud. Nashville’s Tennessee Central Railway Museum puts Santa on a stainless steel streamliner four Saturdays a season. None is a licensed Polar Express; the closest are in Kentucky and North Carolina, on our Polar Express and Christmas train guide.
The short version
- North Pole Limited, Chattanooga: Nov 13 to Dec 23, from $38
- Christmas Lantern Express, Knoxville: Nov 27 to Dec 23, from $20
- Santa Express, Nashville: Four Saturdays, Nov 28 to Dec 19, from $42.64
- No licensed Polar Express runs in Tennessee in 2026; the closest options are in the drive-time table
Tennessee holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 3 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- None in Tennessee in 2026
- Season
- November 13 to December 23, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $20 (Three Rivers Rambler)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Tennessee Christmas train runs
North Pole Limited in Chattanooga has the longest season, November 13 to December 23. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- North Pole LimitedChattanooga · Nov 13 to Dec 23
- Christmas Lantern ExpressKnoxville · Nov 27 to Dec 23
- Santa ExpressNashville · Four Saturdays, Nov 28 to Dec 19
Look inside the book
Riding a Tennessee 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.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Tennessee's Christmas Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Tennessee’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Nashville: Santa Express
- 2Knoxville: Christmas Lantern Express
- 3Chattanooga: North Pole Limited
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Tennessee towns, for shape.
Three cities, three very different Santa trains.
Tennessee's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum | Chattanooga | Nov 13 to Dec 23 | From $38 | On sale now |
| Three Rivers Rambler | Knoxville | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | From $20 | Some sold out |
| Tennessee Central Railway Museum | Nashville | Four Saturdays, Nov 28 to Dec 19 | From $42.64 | On sale now |
Chattanooga: the North Pole Limited at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Santa trainTennessee Valley Railroad Museum · Chattanooga
- Operator
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Grand Junction Depot, Chattanooga
- Season
- Select dates from November 13 to December 23, 2026, with day and evening departures
- Ride length
- About 75 minutes
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and a cookie, a holiday story, music and carols, a keepsake ornament for each family, a jingle bell for each child, and a visit from Santa
- Price
- $38 per guest on day trains and $45 on evening trains, ages 1 and up; under 1 free on a lap; Santa's Private Car tables $190 by day and $230 at night
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; under 1 free on a lap
The North Pole Limited leaves the Grand Junction Depot in decorated, heated vintage coaches. On the way, everyone gets hot chocolate and a cookie, hears a holiday story and sings along with the music. When the train reaches the North Pole, families stay in their seats while Santa climbs aboard and visits each one for greetings and photos. Traditional tickets also include a keepsake ornament for the family and a jingle bell for every child.
Every rider 1 and older needs a ticket. Day trains are $38, evening trains $45. For a splurge, Santa’s Private Car gives a family of up to four its own table, extra time with Santa, a souvenir cup and a storybook. Arrive 30 minutes early, and remember the times are Eastern.
Check dates and tickets with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)Knoxville: the Christmas Lantern Express on the Three Rivers Rambler
Storybook Santa trainThree Rivers Rambler · Knoxville
- Operator
- Three Rivers Rambler(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Three Rivers Rambler Depot, Knoxville
- Season
- November 27 to 29, December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 18 to 23, 2026; departures at 9:15 am, 12:30 pm and 3:45 pm on most days
- Ride length
- About 2 hours
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and gingerbread men, a reading of The Christmas Lantern by local celebrities, and a surprise visitor in red
- Price
- $60 adults, $55 seniors, $40 children 5 to 13, $20 toddlers 2 to 4, under 2 free
- Tickets
- On sale now; a few departures sold out
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 free
The Three Rivers Rambler’s regular route runs 11 miles along the Tennessee River to the trestle where the French Broad and Holston rivers meet, and at Christmas that trip becomes the Christmas Lantern Express. Riders get hot chocolate and gingerbread men, a local celebrity reads The Christmas Lantern by Karen C. Bishop aloud, and a surprise visitor in red comes through the cars.
The railroad runs steam when its engine Lindy is available, with diesel as backup. One car is a covered open-air car, so dress in layers. Toddlers 2 to 4 ride for $20 and babies under 2 are free. There are restrooms in the depot and on the train, and you can bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets are nonrefundable, and a couple of departures were already sold out when we checked.
Check dates and tickets with Three Rivers Rambler(opens in a new tab)Nashville: the Santa Express at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Santa trainTennessee Central Railway Museum · Nashville
- Operator
- Tennessee Central Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Tennessee Central Railway Museum, Nashville
- Season
- Saturdays, November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour 30 minutes, no layover
- What's included
- Santa and his elves on board, with time for photos; snacks, drinks and souvenirs are sold
- Price
- $75.60 adults and $42.64 children under 12 in Coach or the Dining Car, fees and tax included; a 20-seat dome car costs more and sells out first
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; child fares are for kids under 12
Nashville’s Santa train is a restored, streamlined stainless steel passenger train, and Santa and his elves ride along for the whole 90 minutes with plenty of time for photos. There is no stop along the way. Some cars have seats facing each other in groups of four, which is good for families, and all the cars are heated.
