Holiday Express at Pullen Park
Guests can board the Holiday Express train at their scheduled time and enjoy unlimited rides on the historic Dentzel carousel. The park features a brightly lit lake countdown, games at Glistening Glen and Arctic Avenue, and the Enchanted Elevator. Visitors can also drop by Santa's caboose workshop for a chat and stop by the S'more Station for a complimentary treat.
What to Expect
Holiday train rides, carousel spins, and festive activities at Pullen Park.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (Tickets required for ages 1 and older)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation
Food & Drink
The Pullen Cafe offers food options, including choices for dietary restrictions and allergies, and a paid hot chocolate bar with customizable toppings at Club Cocoa Lounge in Shelter 1; the S'more Station offers a complimentary treat.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and playful
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $21 per guest plus tax and fees. Tickets are required for guests ages one and older; 12 months and under do not require a ticket. All activities are included, except snacks from café stands and souvenirs. The Club Cocoa Lounge is marked as an additional-cost activity, but no price is stated for it.
- Hours: 5 - 9:30 p.m.; guests with 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. train ride tickets can access the park and train line starting at 4:15 p.m.; other event activities open at 5 p.m.
- Accessibility: Sensory bags with headphones, fidgets, and supplies are available at the welcome center.
- Pets: Service animals are allowed; pets are not.
Tips & Advice
- Be ready for the Ticketmaster sale on Thursday, Oct. 15, and remember purchases are capped at eight tickets per household, card or IP address.
- Bring your whole party to the train station at the time on your ticket, because train times can't be changed and waits can run 15 to 30 minutes.
- Have your digital ticket ready on your phone at the entrance, because screenshots and printouts of tickets aren't accepted.
- Dress warmly for the weather, since the event is entirely outdoors with no indoor space and keeps running in light rain or snow.
- Bring a letter to Santa to drop off at the Candy Cane Lane post office, or write one there while the kids make reindeer food.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory Friendly Event on Sundays, Dec. 6 and 13, in the afternoon: lower-decibel music, smaller crowds, less walking and a quiet area.
- New this season: the Club Cocoa Lounge hot chocolate bar in Shelter 1, at extra cost.
- This year's limited-edition carousel animal ornament at the Gift Shop is a replica of a bay horse.
- Guests with the earliest train times can enter the park and train line before the other activities open.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included with a ticket?
Everything: your train ride at the time on your ticket, unlimited carousel rides, the games at Glistening Glen, Arctic Avenue and Reindeer Flight School, Santa's Toy Shop, the Yeti Hunt and more. Only snacks from the café stands and souvenirs cost extra.
Can we get a photo with Santa?
There are no sit-down photos. Santa's Toy Shop is a walk-through in the caboose, where you'll usually have time for a quick chat and maybe a selfie.
Does everyone in our group need a ticket?
Yes, everyone age one and older, even if they won't ride the train. Babies 12 months and under don't need a ticket.
What should we wear?
Dress for the weather. It's all outdoors with no indoor space for guests, and it runs in light rain or snow.
What is there to eat and drink?
The Pullen Cafe has a wide selection of food, including choices for dietary restrictions and allergies. New this year is the Club Cocoa Lounge, a hot chocolate bar with toppings at extra cost. The S'more Station also hands out a free treat.
More Christmas Events Near Raleigh
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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.