North Carolina Christmas Train Rides In Star!

Published: November 28, 2025

The Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railway is a North Carolina success story: a modern short-line freight carrier that has also become a beloved host of seasonal passenger experiences.

Based in the small rail town of Star, the company has spent decades revitalizing track, nurturing industry, and investing in carefully restored passenger equipment.

The result is a railroad that moves essential commodities for the Sandhills and Piedmont during the week and, on select dates, carries families, railfans, and holiday lovers on memory-making excursions. Chief among those events is the Carolina Christmas Train, a festive ride that has quickly become one of the state’s most sought-after seasonal tickets.

The railroad's business train at Candor, North Carolina on May 16, 2021. Warren Calloway photo.

About The Railroad

The Aberdeen, Carolina & Western (often shortened to ACWR) operates more than 150 miles of track across central North Carolina, linking rural communities with Class I rail connections and regional markets.

The line is a lifeline for shippers of forest products, aggregates, plastics, agricultural inputs, and finished goods. Its core is freight, and the company is known among customers for dependable service, nimble problem-solving, and the kind of personal relationships that make short lines so valuable to local economies.

The railroad began in 1987 as Norfolk Southern divested secondary routes in North Carolina. The new short line began by taking over what was the original Norfolk Southern Railway's (no relation to the modern day system) branch between Aberdeen and Star, then within a few years added segments of the former “Old NS” main line through the Sandhills and Piedmont, forming a corridor centered on Star/Candor.

Today ACWR links the Sandhills with the Charlotte market. The railroad connects local industries to the national network through Class I interchanges and focuses on flexible service: daily locals, unit moves when needed, and switching.

Traffic includes forest products and lumber, aggregates, plastics, chemicals, grain and fertilizer, plus military and project cargo. ACWR offers transload, warehousing and car storage, and partners on industrial development along its line.

Star is home base, with mechanical expertise concentrated at the railroad’s shops, where crews handle everything from routine locomotive work to the meticulous restoration of passenger cars.

That shop craftsmanship is part of what sets ACWR’s public excursions apart. Over the last several years, the railroad has assembled and refurbished a handsome train of classic streamlined and stainless-steel cars—coaches, lounges, and dining-capable equipment—creating a flexible consist for charters and special events.

Interiors blend period character with modern amenities, so riders enjoy generous picture windows, comfortable seating, and the polished finishes that make a trip feel special. When paired with the railroad’s vintage-look locomotives and signature green-and-cream livery, the train turns heads wherever it runs.

The Carolina Christmas Train

Enter the Carolina Christmas Train, a family-friendly holiday experience that celebrates small-town charm, railroading tradition, and the joy of the season.

Typically staged on select dates between late November and December, the event transforms ACWR’s passenger train into a rolling holiday scene. The stations, platforms, and train interiors are decked with lights and greenery.

Staff and volunteers—many of them railroad employees who take pride in sharing their work with the community—add to the atmosphere with warm hospitality and festive attire. For many families, the ride has become a new annual tradition.

What To Expect

What can guests expect on board? The details vary year to year, but the core elements are consistent. Trips are designed to be long enough to feel like a real excursion (about 50 minutes) yet short enough for young children to enjoy without fuss.

As the train glides out of the station, car hosts welcome riders, introduce the route, and set the tone with music and stories. Hot cocoa and cookies are commonly part of the experience. And you receive a souvenir cup as part of the experience!

Along the way, passengers pass lighted holiday vignettes set near the right-of-way, and Santa himself typically makes time to visit each car for photos and a quick chat. The emphasis is on unhurried, personal interaction rather than spectacle, and that’s part of the charm.

Seating options usually include standard coach and upgraded classes with extra space or enhanced service. These include the double diner car, "Summit View" full length dome car, or even the "Pinehurst" car for private bookings.

Practical Tips

A few practical tips will help you make the most of the Carolina Christmas Train. First, buy early. These runs are limited in number and sell out quickly once announced. Sign up for ACWR’s email list or follow the railroad on social media to hear about dates and ticket releases. Second, plan to arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.

Check-in lines move smoothly, but you’ll appreciate the extra time to park, get your bearings, and take photos of the beautifully decorated train before boarding. Third, dress for the weather.

Cars are heated, but platforms and photo areas are outdoors, and the best memories often come from lingering a little to watch the train arrive or depart. Finally, check the railroad’s website for the latest policies on strollers, accessibility, and infant fares, as these can vary by car and event.

A Unique Holiday Experience On An Active Freight Line

The Carolina Christmas Train also illustrates how a freight railroad can enrich the communities it serves. ACWR’s holiday operations bring visitors to small towns, generate business for local food vendors and shops, and showcase North Carolina’s rail heritage to a new generation. Behind the scenes, the same skills that keep freight moving—track maintenance, safe operations, mechanical reliability—ensure a smooth, professional experience for passengers.

It is a virtuous cycle: public goodwill supports the railroad’s brand, and the railroad’s attention to detail builds trust with riders who might later become customers, advocates, or even future employees.

Photographers and Railfans

For photographers and railfans, the Christmas Train offers a rare chance to capture a polished, heritage-style consist under twinkling lights. If you plan to shoot, remember that safety comes first: stay well clear of tracks and follow the railroad’s guidance on designated viewing areas.

Wide-angle shots at stations can highlight the length of the train and the glow of decorations; inside, candid photos of families at windows or kids reacting to Santa tell the story better than any posed scene. If you share images online, include the railroad’s official handle or event hashtag to help others discover the experience.

One of the quiet pleasures of the Carolina Christmas Train is the way it reconnects people with rail travel as an experience, not just a means of getting from A to B. As the train settles into its rhythm, steel wheels singing and holiday lights flashing past, riders get a feel for the pace and presence of railroading.

Final Thoughts

You notice how communities grew up along the line, how a railroad’s footprint ties together neighborhoods, fields, and forests. That perspective is hard to get from a highway, and it’s part of what makes seasonal excursions uniquely resonant—especially for kids seeing it all for the first time.

In the broader context, ACWR’s approach reflects a trend among innovative short lines: lean into core freight service while exploring curated passenger offerings that align with brand, geography, and community values.

By investing in quality equipment and delivering consistent hospitality, the railroad has built an event that feels both premium and welcoming. And by keeping the focus local—North Carolina communities, Carolina traditions—the Christmas Train stands out in a crowded holiday market as authentic, not manufactured.

If you’re considering a trip, the next step is simple: watch for date announcements in the fall, choose the departure that suits your schedule, and book as soon as tickets open.

Bring your sense of wonder, a warm coat, and a camera. Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or simply looking for a new way to celebrate the season, the Carolina Christmas Train offers a bright, timeless escape—one that reminds us that the journey itself can be the gift.

To learn more about and booking your trip please click here to visit the railroad's website.