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A Georgia Christmas Train Ride On The Holiday Express!

Published: October 25, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rolling peaks of North Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway captures the romance of rail travel and the charm of small-town mountain life.

Based in the town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, this beloved heritage railroad traces the bends of the Toccoa River through the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering scenic vistas in every season.

While its classic 26-mile round-trip ride to the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, draws visitors much of the year, the railway truly sparkles in winter.

Each holiday season, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway transforms into the Holiday Express—a cheerful, family-friendly journey designed to wrap you in the sights and sounds of Christmas.

The railway experience begins in downtown Blue Ridge, where the historic depot anchors a lively main street lined with boutiques, galleries, cafes, and bakeries. The hum of anticipation builds as travelers gather on the platform, watching vintage diesel locomotives couple to a string of restored railcars. Year-round, the line is known for a comfortable mix of climate-controlled coaches and, in warmer months, open-air cars that bring you close to the river breeze. The route parallels the Toccoa, a clear, blue-green ribbon famed for trout fishing and tubing, and slips past forest glades, rustic cabins, and the kind of vistas that feel lifted from a storybook.

On the regular excursion, passengers chug north to McCaysville/Copperhill, a historic mining community that straddles the Georgia–Tennessee border. The line offers a layover to browse shops and grab a bite, then returns along the river to Blue Ridge. It’s a nostalgic, unhurried outing that pairs perfectly with the town’s farm-to-table restaurants and craft chocolate, coffee, and ice cream shops. But when the holidays arrive, the railway’s signature event shifts the mood from nostalgia to pure wonder.

The Holiday Express is a shorter, festive ride crafted with families in mind. Offered on select dates from late November into December, it trades the longer run to the state line for an intimate, spirited excursion that highlights twinkling decorations, seasonal music, and special moments with Santa. The cars are dressed in lights and garlands, and the atmosphere is cozy—typically aboard climate-controlled coaches to keep everyone warm. You’ll hear classic carols and contemporary holiday tunes as the train glides through the winter woods, and you may catch glimpses of the Toccoa flowing dark and glassy in the cold.

A hallmark of the Holiday Express is its emphasis on memory-making. Young passengers light up when Santa makes his rounds, and families savor the chance to snap photos together in a festive setting. Depending on the year, there may be storytelling featuring a beloved holiday classic, or small themed activities that keep little ones engaged while the scenery rolls by. The railway often sets up opportunities to mail letters to Santa or offers a keepsake for children; details can vary, so it’s wise to check the current season’s lineup when you book. Concessions typically include hot cocoa and sweet treats for purchase, adding to the cozy feel without overwhelming the experience.

Because the Holiday Express is shorter than the standard route, it’s an excellent fit for younger children who might find a four-hour round trip daunting. It’s also popular with grandparents, multi-generational groups, and couples seeking a low-key way to bask in seasonal cheer. The pacing is relaxed enough that you can enjoy the train ride and still have time to explore downtown Blue Ridge, which itself comes alive with window displays, twinkle-lit trees, and festive events. Many visitors build a tradition around the outing: the same weekend every year, a favorite cafe for pre-train cookies, a quick spin through the depot gift shop for an ornament, then the big moment when the whistle blows and the journey begins.

A few planning tips can help you get the most from the Holiday Express. Seats sell quickly, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas, so book early. If you’re traveling with kids, preview the experience to build anticipation—watch a train video together, talk about Santa’s visit, and pack a small bag with essentials. Arrive with time to spare. Between downtown parking, picking up tickets if needed, and finding your car and seats, a cushioned schedule keeps the mood light. Consider the time of day, too: daytime departures offer crisp views of the river and woods; late-afternoon or evening rides deliver extra sparkle as the lights glow against the early winter dusk.

Dress for comfort and warmth, especially for any time spent on the platform before boarding. Layers are your friend, and a soft blanket can be a welcome addition for smaller children. Bring a camera or phone with plenty of charge; holiday lighting is beautiful, but lower light can challenge some cameras, so steady your shot and enjoy candid moments over perfection. If you have accessibility needs, contact the railway in advance to discuss accommodations and boarding assistance. Policies around outside food and strollers may change, so review guidelines before you go. The train generally runs rain or shine, so watch the forecast and pack accordingly.

One of the joys of the Holiday Express is how naturally it combines with a day or weekend in Blue Ridge. The town’s annual Light Up Blue Ridge festivities typically usher in the season with a tree lighting, parade, and Santa appearances. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association hosts rotating exhibits in the historic courthouse, and nearby Mercier Orchards is a perennial favorite for hot cider, fried pies, and gifts. Many families choose to make a mini-getaway of the experience by renting a cabin with a fireplace and spending an evening playing board games, roasting marshmallows, and watching the stars. If you time your visit just right, you can catch the last golden leaves of late fall rides one weekend and return for the Holiday Express the next, a delightful seasonal handoff unique to the mountains.

Etiquette and stewardship add to the fun for everyone. Remember that the train passes through residential and private property along parts of the route; a friendly wave is always welcome, but please respect privacy and posted signs near the depot and parking areas. Follow crew instructions during boarding and while the train is in motion, keep aisles clear, and take care when moving between cars. If you’re traveling with excited little ones, set expectations: inside voices, walking feet, and extra patience during Santa’s visit go a long way.

At its heart, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is about connection—to place, to tradition, and to each other. The Holiday Express concentrates that feeling into a bright, joyful hour. There’s the hushed excitement as the conductor calls “All aboard,” the soft sway of the coaches as the wheels find their rhythm, and that unmistakable horn echoing across the hills. There are the small things, too: mittens clutched around a warm cup, the glow on a child’s face when Santa kneels to listen, the contented smiles of parents and grandparents who know they’ve helped create a moment that will be remembered.

As the season fills with obligations and bustle, the Holiday Express offers a gentle reminder to slow down, savor, and share. In Blue Ridge, the mountains hold the horizon steady, the river keeps its steady song, and the railway—just as it has for generations—shows that the journey itself can be the celebration. Whether you’re beginning a new family tradition or returning for the umpteenth time, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Express is a gift you give to yourself and the people you love, year after year.