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A North Carolina Christmas Train Ride On The Santa Express!

Tucked into the piney woods of southern Wake County, just a short drive from Raleigh, the New Hope Valley Railway is one of North Carolina’s most charming heritage railroads. Operated entirely by volunteers and home to the North Carolina Railway Museum, this living history attraction has been delighting families, railfans, and curious day-trippers for decades. Its mission is simple but powerful: preserve the state’s railroading past by putting real trains on real tracks—and inviting you aboard.

About The Railroad

The railway’s excursion rides typically last about an hour and cover a few miles of historic track near the unincorporated community of Bonsal (close to New Hill, Apex, and Holly Springs). Known locally as “the Triangle’s Train,” New Hope Valley Railway offers a surprisingly immersive experience. Instead of static displays behind ropes, you get the sounds of horns and bells, the gentle sway of the cars, the scent of creosote and pine, and the scenery of a Carolina forest rolling by. The passenger consist usually includes open-air cars and vintage coaches pulled by preserved diesel locomotives. On select dates, the railway also operates steam-powered trips, a crowd favorite when available.

As a museum, the site features historic rolling stock, cabooses, and exhibits that tell the story of regional railroading and the small towns that grew up around it. There’s also a popular garden-scale model railroad that children love to watch before or after their ride. Volunteers—conductors, engineers, car hosts, docents, and behind-the-scenes crews—keep everything running. Many are lifelong rail enthusiasts, while others simply love sharing a hands-on piece of North Carolina history with visitors.

While the railway’s regular excursions run much of the year, the calendar really comes alive with themed events. The Santa Express, held during the Christmas season, is the most anticipated of them all. It’s the day when the museum grounds transform into a festive depot, and the train becomes a rolling holiday celebration for all ages.

What makes the Santa Express special isn’t just the decorations, though there are plenty of twinkling lights and seasonal touches across the property. It’s the atmosphere of cheerful bustle that feels like a holiday postcard brought to life. Families arrive bundled in coats and hats, clutching thermoses and anticipation. Volunteers greet guests with the practiced warmth of seasoned hosts. Holiday music drifts through the station area. Kids scan for the first glimpse of the big man in red.

Once aboard, the ride offers exactly what you hope for: time together. As the train sets off, the world slows to the gentle clatter of wheels on rail. The wooded landscape frames the experience with winter’s quiet beauty, and the open-air cars give a crisp, bracing feel that’s tailor-made for December. Children peer over the sides for a glimpse of reindeer decorations or a friendly wave from a trackside volunteer. Inside the coaches, families chat, sip warm drinks they brought along, and keep their cameras ready.

Santa is the star of the show, of course, and he makes time to visit with children on board. Expect big smiles, short conversations, and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a wonderfully informal, close-up experience—more like meeting a friend than standing in a long mall line. Many families make it an annual tradition, returning year after year to re-create their favorite snapshots as the kids grow.

Back at the station, the holiday mood continues. You’ll often find seasonal displays, the model railroad in motion, and volunteers ready to answer questions about the equipment. The gift shop is a great place to pick up train-themed stocking stuffers, local souvenirs, and kids’ conductor hats. The whole scene feels handcrafted because it is—planned and executed by an all-volunteer crew that takes pride in getting the details right.

Because the Santa Express is so popular, tickets typically sell out early. If this ride is on your wish list, keep an eye on the railway’s official announcements and book as soon as dates are released. Trains run on specific December weekends and sometimes select weekdays, with multiple departures per day. Seating is assigned per car and departure time. Arrive early to check in, explore the grounds, and settle in without rushing—30 to 45 minutes ahead is a comfortable buffer.

Practical Tips

Here are a few practical tips to make the most of your visit:

- Dress in layers. Open-air cars are a lot of fun but can be cold; even enclosed cars can feel chilly on winter days.
- Bring your camera or phone with plenty of storage. The encounters with Santa and the atmospheric station area make for great photos.
- Plan for simple logistics. Strollers may need to be folded on board, and pets should stay home unless they are trained service animals.
- Snacks and drinks: offerings vary by date, so bringing a thermos of cocoa and tidy snacks is a safe bet. Always check current guidelines when you purchase tickets.
- Parking is on site; volunteers help direct traffic. Follow their cues and allow a little extra time if you’re on a peak departure.
- Accessibility: the museum strives to accommodate guests, but heritage equipment can have limitations. If someone in your party has mobility needs, contact the railway ahead of time to discuss boarding options.

First Time Visitors

For first-time visitors wondering what to expect beyond the Santa Express, the New Hope Valley Railway offers a full slate of themed rides throughout the year—spring and summer excursions, fall events, and specialty runs.

Each trip is anchored in the same core experience: being on a real train with a real crew, connecting past and present in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. School groups and scout troops often visit for field trips and badge work, and the museum’s hands-on vibe makes it a magnet for locomotive lovers of all ages.

The story behind the rails adds depth to the experience. The line itself traces back to early 20th-century regional rail building and the small carriers that tied communities to markets and larger rail networks.

While modern highways have eclipsed branch-line railroading for most daily travel, heritage railways like New Hope Valley preserve not just equipment but the feel of a mode of transportation that shaped towns, industries, and family histories across the state. Stepping aboard is a direct, tactile connection to that heritage.

If you’re local to the Triangle and want to get involved, the railway welcomes volunteers across a range of roles—operations, restoration, track maintenance, events, and guest services.

No experience is necessary; training is provided, and there’s something deeply satisfying about helping keep an authentic railroad running. Many volunteers say the Santa Express is their favorite time to serve, because the joy is palpable and the mission feels especially meaningful.

Final Thoughts

For families seeking a holiday tradition, the Santa Express hits a sweet spot. It’s festive without being frenetic, nostalgic without being fussy, and memorable without requiring elaborate planning. You get the magic of trains, the delight of meeting Santa, and the simple pleasure of sharing an unhurried hour together. In a season that can easily become a blur, that may be the greatest gift of all.

Details such as dates, departure times, ticket availability, pricing, and onboard offerings can change from year to year, so always check the New Hope Valley Railway’s official channels before you go. Plan ahead, arrive early, bundle up, and bring your holiday spirit. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, the Triangle’s Train is ready to make your season bright.