Quick Details
Experience a joyful winter adventure aboard Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train! Ride along the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge as you enjoy festive treats, write your Christmas wish list, and meet Santa himself. This family-friendly trip combines the magic of the season with breathtaking mountain views — creating memories that will warm your heart all year long.
Mistletoe Class Ticket
Age 1 and up • Priced per Seat
$ 28
Holly Class Ticket
Age 1 and up • Priced per Seat • Not recommended for anyone with mobility issues
$ 44
Celebrate the Holidays with a Santa’s Hiwassee Train Ride!
Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train is a round-trip one-hour and 15-minute ride along the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge. Features of this ride include: writing a letter to Santa, a cookie, chocolate milk, and a special visit from Santa!
A keepsake boarding pass and holiday bell will be given to every passenger.
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✨ Highlights at a Glance
- 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie & Chocolate Milk
Enjoy festive treats served onboard as you settle in for the ride. - ✉️ Write a Letter to Santa
Kids can write their wish list and hand it directly to Santa during his visit through the train. - 🎅 Santa Boards the Train
Meet Santa up close for warm greetings, smiles, and memorable photos. - 🌄 Scenic Ride Through the Hiwassee River Gorge
Take in one of Tennessee’s most beautiful mountain and river landscapes from cozy, heated coaches. - 🔔 Keepsake Souvenirs
Every passenger receives a commemorative boarding pass and a festive holiday bell. - 👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Seating
Assigned seating ensures families stay together comfortably throughout the ride. - 👥 Group Seating Made Easy
Want to sit together but pay separately? Use the same Primary Name on each booking or request a split-payment link so we can seat your group together.
- 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie & Chocolate Milk
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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:
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🎅 Meet Santa up close — photos, smiles, and a small holiday keepsake for every child
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🍪 Classic holiday treats — chocolate chip cookie & chilled chocolate milk
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✉️ Letter-writing fun — kids write a letter to Santa onboard
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❄️ Heated vintage coaches — stay warm and cozy throughout the trip
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🌄 Breathtaking mountain views — follow the river through the scenic gorge
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🔔 Souvenirs to take home — boarding pass + holiday bell
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👨👩👧 Assigned seating — families always sit together
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🧝 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.
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🛤️ Itinerary at a Glance
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Board at Delano Station and get comfortable in your assigned seats
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Children can write their letter to Santa as the ride begins
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Enjoy a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk
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Travel through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge
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Santa boards the train for personal greetings and photo opportunities
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Children hand their letters directly to Santa
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Receive a keepsake bell and commemorative boarding pass
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Return to Delano Station to complete your holiday train experience
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Feature Mistletoe Class
Coach SeatingHolly Class
First-Class PremiumChocolate Chip Cookie ✔️ ✔️ Chocolate Milk ✔️ ✔️ Letter to Santa Activity ✔️ ✔️ Visit from Santa ✔️ ✔️ Keepsake Bell ✔️ (one per passenger) ✔️ (one per passenger) Keepsake Ornament — ✔️ (one per family) Premium Seating — ✔️ Dome, Lounge & Observation Seating Options Capacity 150 coach seats 12–20 premium seats (varies by car) -
⏰ 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.
🅿️ 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?
Compact strollers may be brought 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, the ride cannot be held. Missed departures cannot be refunded, so please plan to arrive 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. Separate names may result in being seated apart. 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.
🛍️ 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 75–90 minute 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.