The dome car’s 20 seats under the glass roof go first; the early train on November 28 was already sold out there. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, parking is free with attendants, and outside food and drink are not allowed, though snacks are sold on board. All sales are final. If you use a wheelchair, email the museum before you buy.
Check dates and tickets with Tennessee Central Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)Which Tennessee Christmas Train Fits Your Family
Toddlers
The North Pole Limited. At 75 minutes it is the shortest, and Santa comes to your seat.
Kids who love a story
The Christmas Lantern Express, with a celebrity reading a picture book aloud.
Middle Tennessee
The Santa Express in Nashville, on four Saturdays.
The best value
A $38 day train on the North Pole Limited, or $20 toddler fares on the Knoxville train.
More Holiday Train Traditions in Tennessee
The CSX Santa Train ends in Kingsport
The CSX Santa Train, a tradition since 1943, makes its 84th trip on Saturday, November 21, 2026, through Kentucky and Virginia and into Tennessee, ending in Kingsport. Santa hands out gifts from the back of the train at stops along the way. You cannot ride it, but families can watch at the stops.
The Christmas Train at Doe River Gorge
Doe River Gorge, a Christian camp and ministry in East Tennessee, bought the steam locomotives, coaches and Bible story murals of Oklahoma’s old Dry Gulch Christmas Train. It is raising money to rebuild the line and is aiming to open it in November 2027.
Getting there by Amtrak
The City of New Orleans stops in Memphis and Newbern; see our City of New Orleans with kids guide.
How Far Tennessee's Christmas Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | Chattanooga | About 2 hours |
| Knoxville | Chattanooga | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Memphis | Nashville | About 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Knoxville | Stearns, KY (The Polar Express) | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Knoxville | Bryson City, NC (The Polar Express) | About 2 hours |
For a licensed Polar Express, Knoxville families can choose Stearns on our Kentucky page or Bryson City on our North Carolina page. Northwest Georgia’s Blue Ridge train is close to Chattanooga on our Georgia page, and Memphis families can look at our Mississippi page.
Free to print
Keep the story going at home
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesA Story on the Way
I love that the Knoxville train stops everything for a picture book. Our book is meant for exactly that kind of moment: Rally in his seat, Mom passing him a snack, five minutes of rhyme while the world goes by outside.
Rally’s story was my mom’s first, and I finished it after she passed; our story page tells how. Our free Rally coloring pages are a good way to keep the story going at home.
A train story for Tennessee 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
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 Kentucky
- Christmas trains in North Carolina
- Christmas trains in Georgia
- Christmas trains in Mississippi
- 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
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: North Pole Limited(opens in a new tab)
- Three Rivers Rambler: Christmas Lantern Express(opens in a new tab)
- Tennessee Central Railway Museum: Excursions(opens in a new tab)
- Trains Magazine: CSX Santa Train sets annual trip for Nov. 21(opens in a new tab)
- Doe River Gorge: The Christmas Train(opens in a new tab)
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.
Tennessee Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express train ride in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee has no licensed Polar Express ride in 2026. Its Christmas trains are the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga, the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville and the Santa Express in Nashville. The nearest licensed rides are in Stearns, Kentucky, and Bryson City, North Carolina.
What Christmas train rides are in Tennessee in 2026?
We confirmed three holiday train rides in Tennessee for 2026: the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga; the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville; the Santa Express in Nashville. None of them is a licensed Polar Express ride, which Tennessee does not have in 2026. The season starts November 13 with the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga and ends December 23.
What Christmas events are there in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this year?
For families, Chattanooga has North Pole Limited from Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (November 13 to December 23, from $38). It includes hot chocolate and a cookie, a holiday story, music and carols, a keepsake ornament for each family, a jingle bell for each child, and a visit from Santa. For other Chattanooga, Tennessee, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2026?
For families, Knoxville has Christmas Lantern Express from Three Rivers Rambler (November 27 to December 23, from $20). It includes hot chocolate and gingerbread men, a reading of The Christmas Lantern by local celebrities, and a surprise visitor in red. Plan on about 2 hours. For other Knoxville, Tennessee, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2026?
For families, Nashville has Santa Express from Tennessee Central Railway Museum (four Saturdays, November 28 to December 19, from $42.64). It includes Santa and his elves on board, with time for photos; snacks, drinks and souvenirs are sold. Plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes, no layover. For other Nashville, Tennessee, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Memphis, Tennessee find a Christmas train ride?
From Memphis, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Nashville, about 3 hours 15 minutes. Each Tennessee ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Memphis families can compare before they drive.
How much is the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga?
Traditional tickets cost $38 per guest on day trains and $45 on evening trains for everyone 1 and older, and infants under 1 ride free on a lap. Santa's Private Car, a private table for two to four guests, costs $190 by day and $230 in the evening.
How much is the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville?
