In the 2004 film “The Polar Express,” the Conductor, voiced by Tom Hanks, says, “One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” And that’s exactly the right attitude to have when you’re exploring holiday trains in Georgia.
We might not have blankets of snow in Georgia like the kids do in “The Polar Express,” but we do have gorgeous pine forests, winding rivers, and temperatures so mild that the only thing frozen will be your smile from all the fun. Oh, and let’s not forget our two most Christmas-worthy (and giggle-worthy!) Georgia town names: Santa Claus and Bethlehem.
Whether you’re bundling up wide-eyed kiddos in their best pajamas, planning a cozy date night, or needing a dose of holiday magic, there’s a seat on board with your name on it. So punch your ticket and get ready to believe.
Here are the most enchanting holiday trains in Georgia this year
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge
Few places exude Christmas spirit quite like Blue Ridge and its scenic railway of the same name rolling out of downtown. Though this area experienced recent flooding, this beloved train tradition is still chugging full steam ahead, and every ticket is a cheerful way to show love to a resilient mountain community.
On select days from November 27 through Christmas Eve, one-hour Holiday Special Rides fill the cars with holiday tunes, a read-aloud of “The Night Before Christmas,” and a visit from Santa himself. Hot chocolate and snacks are available for purchase, and kid riders receive a complimentary activity packet, jingle bell, and candy cane. This experience often sells out, so book early.
Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad, Stone Mountain
Ask almost any Atlantan about the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad, and you’ll probably hear a fond story about a flattened penny, the prized keepsake of a childhood ride around the base of the mountain. In fact, there are probably plenty of flattened pennies still floating around my parents’ house.
The train runs year-round, but it saves its best performance for Stone Mountain Christmas. By day, it makes a lively loop around the granite giant; after dark, the cars become a rolling singalong featuring your favorite holiday carols. Train rides are included in the cost of admission: Adults cost $39.99 and children ages 3-11 cost $36.99.
Avalon Express Train, Alpharetta
Every weekend, all year long, the Express Train at Avalon scoots little conductors along the Alpharetta destination’s main drag. Rides start outside Branch & Barrel and cost just one Lincoln ($5 cash, or $6 by credit card), making it the sweetest bargain in town.
The holidays are the best time to climb aboard, when the train shares the spotlight with Avalon on Ice, a Rockefeller Center-inspired rink nearby. Turn the outing into a full day of festivities and snap photos at Santa’s North Pole-inspired cottage, too.
The Pink Pig, Duluth
For generations of Atlantans, Christmas was synonymous with a ride on the Pink Pig. The original, Priscilla, debuted at Rich’s department store downtown in 1953 and later circled the rooftop, giving young riders a skyline view and a lap around the store’s Great Tree.
Today, her granddaughter Penny carries on the family business at the Georgia Festival of Trees, where the trackless train weaves through a forest of decorated trees. Catch her November 21–29 (closed Nov. 25-26) at Duluth’s Gas South Convention Center. Tickets start at $19, depending on the day and ticketing platform.
Pine Mountain Train Winter Wonderland, Villa Rica
Villa Rica’s Gold Museum always sparkles, but come December, it positively glows. The Winter Wonderland train winds along a one-mile track, dressed in dazzling displays of more than 11 miles of lights. Santa greets guests from 6 to 8 p.m. Rides are 20 minutes and run Wednesday through Saturday nights, 6 to 9 p.m., December 2–23. Ages 2 and under ride free, and at $15 per person for the rest of the family, you might say it’s a golden ticket deal.
Santa Special Christmas Train, Kingsland
Along Georgia’s coast, Santa trades his reindeer for a train. The fun starts at Kingsland Station, where a short pre-show gets everyone warmed up with carols led by Santa’s elves. Then it’s all aboard the open-air railcars, where the big guy, his toy-building coworkers, Frosty the Snowman, and other winter characters make the rounds to every car for a jolly good time and plenty of photos.
While there’s no food service on the train, guests are invited to grab snacks or even a festive cocktail at the station before the train pulls out. Trains depart on select days between November 27 and Christmas Eve. Tickets cost $24.50 for ages 13 and up and $12.50 for children ages 1 to 3.
Barnsley Resort Holiday Train, Adairsville
On November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, Barnsley Resort teams up with Cartersville Museum City for a holiday train ride through the resort’s pedestrian village, all decked out in festive lights and decorations. The 10-minute trip is short, but it’s a charming preview of the season ahead and a merry outing for family and friends.
Rides run from 3 to 5 p.m., and before you step off, strike a pose with the conductor and the train for a photo worth framing. The train is free for guests and resort members; all others must purchase a Holiday Garden Pass.
Azalea Sprinter Santa Train, Nashville
On this Georgia train, the hot chocolate never runs dry. In fact, a ticket aboard the Azalea Sprinter includes unlimited cocoa throughout the trip. Billed as the region’s premier excursion train, the Sprinter departs from Nashville for a two-hour round trip through South Georgia along the historic Georgia & Florida Railroad. Plus, each family gets one-on-one time with Santa. Tickets start at $37 for children and $49 for adults.
SAM Shortline Holiday Train, Cordele
Cordele may be best known as the Watermelon Capital of the World, but for the holidays this South Georgia town swaps summer’s favorite fruit for visions of sugarplums. The SAM Shortline’s Holiday Train is a one-hour ride with holiday music, hot chocolate, and cookies served along the way. Santa even climbs aboard, passing out a gift to every passenger.
Trains run Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, December 11–12 and 18–19. Coach tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for kids ages 2 to 12, or upgrade to the Deluxe car, where each party sits around a table, for $39 each.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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