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 gingerbread 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
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🍪 Warm 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 give it directly to Santa during his onboard visit. -
🎅 Santa Boards the Train
Meet Santa up close for smiles, greetings, and memorable photos. -
🌄 Scenic Ride Through the Hiwassee River Gorge
Experience one of Tennessee’s most stunning mountain and river landscapes from cozy, heated coaches. -
🔔 Keepsake Souvenirs
Every passenger receives a commemorative boarding pass and a festive holiday bell. -
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly & Assigned Seating
Families stay together, making it easy and comfortable for parents, grandparents, and little ones.
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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 — warm 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 settle into your assigned seats
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Children write their letter to Santa
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Enjoy a warm chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk
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Ride through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge
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Santa boards the train for photos and greetings
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Hand your letter directly to Santa
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Receive your keepsake bell and boarding pass
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Return to Delano Station after a magical holiday journey
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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 and stations 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. 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.
🛍️ 6. 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.
⏳ 7. What happens if we miss our scheduled departure?
Because the train operates on a fixed schedule, the ride cannot be held. Please arrive early. Missed departures cannot be refunded.
🐾 8. Are pets allowed on the train?
Only service animals trained to perform specific tasks are permitted onboard.
📅 9. 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.
🥤 10. Are outside beverages allowed?
Water bottles and light snacks are welcome. Hot beverages or open drinks are discouraged inside the coaches.
👥 11. Do you offer group or school rates?
Yes. Groups may qualify for special arrangements depending on date and group size. Please contact us for more information.
🔥 12. Does the train have heat in the Dome cars as well?
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 ride.
🎒 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.