Tickets cost $60 for adults, $55 for seniors 55 and up, $40 for children 5 to 13 and $20 for toddlers 2 to 4. Babies under 2 ride free. The two-hour ride includes hot chocolate, gingerbread men, a celebrity storytime and a visit from Santa.
When does the Nashville Santa Express run?
The Tennessee Central Railway Museum runs its Santa Express on Saturdays, November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, with trains at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm. Each round trip lasts about 90 minutes, with no layover.
Do any Tennessee Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Tennessee holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga, which runs until December 23. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Tennessee in the drive-time table above. Santa boards at the North Pole and comes to each family's seat, so nobody gets up or waits in line.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Tennessee?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Tennessee is for the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville: from $20. At the top end is the Santa Express in Nashville: from $42.64. Prices come from each Tennessee railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville: $60 adults, $55 seniors, $40 children 5 to 13, $20 toddlers 2 to 4, under 2 free.
Which Tennessee Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Tennessee ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga: about 75 minutes. The longest is the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville, at about 2 hours. Ages for the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga: all ages; under 1 free on a lap. Santa boards at the North Pole and comes to each family's seat, so nobody gets up or waits in line.
Which Tennessee Christmas trains have Santa?
Two of the 3 Tennessee rides on this page include Santa. The North Pole Limited in Chattanooga: hot chocolate and a cookie, a holiday story, music and carols, a keepsake ornament for each family, a jingle bell for each child, and a visit from Santa. The Santa Express in Nashville: Santa and his elves on board, with time for photos; snacks, drinks and souvenirs are sold.
What is included with the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga?
The North Pole Limited in Chattanooga includes hot chocolate and a cookie, a holiday story, music and carols, a keepsake ornament for each family, a jingle bell for each child, and a visit from Santa. For the Chattanooga ride, plan on about 75 minutes. Santa boards at the North Pole and comes to each family's seat, so nobody gets up or waits in line.
How long is the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville?
For the Knoxville ride, plan on about 2 hours. Included with the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville: hot chocolate and gingerbread men, a reading of The Christmas Lantern by local celebrities, and a surprise visitor in red. Each ride includes a live reading of the picture book The Christmas Lantern by a local celebrity.
What does the Santa Express in Nashville cost in 2026?
The Santa Express in Nashville costs $75.60 adults and $42.64 children under 12 in Coach or the Dining Car, fees and tax included; a 20-seat dome car costs more and sells out first. The Santa Express runs Saturdays, November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm.
Where do you board the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga?
The North Pole Limited in Chattanooga boards at Grand Junction Depot, 4119 Cromwell Road, in Chattanooga. Arrive 30 minutes early, and remember the times are Eastern. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum tickets: on sale now. Santa boards at the North Pole and comes to each family's seat, so nobody gets up or waits in line.
Where do you board the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville?
The Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville boards at Three Rivers Rambler Depot, 2560 University Commons Way, in Knoxville. Three Rivers Rambler tickets: on sale now; a few departures sold out. Each ride includes a live reading of the picture book The Christmas Lantern by a local celebrity.
How long is the Santa Express in Nashville?
For the Nashville ride, plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes, no layover. Included with the Santa Express in Nashville: Santa and his elves on board, with time for photos; snacks, drinks and souvenirs are sold. The museum runs its trains only on Saturdays because freight traffic fills the line on weekdays.
Any tips for the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga with young kids?
Every rider 1 and older needs a ticket. Day trains are $38, evening trains $45. For a splurge, Santa’s Private Car gives a family of up to four its own table, extra time with Santa, a souvenir cup and a storybook. Arrive 30 minutes early, and remember the times are Eastern. On the way, everyone gets hot chocolate and a cookie, hears a holiday story and sings along with the music.
Any tips for the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville with young kids?
The railroad runs steam when its engine Lindy is available, with diesel as backup. One car is a covered open-air car, so dress in layers. Toddlers 2 to 4 ride for $20 and babies under 2 are free. There are restrooms in the depot and on the train, and you can bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Where do you board the Santa Express in Nashville?
The Santa Express in Nashville boards at Tennessee Central Railway Museum, 220 Willow Street, in Nashville. The dome car’s 20 seats under the glass roof go first; the early train on November 28 was already sold out there. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, parking is free with attendants, and outside food and drink are not allowed, though snacks are sold on board.
Do babies need a ticket for the North Pole Limited in Chattanooga?
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum lists ages as: all ages; under 1 free on a lap. For the Chattanooga ride, plan on about 75 minutes. Santa boards at the North Pole and comes to each family's seat, so nobody gets up or waits in line.
Do babies need a ticket for the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville?
Three Rivers Rambler lists ages as: all ages; under 2 free. On fares: $60 adults, $55 seniors, $40 children 5 to 13, $20 toddlers 2 to 4, under 2 free. For the Knoxville ride, plan on about 2 hours. Each ride includes a live reading of the picture book The Christmas Lantern by a local celebrity.