SANTA’S HIWASSEE HOLIDAY

Experience a joyful holiday getaway aboard Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train, where classic Christmas traditions meet unforgettable mountain scenery. Families love this ride for its cozy atmosphere, festive activities, and personal time with Santa.

Here’s what makes it special:

• 🎅 Meet Santa up close — photos, smiles, and a small holiday keepsake for every child

• 🍪 Classic holiday treats — chocolate chip cookie & chilled chocolate milk

• ✉️ Letter-writing fun — kids write a letter to Santa onboard

• ❄️ Heated vintage coaches — stay warm and cozy throughout the trip

• 🌄 Breathtaking mountain views — follow the river through the scenic gorge

• 🔔 Souvenirs to take home — boarding pass + holiday bell

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Assigned seating — families always sit together

• 🧝 Festive storytelling & holiday characters — keep the magic going from start to finish

This experience blends relaxation, nostalgia, and holiday magic—perfect for making warm memories that last all year.

🛤️ Itinerary at a Glance

• Board at Delano Station and get comfortable in your assigned seats

• Children can write their letter to Santa as the ride begins

• Enjoy a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk

• Travel through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge

• Santa boards the train for personal greetings and photo opportunities

• Children hand their letters directly to Santa

• Receive a keepsake bell and commemorative boarding pass

• Return to Delano Station to complete your holiday train experience

Know Before You Go

🚂 Route & Scenery
This is a scenic out-and-back train ride through the Hiwassee River Gorge. The train travels the same route in both directions, following the river and mountain landscape. Views are visible from both sides of the train, though scenery may vary slightly depending on seating location.

⏱️ Experience Length
The total experience lasts approximately 60–75 minutes, including boarding, onboard activities, Santa’s visit, and the return to Delano Station. Actual time in motion may feel shorter or longer depending on the pace of activities onboard.

🧥 Boarding & Arrival
Guests may wait outdoors briefly prior to boarding. We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early and dressing warmly, especially for children, during cooler weather.

👨‍👩‍👧 Seating Information
All seating is assigned in advance to keep families and groups together. If your group is booking separately but wants to sit together, please use the same Primary Name on each reservation or request a split-payment link before arrival.

👶 Traveling with Young Children
This ride is family-friendly and suitable for infants and young children. Strollers must be folded and stored during the ride, and caregivers should plan for brief outdoor waits during boarding.

🔥 Comfort Onboard
All coaches used for holiday rides are heated and climate-controlled for a cozy, comfortable experience throughout the trip.

📸 Photos & Keepsakes
Photos are welcome throughout the ride. Each passenger receives a commemorative boarding pass and a festive holiday bell to take home.

This experience is designed to be relaxed, festive, and memorable — perfect for families looking for a cozy holiday tradition in a scenic setting.

⏰ 1. How early should we arrive before departure?

We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, and getting comfortably seated before the train departs. Guests may wait outdoors briefly prior to boarding, so please dress warmly—especially for children.

🅿️ 2. Is parking available at the Delano station?

Yes. Free parking is available on-site at the Delano boarding location.

♿ 3. Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Historic rail cars were built before accessibility standards existed. While wheelchairs cannot be accommodated onboard, guests who can board with assistance and occupy a standard seat are welcome. The ADA provides exemptions for historic rail equipment.

👶 4. Can we bring strollers?

We recommend leaving strollers in your vehicle, as guests remain on the train for the duration of the ride and return directly to their cars afterward. If needed, compact strollers may be brought onboard but must be folded and stored during the ride. Large strollers are not recommended due to limited space.

📅 5. Can I switch my ticket to a different date?

Changes may be possible depending on availability. Please contact our ticket office as soon as possible for assistance.

⏳ 6. What happens if we miss our scheduled departure?

Because the train operates on a fixed schedule, departures cannot be held. If you think you may be delayed, please contact us as soon as possible. Missed departures are not refundable, so we strongly recommend arriving early.

🎟️ 7. How do we split payment and still sit together?

Use the same Primary Name on each booking or request a split-payment link. This ensures we can seat your group together. Bookings under different names may be seated separately due to assigned seating. Email [email protected] to link bookings.

📸 8. Are photos allowed on the train?

Yes! Guests are welcome to take photos throughout the ride. Santa will also stop for photos during his visit to each car.

🐾 9. Are pets allowed on the train?

Only service animals trained to perform specific tasks are permitted onboard.

🥤 10. Are outside beverages or snacks allowed?

Water bottles and light snacks are welcome. Hot beverages or open drinks are discouraged inside the coaches. Holiday treats are provided as part of the experience.

🛍️ 11. Will there be souvenirs for sale?

Yes. Our gift shop and seasonal vendors offer ornaments, toys, apparel, and holiday keepsakes before and after your ride.

🔥 12. Is the train heated?

Yes. All Dome, Observation, and Coach cars used for holiday rides are heated and climate-controlled for comfort.

📖 13. Is there narration or storytelling during the ride?

Yes. Guests enjoy seasonal storytelling, cheerful characters, and holiday music throughout the experience.

🎒 14. What should we bring with us?

We recommend bringing your tickets (digital or printed), a camera, warm layers, and any essentials your family may need during the 60–75 minute total experience.

🎄 15. Are the trains decorated for Christmas?

Absolutely. All holiday coaches are fully decorated with lights, garlands, ornaments, and festive touches to enhance the experience.