Illustration of a toy train with a waving engineer crossing a snowy hillside past pines and a village (The Polar Express Train Ride)
Other Christmas Activities

The Polar Express Train Ride

Passengers ride historic train cars through the wilderness while listening and reading along to the story set to the motion picture soundtrack. Chefs serve warm cocoa and sweet treats with singing and dancing along the way to the North Pole. Santa Claus boards the train to greet each child with their own silver sleigh bell, followed by Christmas carols on the return trip.

Nov 6 – Dec 31, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

First Class: $287.76 for a 4-top table or $143.88 for a 2-top table. Premium Crown Class: $264.64 for a 4-top table. Crown Class: $230.00 for a 4-seat section or $115.00 for a 2-seat section. Coach Class: $50.85 adult, $33.52 child, or $0.00 infant, per seat. Peak, steam service, and/or Christmas Eve may be higher.

Food & Drink

Chefs serve hot chocolate or cocoa and a cookie; First Class and Premium Crown also include a surprise treat, with souvenir drinkware varying by class.

Parking

Parking is across the street from the depot, and fees are charged to the reservation. RV parking costs $16 cash per RV; limited handicap parking is available.

Accessibility

Accommodations are limited on vintage rail cars, though golf cart boarding assistance is available by calling ahead for reservations.

Location

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad · 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City, NC 28713 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive, cozy, storybook

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Reserve early because tickets sell out quickly and some dates and car types sell quickly.
  • Arrive one hour before departure to pick up your train tickets at will call.
  • Dress warmly for the weather, and wear closed-toe shoes; pajamas are allowed.
  • Allow about one and a quarter hours for the round trip, in addition to the requested early arrival.
  • Contact reservations ahead of your visit if you need boarding assistance or other arrangements for limited mobility.

Special Events & Promotions

  • One complimentary lap child aged 0–23 months is permitted per adult ticket in First Class, Premium Crown Class, and Crown Class.
  • First Class, Premium Crown Class, Crown Class, and Coach Class tickets are sold separately.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this ride suitable for children and other ages?

All ages can enjoy the experience. Children receive a silver sleigh bell from Santa; infants in Coach Class need their own seat.

Should I reserve tickets in advance?

Yes. Tickets sell out quickly, and many dates or departures may already be sold out. Tickets are held at will call.

What happens during the train ride?

The train travels through the wilderness to the North Pole with the story and movie soundtrack. Santa visits each coach, and carols are sung on the return trip.

What food and drink are served?

Hot cocoa and a cookie are served. First Class and Premium Crown Class also include a surprise treat.

Are there accommodations for guests with limited mobility?

Accommodations on the vintage rail cars are limited. Golf-cart boarding assistance is available for guests with limited walking or standing ability; contact reservations to arrange assistance.

Browse Christmas in Maryville

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.

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: