Quick Details
Celebrate the magic of the season aboard the North Pole Limited, Chattanooga’s most beloved Christmas train ride! Enjoy festive lights, holiday treats, and a special visit from Santa as you travel through the winter night. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone ready to make lasting Christmas memories.
Traditional
Ages 1+ • Priced per person
$ 42
Santa's Private Car
Ages 1+ • Priced per person
$ 65
Infant
Must be under 1 years old. Must sit in a lap. Does not include hot chocolate, cookie, or bell.
Free
Visit the North Pole!
As our most popular annual event, North Pole Limited train rides have been a family tradition since 1999 at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. During the magical holiday season, trains take riders on an imaginary journey to the North Pole. Along the way, you’ll be treated to refreshments and storytelling while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. As the North Pole Limited train gently rolls down the rails, a number of lighted displays can be seen outside. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will come on board for a special visit with all the passengers.
“Why Families Choose the North Pole Limited Every Year”
-
25+ years running — Chattanooga’s longest-standing Christmas train
-
Fully heated vintage railcars
-
Meet Santa aboard the train (not just at the station)
-
Free gift included for every child
-
Perfect for ages 2–10
-
Sells out every year — book early
2025 North Pole Limited Sponsored By:
 |
 |
-
✨ Highlights at a Glance
-
🍫 Hot Chocolate & Cookies
Enjoy rich, freshly prepared hot chocolate and chocolate-chip cookies served onboard. -
📖 Christmas Storytelling
Hear enchanting holiday tales that bring the season to life for riders of all ages. -
🌟 Sparkling Light Displays
Watch the countryside transform with glowing light displays as your train rolls toward the North Pole. -
🎅 Santa Boards the Train
Santa personally steps aboard at the North Pole to greet every child and family. -
🎁 Keepsake Gifts
Take home a commemorative boarding pass, a family ornament, and a jingle bell gift for each child. -
🚆 A Chattanooga Holiday Tradition
Since 1999, the North Pole Limited has been the area’s longest-running and most cherished Christmas train ride.
-
-
🛤️ Itinerary at a Glance
-
Depart from Grand Junction Depot
-
Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and Christmas storytelling
-
Travel past shimmering holiday light displays
-
Arrive at the North Pole and welcome Santa aboard
-
Return to Grand Junction Depot
-
-
✨ Highlights
-
🎅 Meet Santa at the North Pole
Santa boards the train to greet every child and family—one of the most magical moments of the entire ride. -
🍫 Hot Chocolate & Fresh-Baked Cookies
Enjoy rich hot chocolate and cookies prepared right at TVRM, served by our holiday staff and train car elves. -
🌟 Dazzling Christmas Light Displays
Watch the countryside come alive with glowing lights and festive scenes as the train rolls toward the North Pole. -
📖 Heartwarming Christmas Storytelling
Settle in as our storytellers bring the magic of the season to life with festive tales and carols. -
🎁 Keepsake Holiday Gifts
Take home a commemorative boarding pass, a family ornament, and a jingle bell gift for each child. -
🚆 A Chattanooga Family Tradition Since 1999
The North Pole Limited is the region’s original and longest-running Christmas train experience. -
🎄 Cozy, Climate-Controlled Train Cars
All cars are fully enclosed, heated, and decorated beautifully for the holiday season.
-
-
Feature Traditional Santa’s Private Car Hot Chocolate ✔️ ✔️ + Souvenir Cup Fresh-Baked Cookie ✔️ ✔️ Keepsake Ornament ✔️ (one per family) ✔️ (one per family) Jingle Bell Gift ✔️ (one per child) ✔️ (one per child) Storytelling & Sing-Alongs ✔️ ✔️ Visit from Santa ✔️ ✔️ + Extra time with Santa Exclusive Boarding Area — ✔️ Complimentary Storybook — ✔️ (one per family) Our Traditional Seating includes hot chocolate and a freshly baked cookie, a visit from Santa at the North Pole, festive storytelling and Christmas sing-alongs, a keepsake ornament for each family, and a special gift for every child. For an upgraded experience, Santa’s Private Car offers everything in the traditional package plus a more personal visit with Santa, an exclusive boarding area, extra time with Santa onboard, and a complimentary North Pole Limited storybook for each family.
-
Frequently Asked Questions
-
❄️ How long is the North Pole Limited ride?
The experience lasts about 75 minutes, including storytelling, cookies, cocoa, and a visit from Santa. -
🚂 When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding. Trains depart promptly. -
📍Where do I board the train?
All departures leave from Grand Junction Station at 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN. -
🎟️ Are seats assigned?
Yes. Seating is assigned to ensure families are seated together. -
👶 What age is best for this ride?
The ride is ideal for ages 2–10, but magical for all ages. -
🍼 Can infants ride without a ticket?
Children under one may ride as lap infants unless a seat is required. -
🌧️ Does the train operate in rain or snow?
Yes—trains run rain or shine. Coaches are fully enclosed and heated. -
🚆 Is this a moving train?
Yes. The train travels along the historic Chattanooga route to the “North Pole.” -
🎫 Will I receive actual tickets?
No printed tickets needed. Check in by name and receive your Keepsake Boarding Pass at the depot. -
🔥 Is the train heated or air-conditioned?
All railcars are climate-controlled and heated for winter comfort. -
♿ Is the train accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
Accessibility is limited due to historic railcars. Guests who can board with assistance are welcome. Email [email protected] for accommodations. -
🍪 Can I bring food or drinks on board?
Small snacks and drinks are permitted; alcohol is not allowed on TVRM property or trains. -
⏳ If we are running late, will the train wait?
Trains cannot be delayed once boarding is complete. Please arrive early. -
🖥️ Can I reserve tickets in advance?
Yes—online advance purchase is strongly recommended, as rides often sell out early. -
📞 How do I contact TVRM if I still have questions?
Email [email protected] or call/text (423) 894-8028.
-
-
The North Pole Limited may be our most magical tradition, but TVRM offers other memorable train rides and experiences all year long. Discover more holiday fun and railroad trips below:
-
North Pole Limited for next season
Be the first to know our North Pole Limited Schedule for next season. -
About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a railway museum located in Chattanooga and Delano, Tennessee. It was established in 1961 to preserve and operate historic railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The museum features a variety of vintage trains and railcars, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can experience the history of rail travel through excursions, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The museum operates on a historic rail line, offering scenic rides through the Hiwassee Loop and providing a unique perspective on the region’s history and culture. With its rich heritage, educational programs, and engaging events, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
As a non-profit organization, it takes a lot of resources to restore and maintain our vintage trains and equipment. In fact, it can cost up to $1.5 million to completely rebuild a steam engine, which must be done every 15 years or sooner. Your support helps us to continue to share this important piece of history with the community. So not only are you enjoying a unique and memorable experience, you are also contributing to the preservation of railroad history.