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A Kentucky Christmas Train Ride In Bardstown!

Published: November 20, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Nestled in the heart of Bardstown—one of Kentucky’s most historic and culturally rich communities—the "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train" has long been a beloved attraction offering visitors a blend of nostalgia, fine dining, and scenic travel. Operating along former Louisville & Nashville (L&N) trackage, the train has become known nationally for its meticulously restored vintage railcars, memorable culinary experiences, and themed excursions that bring history and imagination to life.

Among these special events, none captures the charm and wonder of the season quite like the North Pole Express, a magical holiday journey designed especially for families and young children.

For more than 30 years, the "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train" has upheld its reputation as one of the most distinctive dinner train operations in the United States. The experience is built around three core elements—historic equipment, gourmet dining, and carefully curated excursions—making every trip an immersion into the elegance of classic American passenger railroading. The Christmas season amplifies this atmosphere, blending festive décor, storytelling, and interactive experiences into a warm, memory-making tradition.

RJ Corman GP38 #3802 leads an excursion past a horse farm on the Versailles Branch at Pisgah, Kentucky on June 5, 2015. Doug Kroll photo.

A Stage Set in Railroading History

The dinner train operates on roughly 20 miles of track originally constructed by the L&N in the mid-19th century. These rails once linked Bardstown with the larger L&N network, serving as an important local conduit for freight, agricultural shipments, and community travel.

When the line was later threatened with abandonment, preservation-minded owners recognized an opportunity to transform it into a unique tourism experience rather than allowing a small but historically rich branch line to fade away.

The equipment itself is part of the charm. The dinner train’s fleet consists primarily of mid-20th-century stainless-steel railcars built by the Budd Company, renowned for its durable “shot-welded” construction and elegant streamliner aesthetics.

These cars have been beautifully restored, featuring polished metal, classic lighting, plush seating, and period-appropriate accents that evoke the golden age of rail travel.

Each detail—from white-linen table settings to subtle décor—helps produce an atmosphere where time seems to slow and passengers feel gently transported to an era when traveling by train was considered the height of sophistication.

The train is powered by a vintage EMD FP7 diesel locomotives from the 1950s, formerly owned by the Southern Railway.  These streamlined engines closely resembled their four-axle freight counterpart, the F7.  However, they were equipped with a steam generator for pasenger service. 

The locomotives' classic appearance adds authenticity to the entire experience and reinforces the dinner train’s reputation for preserving rail history while presenting it in an engaging, contemporary environment.

The Dining Experience: Elevated Elegance on the Rails

While the historical ambiance certainly attracts rail enthusiasts and curious travelers, the "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train’s" reputation is also built on its exceptional dining. The onboard chefs prepare each meal fresh in the kitchen car, and the menu reflects a balance of regional flavors and upscale cuisine. Guests are treated to a multi-course experience, typically including appetizers, salads, a choice of entrées, and a gourmet dessert.

The dishes—whether a tender prime rib, bourbon-glazed pork chop, seasonal chicken entrée, or vegetarian selection—highlight Kentucky culinary traditions and local sourcing wherever possible. Paired with soft lighting and picture-window views of the countryside, the entire experience is designed to feel special and immersive.

The train’s slow, gentle pace allows for conversations, photography, and quiet appreciation of the fields, forests, and rolling landscapes that characterize central Kentucky. Whether traveling during the lush green of summer, the colorful tapestry of fall, or the serene frost of winter, passengers are treated to views that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

A Variety of Themed Excursions

Throughout the year, the "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train" offers numerous themed experiences, from murder mystery dinners to bourbon tastings, Halloween excursions, and seasonal brunch rides. Each themed trip features specially tailored meals, storytelling, costumed performers, or interactive entertainment designed to immerse guests in the excursion’s unique narrative.

Yet among these, none is more eagerly anticipated—or more magical—than the North Pole Express, the dinner train’s signature holiday experience dedicated to festive family fun and imaginative storytelling.

The North Pole Express: A Holiday Tradition for Families

A Journey into Holiday Magic

Held annually throughout late November and December, the North Pole Express transforms the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train into a rolling Christmas wonderland. This family-friendly experience is designed to spark wonder in children and rekindle nostalgia in adults through a blend of décor, costumed characters, Christmas music, and interactive storytelling.

From the moment families arrive at the Bardstown depot, they are greeted by festive lights, garlands, and holiday decorations that stretch from the waiting area to the railcars themselves. Inside, warm lighting, ribbons, ornaments, and classic Christmas colors create a cozy, cheerful ambiance. The visual transformation alone sets the stage for what becomes an unforgettable adventure.

Meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus

The heart of the experience is a visit to the North Pole, where children meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The characters are portrayed warmly and authentically, guiding children through short conversations, photo opportunities, and heartfelt moments that make the trip especially meaningful. Many families return year after year because of the personal, unrushed nature of these interactions—something that stands out compared with other holiday attractions.

Santa presents each child with a small gift or keepsake, adding to the excitement and reinforcing the narrative that the train has truly traveled to the North Pole. The experience is designed to feel believable and immersive, yet cozy and intimate, making it perfect for younger children who thrive on a calmer, more personal setting.

Onboard Treats and Entertainment

While the regular dinner train is known for gourmet meals, the North Pole Express features its own family-oriented culinary treats. Children are served holiday cookies, hot chocolate, or similar seasonal sweets, while adults may enjoy their own warm beverages or light refreshments.

Entertainment continues throughout the trip:

• Christmas carols play softly in the background
• Performers may lead sing-alongs
• Stories are read aloud
• Elves interact with passengers through jokes, activities, or simple conversation

The pacing is gentle and kid-friendly—just enough to keep young riders engaged without overwhelming them. For many families, the moment when the train rolls slowly to the “North Pole” is the highlight, marked by holiday lights outside the windows and the sudden appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus boarding the train.

Creating Lasting Holiday Memories

What sets the North Pole Express apart is its balance of tradition, comfort, and personal connection. There are no elaborate special effects, and the experience is not meant to be a frenetic theme-park attraction. Instead, the train focuses on timeless elements: conversation, imagination, the cozy glow of holiday lights, and the gentle motion of a vintage railcar. This simplicity is precisely what makes the trip so enchanting.

For many families, this holiday excursion has become an annual tradition—something children grow up anticipating each year. Parents often remark that the intimacy of the experience, combined with the charm of historic equipment, creates memories far more lasting than many modern holiday events.

A Bardstown Experience Not to Be Missed

The "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train" occupies a special place among American heritage railways. It blends fine dining, historic preservation, and scenic travel into a cohesive experience that appeals to both rail enthusiasts and casual visitors. Its charming equipment, quality service, and scenic Kentucky backdrop make it memorable at any time of year.

Yet during the holiday season, the railroad reaches another level of magic through the North Pole Express, one of the region’s most beloved Christmas traditions. With its cozy atmosphere, thoughtfully crafted storytelling, warm holiday décor, and heartfelt interactions with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the excursion offers something uniquely meaningful in an era dominated by large-scale holiday attractions.

Whether you’re a lover of classic railroading, a family seeking a festive winter adventure, or someone wanting to experience one of Kentucky’s most charming attractions, the "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train" is a destination that continues to delight.

And for those who board the North Pole Express, the wonder of the season is brought to life in a way that only a vintage train, rolling through the quiet Kentucky countryside, can provide.  To learn more about this popular holiday event please click here to visit the dinner train's website.