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"The Polar Express" Train Ride In North Carolina!

Published: November 4, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the heart of Bryson City, North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a beloved heritage railway that pairs vintage rail travel with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge and Smokies. Throughout the year, its scenic excursions carry passengers along river valleys, through quiet mountain towns, and into rugged gorges on restored railcars pulled by historic locomotives. Each fall brings color-soaked vistas and holiday cheer, but the star of the season is The Polar Express—an immersive, family-friendly ride that transforms the railroad into a rolling stage for one of the most cherished holiday stories in America.

About the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The railroad operates on a portion of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch, a line that once linked remote Appalachian communities to the broader Southeast. Today, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) preserves that legacy with a blend of nostalgia and comfort. Passengers depart from the depot in Bryson City, a walkable, welcoming town that doubles as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. The depot complex also houses the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, a delight for all ages featuring model layouts and rail memorabilia, typically included with train tickets.

GSMR runs several themed and scenic excursions through the year:

- Nantahala Gorge Excursion: A longer route that follows the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers to the renowned whitewater hub at the Nantahala Gorge. Expect sweeping water views, forested slopes, and a relaxed pace that invites lingering over the scenery.
- Tuckasegee River Excursion: A gentler ride through pastoral valleys to the quaint town of Dillsboro. This trip pairs well with browsing local shops and cafés during a layover.

Depending on the season, the railroad may operate both diesel-electric and steam power. When on the schedule, its restored World War II-era steam locomotive adds an extra dose of romance, with the rhythmic clatter and drifting plume that make railfans swoon. Year-round, you’ll find comfortable, climate-controlled coaches, upgraded seating options, and, in warmer months, open-air gondolas that let you smell the pines and feel the breeze.

Introducing The Polar Express

From mid-November through December (and sometimes into early January), the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad becomes The Polar Express. Inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and the beloved film, this licensed, immersive experience brings the story to life with music, characters, and a glow of holiday wonder that turns even seasoned travelers into wide-eyed kids again.

Families arrive at the Bryson City depot to twinkling lights and festive decor. Pajamas are encouraged—yes, for adults too—adding to the playful, just-before-bedtime excitement. Conductors welcome passengers aboard with friendly banter and a celebratory punch to golden tickets. As the train glides into the night, a cast of dancing chefs and servers arrives with steaming hot chocolate and cookies while the story of The Polar Express unfolds through narration and soundtrack.

The Journey to the North Pole

The Polar Express ride is a round-trip of about 75 minutes. The route travels through the quiet winter countryside to an illuminated North Pole scene along the line. As the train slows, kids press their noses to the windows to spot Santa, elves, and a miniature village sparkling with lights. Santa then boards the train to visit with each car, greeting children and presenting the signature “first gift of Christmas”—a silver sleigh bell—to the delight of little hands and camera-holding grown-ups. On the return ride, carols and holiday sing-alongs bring the car alive, and the crew keeps energy high with warm humor and gentle guidance.

What Makes It Special

- Multi-sensory storytelling: The combination of motion, music, costumes, and treats turns a simple train ride into a live theater experience.
- Family-first design: The pacing, length, and activities are tailored for children, but parents and grandparents find plenty to love in the nostalgia factor.
- A North Carolina setting: There’s something magical about rolling through the Smokies at night, with distant hills, river reflections, and a mountain-town glow at the depot.

Seating, Classes, and Accessibility

GSMR typically offers multiple seating classes on The Polar Express, ranging from standard coach to upgraded and premium options with roomier seating and added touches. All cars are heated, and restrooms are generally available on board. The railroad works to accommodate guests with mobility considerations; when booking, note any accessibility needs so staff can assign suitable cars and boarding assistance. Exact classes, layouts, and amenities can vary by season and date, so check the official site for current details.

When to Go and How to Book

Tickets for The Polar Express are among the most sought-after in the region, with peak evening and weekend departures selling out early. If your schedule is flexible, consider weekday rides for more availability and potentially better pricing. Early- to mid-December dates strike a balance between holiday anticipation and crowd levels, though the entire season carries a festive vibe. To secure your preferred date, time, and class, book as far in advance as possible through the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s official website. Pricing varies by date and class; dynamic demand means holidays and prime evenings typically cost more.

Practical Tips for a Seamless Visit

- Arrive early: Plan to be at the depot at least an hour before departure to allow time for parking, ticket pickup (if needed), photos, and a relaxed boarding experience.
- Dress in layers: Even with heated cars, the platform and North Pole viewing can be brisk. Pajamas plus jackets and hats work well; comfortable shoes are a must.
- Bring a small bag: Tuck in essentials—tickets, phone/camera, a backup charger, and maybe a small blanket for little riders. Keep bags compact to avoid clutter.
- Plan photos smartly: Low-light conditions can challenge phone cameras. Increase exposure carefully or use Night mode. During Santa’s visit, designate one adult as the photographer so you don’t miss the moment.
- Explore Bryson City: Before or after your ride, enjoy downtown’s holiday lights, bakeries, and local shops. Many families make a day of it with lunch, a stroll, and the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum.
- Have a backup plan: Weather in the mountains can shift quickly. The railroad operates in most conditions, but stay flexible and watch for official updates.

Beyond The Polar Express: Year-Round Appeal

While the holiday experience gets the headlines, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad shines in every season. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing rivers; summer offers leafy canopies and open-air cars; fall is a kaleidoscope of color with special leaf-peeper departures. Some excursions include onboard dining or layovers for rafting, zip-lining, or browsing mountain-town boutiques. If The Polar Express is your introduction to GSMR, consider a return visit for a longer day trip in warmer weather—the routes feel entirely different with each season’s light and color.

Why It Works for Families and Memory-Makers

At its best, a heritage railroad ride is about slowing down to savor time together—watching scenes pass outside the window while stories and snacks circulate inside the car. The Polar Express adds a layer of ritual and myth, turning a train trip into an annual tradition. Kids beam at golden tickets and sleigh bells; grandparents get wistful about the romance of trains; parents appreciate an activity that feels special without being complicated. In an age of screens, the tactile charm of an old-fashioned journey makes this experience feel genuinely restorative.

Final Thoughts

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad delivers on two fronts: it’s a scenic, historically rooted way to experience the Carolina mountains, and it’s an imaginative stage for holiday magic. Whether you’re a rail buff, a parent creating new traditions, or a traveler collecting memorable experiences, a ride on GSMR—and especially The Polar Express—proves that some of the best journeys run on nostalgia, cocoa, and the simple thrill of a whistle in the night. For current schedules, classes, pricing, and accessibility information, visit the railroad’s official website and book early. Then pack your pajamas, charge your camera, and let the season’s most enchanting train carry you to the North Pole and back.