What You’ll Read Inside: Christmas and Holiday Train Rides Closest to Charlotte, NC
As the holiday season rolls in, so do some of the most fun and festive Christmas trains of the year!
There’s just something magical about boarding a train this time of year — the twinkling lights, the music, the cocoa, and that joyful anticipation as Santa Claus makes his big entrance.
From quick jingle-bell rides to full-blown North Pole adventures, these holiday experiences near Charlotte are packed with memory-making moments for your whole family.
Grab your tickets, your Christmas PJs, and your camera — here’s where your magical ride begins!
The Best Holiday-Themed Train Rides Near Charlotte, NC
Polar Express Train Ride (Spencer, NC)
📍 N.C. Transportation Museum – Spencer (~45 mins from Charlotte)
Website: NC Transportation Museum Polar Express
The Polar Express train ride at the North Carolina Transportation Museum is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in the state. Families board the train and enjoy a reading of The Polar Express book while sipping hot chocolate and munching on cookies. Children ages 2 and up love when the train rolls into the North Pole and Santa Claus comes on board with a silver sleigh bell for each believer.
Want to know more about the closest Polar Express Ride to Charlotte? Check out our visit to Spencer, NC Polar Express
2025 Dates: November 7–9, 14–16, 21–23, 28–30 and December 5–7 & 11–23, 2025
Trains depart multiple times per day depending on the schedule.
Ticket pricing: Starts at $36 for kids, $42 for adults. Various classes of service are available.
Winterland Express & Celebration of Lights (Kannapolis, NC)
📍 Village Park – Kannapolis (~30–40 mins from Charlotte)
Website: Winterland Express in Kannapolis, NC
The Winterland Express is a delightful open-air car ride through thousands of twinkling lights at Village Park. At just $2 per person, it’s the perfect fit for families with younger children ages 2–10 who are ready for a short and sweet ride.
We LOVE this budget-friendly holiday train ride option.
Get more details in this story about our visit to Kannapolis Celebration of Lights.
2025 Dates: November 15 through December 30 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day)
There’s no entry fee to enjoy the lights, and trains depart regularly throughout the evening.
Ticket pricing: $2 per ride
Carolina Christmas Train (Star, NC)
📍 Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway – Star (~1 hr 15 min from Charlotte)
Website: Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Christmas Train
The Carolina Christmas Train offers families a classic North Carolina small-town holiday experience. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and festive music as you board the train for a merry ride. Santa Claus greets children onboard, making this a favorite for all ages.
2025 Dates: December 3–20 (closed Dec 10, 11 & 17), 2025
Ticket pricing: Varies by class of service, starts at $49.
Trains depart at multiple times depending on the date.
Tweetsie Christmas Train (Blowing Rock, NC)
📍 Tweetsie Railroad – Blowing Rock , NC (~2 hours from Charlotte)
Website: Tweetsie Christmas
At Tweetsie Railroad, families enjoy a 20-minute ride through magical lights, festive scenes, and holiday cheer. Kids can visit Santa in his Gingerbread House, watch Christmas shows, and ride several amusement rides included with admission.
2025 Dates: Select evenings from November 28 – December 30, 2025
Ticket pricing: $65 for ages 13+, $45 for children ages 3–12, free for kids under 2
Why it stands out: It’s a full holiday western experience, not just a train ride!
Santa Trains at the South Carolina Railroad Museum (Winnsboro, SC)
📍 SCRM – Winnsboro (~1 hr 30 min from Charlotte)
Website: Santa Trains at the SC Railroad Museum
The Santa Trains at the South Carolina Railroad Museum offer families a ride in historic rail cars with a visit from Santa Claus himself. Choose from a cozy daytime ride or a Twilight Santa Train complete with cookies, hot chocolate, carols, and twinkling lights.
Want to learn more about the SCRM Santa Trains? Check out our visit to ride the rails with Santa in Winnsboro: Santa Trains at the SC Railroad Museum
2025 Dates:
- Daytime Santa Trains: December 6, 13, and 20
- Twilight Santa Trains: December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20
Ticket pricing: Around $17–$27 depending on time and event
Trains depart multiple times on operating days
Country Christmas Train at Denton FarmPark (Denton, NC)
📍 Denton FarmPark – Denton (~1 hr 15 min from Charlotte)
Website: Denton FarmPark Country Christmas Train
The Country Christmas Train includes a lighted ride through holiday displays, plus access to all the buildings, tram to the plantation, walk-through lights, demonstrations, live entertainment, and more. The atmosphere is cozy and nostalgic — ideal for making lasting memories with children ages toddler to tween.
2025 Dates: November 28–30; December 5–7, 11–14, 18–23, and 27
Ticket pricing: $25 admission includes one train ride and additional activities. Additional rides are $10.
Trains depart first-come, first-served served. You will need to wait in line.
Bonus: Worth the Drive
Santa Express (New Hill, NC)
📍 New Hope Valley Railway – New Hill (~2 hrs 45 min from Charlotte)
Website: Santa Express: New Hope Valley Railroad
This North Carolina favorite is just past the 2½-hour mark, but worth a look! Play along with an I-Spy Santa game and visit with Santa on board. Food trucks will be on site with treats, cocoa, coffee and more.
2025 Dates: December 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, and 20
Ticket pricing: Varies by age and seating, starting at $18.61
Trains depart throughout each event day
Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City, NC)
📍 Bryson City Depot – Bryson City (~3 hrs from Charlotte)
Website: Polar Express, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
This iconic Polar Express train ride is one of the most famous in North Carolina. Families board the train at the historic Bryson City Depot and journey to the North Pole with cookies, hot chocolate, music from the film, and a visit from Santa Claus with a keepsake silver sleigh bell. Multiple service levels available, including open-air cars, Coach, Crown, and First Class.
Want to more about the Polar Express in Bryson City? We took this magical train ride and have all the details: Bryson City’s Polar Express
2025 Dates: November 6 through December 31 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Ticket pricing: Starts at $34 for children ages 2–12 and $51 for adults. Premium seating options available.
Trains depart up to three times daily, depending on the date
Bonus Tips for Holiday Train Fun 🎄
- Book early! Popular rides (especially Polar Express) sell out fast
- Bundle up! Even enclosed rail cars can get chilly
- Bring your camera. The North Pole, Santa Claus, and holiday lights make for sweet memories
- Check what’s included. Some trains serve cookies, cocoa, or give souvenirs like a silver sleigh bell
- Match the ride to your kids. Younger children might prefer shorter or open-air rides, while older kids may enjoy longer, story-driven trips
Whether you’re planning a quick ride close to home or a magical journey across North Carolina, these holiday train rides near Charlotte deliver the cheer. With Santa Claus, hot chocolate, and twinkling lights around every bend, there’s a perfect Christmas train out there for every age and stage.
🚂 Which ride is on your family’s list this year? Let us know in the comments!
🎄 Looking for more? Check out our holiday events calendar for more festive fun near Charlotte!
2025 Holiday Info for Charlotte is all in one place: The Kidding Around Guide to Holidays in Charlotte.
