There is something about trains and Christmas that combined create magic for children of all ages. Trains are nostalgic and novel for everyone, adults included. A close-up encounter with Santa makes a lasting impression for the little ones.
Of course, it is chaos getting everyone dressed in Christmas festivity and taking all of the pictures, but once onboard, the magic will hit. Time slows as you listen to an Elf describe Santa and the North Pool. Little ones sit and peer out the windows as scenery rushes by. You get a moment to really taste hot chocolate and hold your kiddo. Santa enters the train, and wide-eyed children eagerly await to tell him their Christmas hopes and dreams. Santa kindly and gently listens to each kiddo. Although he is on a schedule, Santa isn’t rushed, and he is present being Santa. The kids can tell. This is real Christmas magic. Now, of course, because this is life, not a Hallmark movie, at the end, your toddler may melt down in a puddle of tired tears, but still, worth it in my book.
Here is information on the three Christmas trains in Tennessee to help you make magic for your little ones:
(1) Tennessee Central Railway Museum (Nashville).
This two-hour train ride includes Santa and his elves. The train departure at 9:30 AM and 2:30 AM most weekends in November and December and refreshments and souvenirs can be purchased on board. Children’s tickets are $38 a piece and adult tickers are $70. All seats are assigned. Arrive early to check out the museum’s model trains!
(2) Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (Chattanooga).
This museum offers two family friendly options, with both providing an opportunity to meet Santa and each ride being approximately one hour. to ninety minutes. The Christmas Daylight Express is a daytime ride with Elves, candy canes, and an opportunity to write/deliver a letter to Santa. The NorthPole Express is a nighttime ride to the North Pole complete with cookies and hot chocolate, Christmas lights, and an opportunity to meet Santa as well. The daylight tickets are $30 a piece, while the nighttime tickets are $40 a piece. There are no assigned seats so you will want to board with your whole group to ensure sitting together.
(3) The Three Rivers Rambler (Knoxville).
This is a two-hour train ride via the Christmas Lantern Express also includes an opportunity to meet Santa. The train ride includes a story time and holiday treats and decorations. Additionally, the train departs from downtown Knoxville (which is usually seasonally decorated) and can either be a diesel train or a steam train depending upon the day you book. Adult tickets are $55, but children’s tickets are $15 to $25 depending upon the child’s age.
Extra words of advice if you have little ones: Take a bathroom break before the train starts, as a bathroom may not be accessible on the train, get the photos you want before you get on the train or before the ride starts, and check the recommended ages (some don’t allow babies younger than 1 to join!).
Finally, if a train ride isn’t in the books this holiday season, check out each of the train companies’ other offerings. Each offers different train rides for other holidays or events, with some being family friendly or others being geared to adults. All aboard!
Check out all our holiday events on our Nashville Holiday Events Guide.
