North Carolina Christmas Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Last revised: January 4, 2025
By: Adam Burns
While they are very popular, not every heritage railroad and museum wants to host officially licensed "The Polar Express" train rides due to the costs involved. As a result, many organizations have taken to operating their own Christmas-themed experiences, and each one is just a bit different!
In North Carolina you can ride such a train at the New Hope Valley Railway in Bonsol. More information about their trips may be found further below. If you are interested in locations in the Tarheel State offering official "The Polar Express" rides please visit this page.
Other Activities
North Carolina is a state that embraces the Christmas spirit and offers a variety of holiday events and festivities for locals and visitors alike. From festive light displays to holiday markets, there is something for everyone during the holiday season.
If you are interested in some other ways to enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends that doesn't include a train ride, here are some of the most popular Christmas events that occur throughout North Carolina each year.
Holiday Festival of Lights (Enchanted Airlie)
(Wilmington): The North Carolina Arboretum hosts the Holiday Festival of Lights each year. With more than 500,000 lights and numerous displays, visitors can stroll through the gardens and experience the magic of the holiday season. In addition to the light displays, the festival also features live music, hot cocoa, and other festive treats.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
(Clemmons): The Tanglewood Park transforms into a winter wonderland with more than 1 million lights during the holiday season. Visitors can drive through the park and enjoy the light displays, including a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree made entirely out of lights. In addition to the drive-through, visitors can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride or enjoy the holiday festivities at the park's barn.
The Moravian Christmas Lovefeast
(Winston-Salem): The Moravian Christmas Lovefeast is a traditional holiday event that takes place at the historic Old Salem Museums & Gardens in Winston-Salem. Visitors gather in the candlelit sanctuary for a special service that includes hymns, prayers, and the sharing of a sweet bun and coffee or cider, symbolizing the love and fellowship of the season.
The Festival of Lights
(Greensboro): The Festival of Lights in Greensboro is a popular event that has been taking place for over 30 years. Visitors can drive through the festival's light displays or take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, enjoying the twinkling lights and festive holiday music. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa Claus.
In conclusion, North Carolina offers a variety of holiday events and festivities for locals and visitors alike. From light displays to holiday markets, there is something for everyone during the holiday season.
Overview
New Hope Valley Railway
(Bonsol): One of North Carolina's hidden treasures is the New Hope Valley Railway, a division of the North Carolina Railway Museum.
It is one of only two locations in the state where the public can experience a heritage railroad (the other is in Spencer at the North Carolina Transportation Museum).
Situated southwest of Raleigh in the small community of Bonsol the New Hope Valley Railway operates a 5 mile section of the former Seaboard Air Line to New Hill.
They offer a nice experience and their close proximity to Raleigh, the Research Triangle, and the I-40 corridor allows the museum to draw nice crowds each year.
For train enthusiasts you can see several preserved diesel switchers and two steam locomotives, Carbon Limestone 0-4-0T #17 and Cliffside 2-6-2 #110.
Both of this historic engines are currently under restoration and should further bolster ridership once they are back under steam.
During the month of December, on select weekends, the railroad hosts Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express where kids can meet Santa, take pictures, and enjoy a festive holiday experience.
Please note! These trips are hosted in open-air cars so please dress accordingly.
Aberdeen, Carolina & Western
The Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railway is a short line operating in the southwestern-south central part of North Carolina between Charlotte and Aberdeen/Gulf. The railroad currently operates about 139 miles of track.
In 2023 the AC&W announced its first ever Carolina Christmas Train running as far as Star, North Carolina.
2025 Dates
Not currently available.
Recent Articles
-
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides In Essex!
Jan 12, 26 10:39 AM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Florida Scenic Train Rides In Parrish!
Jan 11, 26 10:26 PM
The Florida Railroad Museum (FRRM) in Parrish offers something increasingly rare in today’s rail landscape: a chance to ride historic equipment over a surviving fragment of an early-20th-century mainl… -
California's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:28 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Georgia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:07 PM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 01:43 PM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides In Duluth!
Jan 11, 26 01:32 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello!
Jan 11, 26 12:42 PM
the Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Alabama's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:29 AM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Maryland Dinner Train Rides At WMSR!
Jan 10, 26 09:13 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Arkansas Dinner Train Rides On The A&M!
Jan 10, 26 09:11 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
South Dakota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:08 AM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular "1880 Train" at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips! -
Wisconsin's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:07 AM
Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure. -
Missouri's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:05 AM
Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to one location hosting these unique excursion experiences. -
Washington ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:04 AM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Kentucky Scenic Train Rides At KRM!
Jan 09, 26 11:13 PM
Located in the small town of New Haven the Kentucky Railway Museum offers a combination of historic equipment and popular excursions. -
Washington "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:53 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:21 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Kentucky's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:12 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Utah's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:05 PM
This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah! -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides At NCTM!
Jan 09, 26 12:51 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped…
