Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train
Passengers take an out-and-back journey through the winter Hiwassee River Gorge aboard heated vintage coaches. Children can write a letter to deliver to Santa during his onboard visit, and everyone receives a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk. Every rider also takes home a commemorative boarding pass and holiday bell.
What to Expect
Scenic vintage train ride through the Hiwassee River Gorge with Santa.
Event Details
Duration
Less than one hour.
Ages
All Ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Food & Drink
A chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk are served onboard; water bottles and light snacks are permitted, while hot beverages and open drinks are discouraged.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, scenic, cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Mistletoe Class: $30 per seat, age 1 and up. Holly Class: $45 per seat, age 1 and up; not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. Both classes include a cookie and chocolate milk, letter-to-Santa activity, Santa visit, and one holiday bell per passenger. Holly Class includes one keepsake ornament per family; Mistletoe Class does not. Mistletoe has coach seating; Holly has dome, lounge, or observation seating depending on availability. – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Delano boarding location. Allow additional time for parking, check-in, and boarding.
- Accessibility: Historic railcars have limited accessibility and cannot accommodate wheelchairs onboard, though guests who can board with assistance and use a standard seat are welcome.
- Pets: Only service animals trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are permitted onboard.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in and boarding, because trains can't wait for late arrivals and missed departures aren't refunded.
- Dress the kids warmly, since you may wait outside briefly before boarding, even though the vintage coaches themselves are heated.
- Leave a large stroller in the car, as onboard storage is limited and even compact strollers must be folded and stored for the ride.
- If you're taking Lyft or Uber, set up your return pickup in advance, because rideshares can be hard to find in Delano when the train gets back.
- Bring water bottles or light snacks if you like, but skip hot drinks and open cups, since the cookie and chocolate milk are served onboard.
Special Events & Promotions
- Holly Class upgrade: dome, lounge or observation seating (depending on availability) plus one keepsake ornament per family.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with every ticket?
Every ticket includes assigned seating in a heated vintage coach, the letter-to-Santa activity, a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk, and a visit and photo with Santa. Every rider also gets a commemorative boarding pass and a holiday bell.
What's the difference between Mistletoe and Holly Class?
Mistletoe Class is coach seating. Holly Class gives you dome, lounge or observation seating, depending on availability, plus one keepsake ornament per family. Holly Class isn't recommended for anyone with mobility issues.
How long is the ride?
Under an hour. It's an out-and-back trip through the Hiwassee River Gorge on the same route both ways, so there are views from both sides. Allow extra time for parking, check-in and boarding.
Can we bring a stroller?
Compact strollers must be folded and stored during the ride. Large strollers should stay in your vehicle because onboard storage is limited.
How can separately booked guests sit together?
Use the same Primary Name on every reservation, or email info@tvrail.com to link the bookings. Unlinked reservations may be seated apart.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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