Quick Details
Celebrate the season aboard a beautifully decorated vintage train with a three-course lunch and attentive table service. Choose classic Dining Car seating, an intimate Pullman table, or the fully private B&O Car 98.
Dining Car – Table for 1–2
Priced per table • Seats up to 4 • Pricing varies by party size
$ 200
Dining Car – Table for 3
Priced per table • Seats up to 4 • Pricing varies by party size
$ 300
Dining Car – Table for 4
Priced per table • Seats up to 4 • Pricing varies by party size
$ 400
Pullman Section – Table for 1–2
Priced per table • Seats 2
$ 240
B&O Private Car #98
Priced per car • Seats up to 8 passengers
$ 2400
Holiday Dining Aboard a Vintage Train
Celebrate the season aboard a beautifully decorated vintage train while enjoying a three-course lunch and attentive table service. This approximately 2.5-hour journey departs Grand Junction Depot at 11:30 AM ET and returns at approximately 2:00 PM ET.
Compare Seating Options
| Option | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Car Table | 1–2 guests | $200 |
| Dining Car Table | 3 guests | $300 |
| Dining Car Table | 4 guests | $400 |
| Pullman Table | 1–2 guests | $240 |
| B&O Private Car 98 | Up to 8 guests | $2,400 |
Tables are reserved for each party. Dining Car and Pullman seating are in different railcars; guests selecting different seating types will not be seated together.
Schedule and Route
- Departure: 11:30 AM ET
- Return: Approximately 2:00 PM ET
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Arrival: At least 30 minutes before departure
This is a dining-focused journey through historic and urban Chattanooga. It is not a mountain or river excursion, and guests remain aboard unless the published itinerary specifically states otherwise.
Limited holiday dates and seating configurations can sell out. Reserve your preferred table in advance.
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First Course
- At the table upon seating: Artisan breads with whipped herb butter and a trio of flavored hummus served with pita chips.
Second Course — Entrée Choices
- Short Rib Sliders: Wisconsin cheddar and caramelized onions with parmesan-garlic roasted potatoes. A gluten-free option may be available.
- Marinated Grilled Chicken: Asparagus and pesto mashed potatoes.
- Crab Croquettes: Pesto mashed potatoes and arugula salad.
- Baked Pesto Gnocchi: Spinach, mushroom, and tomato. Vegetarian.
The menu is subject to change. Select your trip date to view available entrée choices.
Third Course — Dessert Choices
- Vanilla Cheesecake with Berries
- Hazelnut Crème Brûlée
- Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Beverages
Included: Water, coffee, lemonade, and sweet or unsweet iced tea.
Available for purchase: Wine, champagne, bourbon, and Irish coffee.
Guests may bring a bottle of wine; a $30 corkage fee applies. Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included.
Dietary Requests
Limited dietary accommodations may be available with advance notice. Contact TVRM before booking to discuss current options. Requests are not guaranteed until confirmed, and same-day substitutions may not be available.
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There is no formal dress code for the Christmas Lunch Train, although many guests enjoy dressing up for the occasion. Smart casual or festive attire is welcome. Please choose clothing and footwear suitable for walking and boarding historic railroad equipment.
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Compare Your Seating Options
Option Capacity Price Best For Dining Car Table 1–2 guests $200 Couples or pairs Dining Car Table 3 guests $300 Parties of three Dining Car Table 4 guests $400 Parties of four Pullman Table 1–2 guests $240 Intimate two-person seating B&O Private Car 98 Up to 8 guests $2,400 Fully private premium experience Tables are reserved for each party. Dining Car and Pullman seating are located in different railcars. Guests selecting different seating types will not be seated together.
Dining Car
Enjoy traditional dining-car service at tables that physically seat up to four guests. Select the ticket matching your party size when booking.
Pullman Car Clover Colony
Choose a smaller table for two inside this restored historic Pullman car. Built in 1920 and later modernized, Clover Colony preserves the character of classic rail travel and appeared in the 1959 film Some Like It Hot.
B&O Private Car 98
Reserve the fully private B&O Office Car 98 for up to eight passengers. Built in 1917 for Baltimore & Ohio Railroad president Daniel Willard, the restored car features historic woodwork, stained glass, and private-car ambiance. Contact TVRM before booking with questions about accessibility, onboard spaces, or service arrangements.
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The Christmas Lunch Train boards at Grand Junction Depot, 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Departure: 11:30 AM ET
Return: Approximately 2:00 PM ET
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hoursArrive at least 30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in, and boarding.
This is a dining-focused journey through historic and urban Chattanooga. Views may include Missionary Ridge Tunnel, Chattanooga National Cemetery, and Sculpture Fields. It is not a mountain or river excursion, and guests remain aboard unless the published itinerary specifically states otherwise.
Accessibility
Historic rail equipment may include boarding steps, narrow aisles, and limited space for mobility devices. Accessible seating and restroom options vary by railcar. Contact TVRM before purchasing to discuss boarding assistance, dining-table access, restrooms, and the suitability of your preferred seating option.
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Located within 10 minutes of our location:
Sonesta Select
Experience Comfort at Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place
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How long is the Christmas Lunch Train?
The experience is approximately 2.5 hours, departing at 11:30 AM ET and returning at approximately 2:00 PM ET. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Can children ride?
All ages may ride, but the formal dining experience is recommended for guests age 8 and older. The same pricing applies to adults and children. Contact TVRM before booking if you have questions about very young children or seating capacity.
Will our party have a private table?
Tables are reserved for each party. Dining Car and Pullman seating are located in different railcars, so guests selecting different seating types will not be seated together.
How do entrée selections work?
Select your trip date during booking to view the available entrée choices. Contact TVRM before booking with dietary questions or if you need help confirming selection deadlines.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Limited accommodations may be available with advance notice. Contact TVRM before booking. Requests are not guaranteed until confirmed, and same-day substitutions may not be available.
Is the train accessible?
Historic railcars may include boarding steps, narrow aisles, and limited space for mobility devices. Accessible seating and restroom options vary by railcar. Contact TVRM before purchasing to discuss available assistance and seating options.
What should we wear?
There is no formal dress code, but many guests choose smart casual, festive, or dressy attire. Wear footwear suitable for walking and boarding historic equipment.
What will we see?
The train follows an urban and historic Chattanooga route that may include Missionary Ridge Tunnel, Chattanooga National Cemetery, and Sculpture Fields. This is a dining-focused experience rather than a mountain or river excursion.
Are gratuity and alcohol included?
No. Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included. Wine, champagne, bourbon, and Irish coffee may be available for purchase. Guests may bring a bottle of wine; a $30 corkage fee applies.
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About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Founded in 1961, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, operating, and interpreting historic railroad equipment. Your ticket helps maintain vintage locomotives and railcars while supporting the museum’s educational mission.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Dinner Train was the most amazing experience! Food was wonderful and the staff was awesome! Highly recommend the train!
– TripAdvisor
The dinner on the train was amazing. You literally step back in time to a completely restored 1920 dinner car. The food is exceptional and the porter, dressed in period dress, is friendly and informative. The train ride is 2 hours, just enough time to enjoy the three course dinner. A really enjoyable dinner.
– TripAdvisor
We had a wonderful time on the Dinner Train last night. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. To have a 5-star meal and such historic surroundings was quite a treat. Thanks to Jordan and his amazing crew that took such great care of us!
– TripAdvisor
The dinner train was great. Our server Hayden made the ride so much fun. The car is beautifully done and the pullman's table area was worth the little extra. The dinner and company makes the ride. The scenery was inside the train for sure. Food was fab and dessert was YUM!