Christmas Dinner Train in Chattanooga

What the Evening Is Like

The Christmas Dinner Train is a four-course holiday dinner served aboard restored vintage railcars, departing Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga for a leisurely round trip of about two and a half hours. It runs November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027, is open to guests ages 10 and up, and every party has its own reserved table.

This is a dining-first experience. The train travels at an unhurried pace through East Chattanooga so that each course, and the conversation between them, can take its time. Uniformed dining-car staff serve at your table, the cars are dressed for the season, and the setting is a restored heritage railcar rather than a restaurant dining room. It is not a sightseeing excursion: the route is urban and suburban, and the draw is the dinner, the service, and the railcars themselves. Guests board at Grand Junction Depot, 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421, and return to the same depot.

Compare the Holiday Dining Trains

Prices are per table or per private car, not per person. Dining Car tables for three are $375 for dinner and $300 for lunch; tables for four are $450 and $400. Dates, prices, and availability can change, so confirm on each booking page.

The Christmas Dinner Menu

Dinner opens with White Bean & Kale Soup with Ham. Each guest then chooses an entrée, served with garlic-herb mashed potatoes and the chef’s vegetable medley:

• Burgundy Braised Beef (gluten-free)
• Pan-Seared Airline Chicken
• Panko-Crusted Flounder
• Baked Pesto Gnocchi with spinach, mushroom, and tomato

For dessert, choose Vanilla Cheesecake with Berries, Hazelnut Crème Brûlée (gluten-free), or Caramel Apple Bread Pudding.

Water, coffee, lemonade, and sweet or unsweet iced tea are included. Wine, rosé, champagne, bourbon, and Irish coffee are available for purchase onboard. Menus are subject to change; the booking page shows the current selection for each date.

Dietary needs: limited accommodations may be available with advance notice. Call (423) 894-8028 before booking to discuss options, since requests aren’t guaranteed until confirmed and same-day substitutions may not be possible.

Choosing Your Seat

Every reservation is for a whole table, and your party is never seated with guests outside your group. There are three ways to dine:

• Dining Car: the classic layout, with tables for parties of up to four along a shared aisle and the liveliest, most social atmosphere.
• Pullman Car Clover Colony: intimate tables for two in a quieter car, and the most popular choice for couples.
• B&O Private Car No. 98: an entire private car for up to eight guests, suited to celebrations and family gatherings. Not recommended for children under 12.

Each seating type is in a different railcar, so parties booked in different types won’t be seated together. If your group is larger than four and wants to dine together, the private car is the way to do it.

“We were at a 2 person table in the Pullman car and it was beautifully decorated and comfortable. The food and service were both wonderful.” — Kevin G., Google review

Before You Go: Timing, Arrival, and What to Wear

• Length: plan on about two and a half hours aboard, round trip from Grand Junction Depot.
• Arrival: arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to park, check in, and board without rushing.
• Comfort: the railcars are climate-controlled, though temperatures can vary in historic equipment. Dress in layers for a December evening, especially for the walk across the platform.
• Dress: see the dress code on the Christmas Dinner Train page.
• Directions and parking: see Directions to Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Station FAQs.

Bringing Children? Consider the Christmas Lunch Train

The Christmas Dinner Train is for ages 10 and up. The Christmas Lunch Train is open to all ages and offers the same decorated railcars and seating choices at midday, with a three-course lunch. Entrées include Short Rib Sliders, Marinated Grilled Chicken, Crab Croquettes, and Baked Pesto Gnocchi. For a Santa visit rather than a sit-down meal, the North Pole Limited is TVRM’s family Christmas train, with hot chocolate, cookies, and storytelling.

Ringing In 2027: The New Year’s Eve Dinner Train

On December 31, the New Year’s Eve Dinner Train departs at 6:00 PM for a relaxed, three-course dinner aboard the same vintage cars. Entrées are Burgundy Braised Beef, Panko-Crusted Flounder, or Baked Pesto Gnocchi, followed by triple chocolate cake, classic apple pie, or cheesecake with fresh strawberries. It’s an alternative to a crowded restaurant or party: reserved tables, attentive service, and conversation. Pullman tables for two are limited to a single car, so couples who want one should reserve early.

Reserve Your Table

Holiday dining dates are limited, and the most popular seating, especially Pullman tables for two and the private car, goes first. Choose a date, select your seating, and pick entrées at checkout. Every ticket also supports the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s nonprofit mission to keep historic railroad equipment operating for future generations. Gift cards are available for select train rides and events.

Reserve the Christmas Dinner Train · Reserve the Christmas Lunch Train · Reserve the New Year’s Eve Dinner Train

Frequently Asked Questions