Tweetsie Christmas
Guests can take an open-air train ride behind a historic steam locomotive through thousands of twinkling holiday lights with sing-along carols. Families can walk through Santa's Gingerbread House to meet Santa Claus or Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread, and catch a musical Christmas stage show at the Tweetsie Palace. The park also features family amusement rides, carolers, and outdoor fires for roasting s'mores.
What to Expect
Open-air steam train rides, twinkling light displays, and giant gingerbread house visits.
Event Details
Duration
The Christmas Train ride is approximately 20 minutes.
Ages
All ages (children 2 and under are free)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Tweetsie Railroad
Food & Drink
Guests can enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores by the fire, homemade candies and fudge; food and s’mores supplies are not included with admission.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with toddlers and young children
Vibe
Festive, nostalgic, family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults ages 13 and older: $65; children ages 3–12: $45; ages 2 and under: free. Ticket prices include taxes and fees. Each ticket includes one reserved, approximately 20-minute open-air Christmas Train ride, four amusement rides, Santa’s Gingerbread House, live entertainment and other nighttime holiday attractions. Golden Rail Season Pass holders receive a $20 discount off one ticket. – Get tickets
- Hours: Event: 5:00–9:30 p.m.; Santa’s Gingerbread House: 5–9 p.m. through December 23; Christmas Train departures: 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 p.m.; Christmas Show: 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:45 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is free.
- Accessibility: The Christmas Train, Santa's Gingerbread House, Tweetsie Palace, Blizzard, and s'mores roasting area are accessible.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online early to lock in your date and train time, because each night has limited capacity and the event can sell out.
- Pick a Sunday or a night the week after Christmas for smaller crowds, but choose a date through December 23 if you want to see Santa.
- Line up about 15 minutes before your train leaves, or 20 minutes early with a large group so the attendant can try to seat you together.
- Check the forecast and dress warmly, since the train cars are open-air and the three-mile loop can be quite brisk in the mountain air.
- Bring a letter to Santa for the mailbox and your own camera or phone, since professional photos with Santa aren't offered.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa visits and photos in Santa's Gingerbread House run through December 23 only.
- After Christmas, Mr. & Mrs. Gingerbread take over the Gingerbread House for photos.
- 2026 Golden Rail Season Pass holders get a discount on one Tweetsie Christmas ticket.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tweetsie Christmas good for toddlers?
Yes. It welcomes all ages and is especially geared toward families with toddlers and young children. The amusement rides have height and age limits.
Can I arrive before my train time?
Yes. Come in as soon as the park opens and enjoy the attractions before and after your ride. Line up about 15 minutes before your departure.
Is the train heated?
No. All the cars are open-air excursion cars, so the ride can be quite brisk. Check the forecast and dress for it.
Can we see Santa?
Yes, through December 23 in Santa's Gingerbread House, where kids can share their wishes and take photos. After Christmas, Mr. & Mrs. Gingerbread are there for photos instead. There are no professional photos, so bring your own camera or phone.
What isn't included in the ticket?
Food, retail items and s'mores supplies are extra.
More Christmas Events near Hickory
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.