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A Georgia Christmas Train Ride In Cordele

Published: November 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

If you’re looking for a holiday outing that blends small-town charm, living history, and pure family fun, south Georgia’s SAM Shortline Railroad and its Cordele Holiday Train deliver in spades. The SAM Shortline is an excursion railroad based around Cordele and Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. Its vintage railcars and relaxed pace make every ride feel like a step back in time. During the holiday season, the Cordele Holiday Train adds twinkling lights, festive music, and the kind of memories that stick with kids (and parents) long after the last carol fades.

Heart of Georgia Railroad GP40 #1740 - which powers the SAM Shortline excursions - has the westbound "River Runner" at New Point, Georgia on December 12, 2008. Doug Kroll photo.

What is the SAM Shortline?

SAM stands for Savannah, Americus and Montgomery, the 19th‑century railroad that once connected east and west across Georgia. Portions of that historic route are now the domain of the SAM Shortline Excursion Train, operated in partnership with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. Rather than hauling freight or commuters, SAM carries stories: of depots and depots-turned-museums, of rural communities, and of the era when rail travel was the heart of American mobility.

Today, SAM’s excursions typically roll between Cordele, Georgia Veterans State Park, Americus, Leslie, Archery, and Plains—Jimmy Carter’s hometown—on track maintained for modern use. The train itself is part of the attraction. Restored, climate-controlled cars from the mid-20th century offer a comfortable ride, big windows for soaking up the scenery, and a tangible connection to railroading’s golden age. On many excursions you’ll find a snack car, friendly crew members who love to talk trains, and layovers that invite you to explore small-town main streets, museums, and historic sites like the Windsor Hotel or the Rural Telephone Museum.

Introducing the Cordele Holiday Train

Every year, when the calendar flips to late November and December, SAM Shortline shifts into celebration mode with the Cordele Holiday Train. It’s a shorter, festive ride designed specifically for the season—perfect for families with younger children or anyone who wants a dash of holiday cheer without committing to a full-day excursion.

While specific details vary year to year, the core experience is consistent: you board in Cordele, step into a railcar decked out for the holidays, and enjoy an evening run accompanied by seasonal music and old-fashioned merriment. Expect a relaxed, out‑and‑back journey that emphasizes atmosphere over distance—enough time to settle in, sip a warm drink, and soak up the glow.

What to expect on board

- Festive ambiance: Cars are trimmed with holiday decorations and filled with the sound of familiar carols. The evening departures make the lights feel extra cozy, and the train’s gentle sway adds to the magic.

- Family-friendly fun: Children are front and center. Staff and volunteers keep the mood bright, and many seasons feature visits from Santa or his helpers. Kids often leave with big smiles and bigger stories.

- Classic concessions: Onboard snack service is a hallmark of SAM trips. Menus vary, but hot cocoa and sweet treats fit the season. You can typically purchase snacks during the ride.

- Comfortable seating: Cars are climate-controlled with comfortable seats arranged for conversation and views. You won’t be roughing it, even if the weather outside turns nippy.

- A window on south Georgia: The route offers glimpses of small-town lights, pine forests, and the quiet landscapes that define the region. It’s a reminder that the holidays shine brightest in simple moments shared.

When and how long

The Cordele Holiday Train generally runs on select dates between late November and December, often with multiple departures per evening. The ride itself is designed to be easy on attention spans—typically around an hour, give or take. That’s enough time to enjoy the full experience without pushing bedtime too far, even for very young riders. Because schedules can shift, it’s best to check the official SAM Shortline website for exact dates, times, and availability each season.

Tickets, seating, and accessibility

Ticketing for the holiday train is straightforward, and the rides tend to sell out. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekend evenings and closer to Christmas. SAM Shortline offers various seating options on many of its excursions. For the holiday train, you’ll typically find standard coach seating; premium options may be offered some seasons. If you have accessibility needs, look for notes on ADA-accessible cars and boarding locations in the year’s event details. Crew members are practiced at assisting families with strollers and grandparents with mobility considerations—just arrive a little early and let them know what you need.

Boarding and parking

Most seasons, the Cordele Holiday Train boards in downtown Cordele or a nearby designated SAM depot location. Parking is generally adjacent to the boarding area and clearly marked on event days. To keep things stress-free, plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, restroom breaks, and photos before boarding. The pre‑ride buzz—kids in pajamas, couples in cozy sweaters, local volunteers sharing directions—is part of the charm.

Tips to make the most of it

- Book early: Popular dates can fill weeks in advance. If your schedule is flexible, look at earlier season dates for more options.

- Dress in layers: Cars are heated, but the platform can feel brisk on December evenings. Layers make everyone comfortable.

- Bring a small bag: Tuck in wipes, a light jacket, and a phone for photos. Keep it compact; aisle space matters on trains.

- Plan for photos: The depot and the decorated cars create great backdrops. If Santa is scheduled, there’s usually a moment for a quick snap.

- Pair it with a day trip: Cordele is an easy base for exploring. Before your evening ride, visit Georgia Veterans State Park and its museum, stroll Americus or Plains on an earlier excursion day in the season, or enjoy Lake Blackshear’s views and trails.

Why it resonates

Part of the Cordele Holiday Train’s appeal is that it’s authentic. It’s not a theme park overlay—it’s a real train on a historic line, operated by people who care about preservation and community. That authenticity gives the experience a grounded warmth that’s hard to manufacture. You’ll likely meet crew members who can tell you when a car was built or how the line once tied communities together. You’ll see multi‑generational families making the ride part of their annual tradition. And you’ll feel, for an hour or so, like you’ve been welcomed into a local celebration that’s bigger than any one event.

The bigger picture

Excursion railroads like SAM Shortline do more than entertain. They keep history moving—literally—by maintaining equipment, teaching new generations of railfans and travelers, and channeling tourism dollars into small towns that benefit from seasonal visitors. When you buy a ticket, you’re helping fund preservation work that ensures these cars and this line don’t become static museum pieces. You’re also supporting local jobs, vendors, and nonprofits that often partner on holiday events.

How to get tickets

Each fall, SAM Shortline posts its holiday schedule, pricing, and booking details on its official website. You can purchase tickets online and, if space remains, sometimes at the depot on event nights. Because dates and offerings change annually, rely on the official listing for the definitive word on boarding location, departure times, seating types, accessibility, and any special features (like Santa visits) planned for the season.

A final word

The Cordele Holiday Train is the kind of simple joy that becomes a family ritual. It’s manageable, affordable, and meaningful—a rare combination during a season that can easily tip toward frenzy. Wrap up warm, arrive a little early, and let the soft glow of a vintage railcar carry you into the holidays. With SAM Shortline steering the journey, you’ll get a timeless memory and a tangible connection to Georgia’s railroading past—all in one festive ride.