Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express
Passengers embark on a festive one-hour train journey featuring holiday music and a reading of 'The Night Before Christmas' story. Children on board receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, a candy cane, and a chance to visit with Santa Claus. Hot chocolate and other refreshments are available for purchase inside the train's concession car.
What to Expect
One-hour festive train ride with holiday music, storytime, and Santa Claus.
Event Details
Duration
1 hour.
Ages
All Ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and other snacks are available for purchase in the concession car.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to allow time to park and pick up tickets.
- Accessibility: Open-air Coach #405 offers stair and lift access (1,000 lb capacity) and an accessible restroom; reservations must be made by phone.
- Pets: Service animals that meet the stated ADA requirements are permitted; emotional support, comfort and companionship animals are not allowed on the property.
Tips & Advice
- Book well ahead, because these holiday rides sell out fast and day-of tickets are not recommended since trains often sell out weeks in advance.
- Arrive about 45 minutes before departure so you have time to park and pick up tickets, especially on busy weekends with limited parking.
- Get there early and board together if you want your group to sit side by side, since seats in each car are first come, first served.
- Dress warmly if you're in an open-air coach, because vinyl windows help hold in heat but it can still get chilly.
- If anyone in your party needs the lift-equipped Car 405, call a ticket agent to reserve it, because those seats are not sold online.
Special Events & Promotions
- Discounted tickets are available for seniors 65+, active or retired military and first responders, and current or retired teachers with valid ID.
- Group rates apply for parties of 15 or more paying passengers, and you book them through a ticket agent by phone.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the Christmas ride?
It's a one-hour ride with holiday music and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Children get a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell and a candy cane, and they have a chance to see Santa Claus.
Can we get food and drinks on board?
Hot chocolate, snacks and other drinks are sold in the concession car, which takes cash and major cards. You can also bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and small coolers that fit under your seat are allowed.
Will we be cold in the open-air cars?
In winter, vinyl windows are installed in the open-air cars so body heat warms them up. Still, dress warmly in case it gets chilly. Closed coaches are climate controlled.
Are seats assigned?
You're assigned a car, but seats inside it are first come, first served. If your party arrives early and boards together, you should be able to sit together.
Are there restrooms and baby changing stations?
Yes. There are 12 bathrooms on the train, and baby changing stations are in Car 332 and Car 405. Strollers are allowed, but they must be folded and stowed when you board.
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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.