Yes, it’s only September, but it’s time to book your holiday train ride now! Locally, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum offers the North Pole Santa Excursion Train beginning in November for select bookings. But there are other festive train rides happening, too. Head to Chattanooga’s Tennessee Valley Railroad for Knoxville’s Three Rivers Rambler. In Kentucky, The Polar Express Train Ride is available this year. Check out all of the fun and be sure to get your reservations in!
Book Your Holiday Train Ride
Tennessee Central Railway Museum (Nashville)
North Pole Santa Excursion Train
Nov. 23, 30 & Dec. 7, 14, 21 / Two boardings at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $38 ages 12 and younger; Coach and Dining Car Seats $70; Dome seats $120
DEPARTURE LOCATION: TCRM, 220 Willow St., Nashville 37210
One of the longest Christmas train rides in the U.S., take a 45-mile round trip adventure that lasts two hours (with no layover). The route goes from Nashville to Lebanon and back. Glide along on a restored, classic streamlined stainless steel passenger train with Santa and his elves, enjoying refreshments and souvenirs for sale on board (no outside food or drink is permitted).
Tennessee Valley Railroad (Chattanooga)
North Pole Limited Christmas Train
Nov. 17 – Dec. 23, one hour
TICKETS: $40 ages 1 and older; $65 for Santa’s Private Car
DEPARTURE LOCATION:
For daytime holiday rides, check out the brand-new Christmas Daylight Express.
Three Rivers Rambler
Select bookings, Nov. 29 – Dec. 22, two hours
TICKETS: $52 ages 13 to 54; $47 ages 55+; $22 ages 3 – 12; $12 ages 1 & 2; FREE babies under age 1
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Three Rivers Rambler Depot, 2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN
KENTUCKY
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
The Polar Express Train Ride
Select bookings, Nov. 15 – Dec. 23, one hour
TICKETS: Premium: $70 1st class or $55 coach; Standard: $60 1st class or $45 coach; Value: $45 1st clas or $25 coach. Ages 2 and younger need no ticket.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Stearns Depot, 66 Henderson St., Stearns, KY 42647 (EASTERN STANDARD TIME); 606-376-5330
Wear your pajamas and bring The Polar Express book to have it signed by the conductor! All riders receive hot chocolate and a cookie from dancing chefs moving through train cars. Santa boards the train in the North Pole and strolls through each train car visiting riders and giving a sleigh bell to each one. There are no lay overs on this train ride.
