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A Tennessee Christmas Train Ride On The Santa Express!

Published: October 26, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked just a few minutes from downtown Nashville, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum is a living, rolling tribute to Middle Tennessee’s railroading past—and an unexpected source of family fun year-round. Run largely by passionate volunteers, the museum preserves the legacy of the historic Tennessee Central Railway while inviting visitors to experience rail travel the way it used to be: in vintage passenger coaches behind classic diesel locomotives, on real rails, through real countryside. Among its most beloved traditions is the Santa Express, a festive holiday train that has become a must-do seasonal outing for countless families across the region.

A brief look at the museum’s roots helps explain why the Santa Express resonates so strongly. The original Tennessee Central Railway stitched together communities across the state for decades, carrying passengers and freight through Nashville and points east and west. Like many mid-20th-century railroads, it faced financial headwinds and eventually ceased operations. Years later, local railroaders, historians, modelers, and community members rallied to save what they could—equipment, artifacts, and stories—and to keep railroading alive in a hands-on way. The result is the Tennessee Central Railway Museum: part exhibit space, part workshop, part rail yard, and part departure point for excursion trains that make history tangible.

On non-operating days, the museum offers a look at restored equipment, memorabilia, photographs, and model layouts that bring Tennessee’s rail era to life. But the magic really happens when the museum’s excursion schedule kicks in. Using historic passenger cars and vintage diesel power, volunteers host themed rides along the Nashville-area rails, typically on weekends. These trips showcase the gentle rhythm of rail travel you can’t appreciate from a car: the sway of the coach, the ever-changing views of towns and fields, and the camaraderie among people who, for a few hours, share a destination and a story.

The Santa Express is the museum’s signature holiday outing. Often scheduled throughout late November and December, the ride transforms the excursion train into a rolling wonderland of festive decor, music, and cheer. Depending on the year, departures may run during the day or at twilight, and the route usually follows the museum’s standard excursion corridor through Middle Tennessee—long enough to feel like an adventure, but short enough to be friendly for younger riders. The exact schedule and route can vary, so it’s best to check the museum’s official site for current details and ticketing.

What can you expect on board? From the moment you step onto the platform, the Santa Express leans into the season. Coaches are typically decked with garland and lights, and volunteers—some in elf hats—help families find their seats. As the train eases out of the yard, car hosts share safety tips and point out features of the rolling stock. Soon the countryside unfolds outside the windows, and inside the coaches, the holiday spirit builds. Seasonal music sets the tone; kids compare wish lists; and parents exhale as the train’s steady hum does its calming work.

Santa himself is the star, of course. On most Santa Express runs, he makes his way through the cars to greet children, pose for photos, and hear requests. Many families bring letters to hand to Santa; others bring a favorite book for a quick photo. The volunteers keep traffic flowing so everyone gets face time. Some years, there may be small take-home treats or souvenirs for kids; sometimes you’ll find a concession car offering snacks and hot cocoa. While specifics vary, the guiding idea is consistent: a relaxed, memorable encounter with Santa in a setting that feels timeless.

A few practical notes help families make the most of the experience. Tickets for the Santa Express often go on sale weeks or months in advance and tend to sell out quickly. If this is a tradition you hope to start, join the museum’s mailing list or mark your calendar to watch for the release date. Plan to arrive early—30 to 45 minutes before departure is common—to allow time for parking, ticket checks, and a quick look around the equipment before boarding. Strollers may need to be folded or stored due to the aisles’ width, and while many cars have restrooms, it’s smart to plan a quick restroom stop before departure. Dress in layers; some families wear festive outfits or even pajamas to lean into the “North Pole” feel, and the climate control can vary slightly from car to car.

Accessibility is a priority for the museum, but vintage equipment does come with constraints. If anyone in your party has mobility needs, reach out to the museum ahead of time to understand boarding options and available accommodations. Likewise, if you’re curious about seating arrangements, group bookings, or special requests like celebrating a birthday on board, the volunteer team is usually happy to help with guidance.

Beyond the family fun, the Santa Express supports a larger mission. Proceeds help the museum preserve and restore historic rail equipment—work that requires specialized skills, tools, and a lot of elbow grease. Volunteers maintain locomotives and coaches so they can meet modern safety standards while still looking and feeling like the classics they are. Riding the Santa Express isn’t just festive; it’s a way to keep living history alive and accessible for future generations.

For many Middle Tennessee families, the Santa Express has become a cherished annual ritual. There’s something inherently cinematic about a holiday train: the dim light, the glow of the decorations, the quiet moments at the window where a child presses a mittened hand to the glass and watches fields slip by. In an age of screens and schedules, the train creates a pocket of time where everyone is headed in the same direction, together, with nothing to do but enjoy the ride. That simplicity is part of its enduring appeal.

If you’re planning your first trip, a few tips can elevate the experience. Book early to secure your preferred date and time. Build a little extra cushion around your schedule—after the ride, you might want a few minutes to take photos by the locomotive or browse any available museum merchandise. Bring a small bag with essentials for kids: a water bottle, wipes, and a favorite small toy. Charge your phone for photos, but consider swapping snapshots with a brief screen break to soak in the sights and sounds. And if you can, make a day of it: combine the train with a visit to a Nashville holiday market, a local light display, or a cozy meal nearby.

The Tennessee Central Railway Museum offers much more than a single seasonal attraction. Throughout the year, it runs themed excursions—fall foliage rides, special-event trains, and community outings—that highlight different facets of Tennessee’s landscape and culture. But the Santa Express stands out for the way it marries nostalgia, hospitality, and holiday wonder. It turns a simple round-trip into a memory that often lasts long after the ornaments are packed away.

To learn more, check the museum’s official website for current schedules, fares, and policies, as details can change year to year. If you’re traveling with a larger group or have specific questions, reach out to the museum directly—volunteers can share the latest updates on routes, car assignments, and any special touches planned for the season. And when you step aboard, take a moment to appreciate the layers at work: the craft of the restorers, the dedication of the crew, the history in the steel, and the joy on kids’ faces when Santa appears at the end of the aisle. That’s the heart of the Santa Express—and of the Tennessee Central Railway Museum itself.