1. Home
 ›
2. Halloween Train Rides
 ›
3. Tennessee

Tennessee Halloween Train Rides

Published: October 15, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tennessee’s rail heritage comes alive each October with pumpkins, costumes, and the kind of fall color that makes a train window feel like a movie screen. If you’re looking for a Halloween outing that blends nostalgia with just the right amount of spooky fun, a themed train ride is hard to beat. Below are the best-known Halloween train experiences in Tennessee, what to expect from each, and practical tips for planning your trip. Offerings can change from year to year, so always check the operators’ official sites before you book.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Halloween Eerie Express (Chattanooga)

The Halloween Eerie Express at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is a long-running family favorite. It layers classic railroading with Halloween fun that’s intentionally more charming than chilling, making it ideal for younger riders, multigenerational groups, and anyone who prefers harvest vibes to horror.

What to expect:
- A themed version of TVRM’s Missionary Ridge Local. The ride typically follows the museum’s historic route between Grand Junction and East Chattanooga, passing through a pre-1900s tunnel and, conditions permitting, pausing for a turntable demonstration. Watching a locomotive spin on the turntable is a crowd-pleaser for kids and railfans alike.
- Station-side festivities at Grand Junction. In recent seasons, TVRM has paired the train trip with Halloween activities back at the station, such as trick-or-treat stations, a family-friendly fun house or mini-maze, carnival-style games, and meet-and-greets with costumed characters. Expect a festive backdrop for photos.
- Kid-friendly atmosphere. The Eerie Express is designed to be spooky-lite: think pumpkins, lights, and giggles over jump scares. Costumes are encouraged, but keep props simple and family-appropriate.
- Timing. The train portion is roughly an hour, while the complete experience (ride plus activities) usually runs a couple of hours. Departures tend to concentrate on October weekends and selected evenings.

Planning tips:
- Book early. Prime dates sell out, especially the late-October weekend evenings.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure. There’s a lot to see on the grounds, and check-in lines move faster if you’re not rushing.
- Bring layers. Evenings can cool quickly in the valley.
- Accessibility. TVRM operates vintage equipment, so accessibility varies by car. If mobility is a concern, call ahead to confirm accommodations and boarding assistance.

Tennessee Central Railway Museum’s Halloween Excursions (Nashville)

Based in Nashville, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum (TCRM) offers seasonal day trips aboard restored mid-century passenger cars over the Nashville & Eastern line. Each year’s schedule is unique, but fall often includes Halloween-themed excursions—most notably a Halloween Murder Mystery Train to Watertown or a costume-friendly special that plays up the season.

What to expect:
- Live entertainment. On murder mystery trains, actors weave a whodunit through the cars, with clues, characters, and comedic asides unfolding en route. It’s more theatrical than terrifying, with plots that nod to October but stay light enough for a broad audience. Some Halloween runs have also featured on-board trick-or-treating for kids during selected years.
- Classic streamliner ambiance. TCRM’s fleet includes vintage coaches that evoke the golden age of rail travel, complete with picture windows for fall foliage views.
- A town stopover. Many excursions pause in Watertown, where riders can explore the town square, grab lunch, and enjoy seasonal festivities. Around Halloween, you may find themed activities, decorations, or small-town events to extend the fun.
- Varying vibe by departure. Some Halloween trips skew family-friendly; others (particularly murder mysteries and certain evening runs) feel more adult-oriented. Check age guidance before booking.

Planning tips:
- Reserve seats by class. TCRM typically offers multiple seating tiers. Prices vary by car and amenities. If you want a group to sit together, book in a single order and early.
- Bring snacks. Food offerings can be limited, so confirm whether carry-ons are allowed for your date. Many guests pack picnic-style fare; alcohol policies vary by excursion.
- Expect a half- to full-day event. With travel time and town layovers, you’ll likely spend several hours on the experience.
- Costumes welcome. When in doubt, opt for comfortable, walkable footwear—you’ll want to explore during the stopover.

Dollywood Express during Great Pumpkin LumiNights (Pigeon Forge)

While the Dollywood Express isn’t a dedicated “haunted train,” it becomes an atmospheric star during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights. A ride behind the park’s coal-fired steam locomotives at dusk, with the Smokies silhouetted and the park glowing in thousands of illuminated pumpkins and whimsical displays, is pure seasonal magic.

What to expect:
- A scenic, sensory ride. The sights, smells, and sounds of a real steam train paired with towering pumpkin sculptures and creative light installations set a cozy, not-creepy mood. It’s ideal for families and anyone who wants the Halloween spirit without the scares.
- Included with park admission. No separate train ticket is required, but lines can be long during peak evenings.
- Frequent departures. Trains run throughout the day; twilight and evening departures are most atmospheric during LumiNights.

Planning tips:
- Go early on a weekday if you can. Crowds swell on weekends.
- Hit the train before the evening rush. Then circle back to enjoy LumiNights on foot once it’s fully dark.
- Stroller strategy. Park your stroller in designated areas near the depot to board more smoothly.

How to choose the right Halloween train

- Consider your scare level. If your group includes little ones or anyone sensitive to jump scares, TVRM’s Halloween Eerie Express and Dollywood’s LumiNights are reliably gentle. If your crew loves interactive theater and campy capers, TCRM’s Halloween murder mystery can be a memorable pick.
- Think about time commitment. TVRM’s experience is a few hours door-to-door; Dollywood’s is part of a full park day; TCRM excursions can occupy most of a day.
- Weigh the extras. Do you want hands-on activities (Eerie Express), a vintage railcar experience with a small-town stop (TCRM), or a theme-park immersion (Dollywood)?

Quick tips for any Halloween rail adventure

- Buy tickets as soon as dates drop. October sells fast.
- Check the fine print. Age recommendations, costume guidelines, snack rules, and boarding procedures vary.
- Dress in layers and closed-toe shoes. You may board from outdoor platforms and stroll uneven surfaces.
- Build in buffer time. Vintage trains and special events can run on their own rhythm. Aim to arrive early and keep your post-event schedule loose.
- Bring a small bag. Water, hand wipes, a light sweater, and a portable phone charger go a long way.

Final word

Tennessee’s Halloween train scene shines because it blends authentic railroading with fall traditions—steam whistles echoing over pumpkin displays, candy corn shared in a vintage coach, a turntable show the kids will talk about all year. For a family-first celebration, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Halloween Eerie Express is a standout. For theater on the rails and a day out from Nashville, keep an eye on the Tennessee Central Railway Museum’s Halloween excursions. And for an autumn night that glows, ride the Dollywood Express during Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Dates and details can change each season, so check the official calendars and book early. Then sit back, listen for the whistle, and enjoy Halloween by rail in the Volunteer State.