Chattanooga Christmas Dinner Train
Guests embark on a leisurely round-trip journey through East Chattanooga aboard festive, climate-controlled historic railcars. The experience features a chef-prepared four-course holiday dinner delivered with professional dining-car service at dedicated private tables. Along the route, passengers pass landmarks such as the Missionary Ridge Tunnel and Chattanooga National Cemetery, with opportunities for onboard photos.
What to Expect
Four-course holiday dining aboard restored vintage railcars.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 2.5 hours round trip; the quick details also describe the duration as 2–3 hours.
Ages
10+
Neighborhood
East Chattanooga
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Food & Drink
The four-course dinner includes entrée choices such as braised beef, chicken, flounder, or vegetarian gnocchi, plus dessert and coffee, tea, lemonade, and iced tea; wine and other alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Couples and adults seeking a festive dining experience
Vibe
Festive, nostalgic, leisurely
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Dining Car table for 1–2: $280; table for 3: $375; table for 4: $450. Pullman Section table for 2: $360. B&O Private Car #98 for up to 8 passengers: $2,600. Prices are per table or private car and vary by party size. The experience includes a four-course dinner; alcoholic beverages and gratuity are additional. – Get tickets
- Parking: Complimentary parking is available at Grand Junction Station. Guests should arrive 20–30 minutes early to allow time for parking and boarding.
- Accessibility: Accessibility varies by railcar; call in advance for accommodations.
Tips & Advice
- Book early, because holiday departures often sell out, and departure times and seat availability vary from date to date.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure to leave time for parking at Grand Junction Station and boarding.
- Book everyone in your party in the same seating type, because Dining Car, Pullman and Private Car seats are in separate railcars.
- Call before booking if anyone has dietary needs, since vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are available but arrangements are handled by phone.
- Budget for gratuity and any drinks from the bar, because neither is included with the four-course dinner and nonalcoholic beverages.
Special Events & Promotions
- Wine, rosé, champagne, bourbon and Irish coffee are sold onboard. Alcohol and gratuity are extra.
- Book the whole B&O Private Car No. 98 for private dining for up to eight guests. It is not recommended for children under 12.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children ride the dinner train?
Yes. It's designed for ages 10 and up, but younger guests are welcome. Children get the same menu and pricing as adults. The B&O Private Car is not recommended for children under 12.
Is there a dress code?
There's no formal dress code. Most guests like to dress up a little, and festive or semi-formal clothes suit the evening.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes. The baked pesto gnocchi is vegetarian, and the braised beef and the crème brûlée are gluten free. Call 423-894-8028 before booking if you have dietary needs.
Is the train heated?
Yes. All the dinner train cars are fully climate-controlled.
What will we see along the route?
Historic rail lines, the Missionary Ridge Tunnel, East Chattanooga landmarks and the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The evening is mainly about the dinner and the holiday atmosphere rather than sightseeing.
More Christmas Events Near Chattanooga
More Christmas Events near Chattanooga
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.