Quick Details
Create a holiday memory aboard heated vintage coaches as your family travels through the Hiwassee River Gorge. Children can write to Santa, enjoy a cookie and chocolate milk, and meet Santa onboard.
Mistletoe Class Ticket
Age 1 and up • Priced per Seat
$ 30
Holly Class Ticket
Age 1 and up • Priced per Seat • Not recommended for anyone with mobility issues
$ 45
Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train
Depart from Delano for a less-than-one-hour out-and-back ride through the winter Hiwassee River Gorge. Children can write a letter to Santa, enjoy a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk, and meet Santa during his visit through the train.
Included with Every Ticket
- Assigned seating aboard a heated vintage coach
- Letter-to-Santa activity
- Chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk
- Visit and photo opportunity with Santa
- Commemorative boarding pass and holiday bell
This ride departs from Delano, Tennessee—not Chattanooga. The train returns along the same route.
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- Cookie and chocolate milk: A chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk are served onboard.
- Letter to Santa: Children can write a wish list and give it to Santa during his visit.
- Santa visit: Santa visits the train for greetings and photos.
- Scenic route: Travel through the Hiwassee River Gorge aboard heated vintage coaches.
- Keepsakes: Every passenger receives a commemorative boarding pass and holiday bell.
- Assigned seating: Families and linked groups are seated together.
Groups booking separately should use the same Primary Name on each reservation or contact TVRM to link the bookings.
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- A personal visit and photo opportunity with Santa
- Holiday treats and a letter-writing activity
- Heated vintage coaches
- Winter views along the Hiwassee River Gorge
- Assigned family seating and keepsakes to take home
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- Check in and board at Delano Station.
- Settle into your assigned seats and begin the letter-to-Santa activity.
- Enjoy a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk while traveling through the Hiwassee River Gorge.
- Meet Santa, take photos, and give him completed letters.
- Receive a holiday bell and commemorative boarding pass.
- Return to Delano Station along the same scenic route.
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Feature Mistletoe Class
Coach seatingHolly Class
Premium seatingCookie and chocolate milk Included Included Letter to Santa activity Included Included Visit from Santa Included Included Holiday bell One per passenger One per passenger Keepsake ornament Not included One per family Seating Coach seating Dome, lounge, or observation seating, depending on availability Holly Class uses historic premium cars that may be difficult for guests with mobility limitations. Contact TVRM before booking to discuss specific accessibility needs.
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Route: This is an out-and-back ride through the Hiwassee River Gorge, so the train travels the same route in both directions. Views are available from both sides.
Duration: The train ride is less than one hour. Allow additional time for parking, check-in, and boarding.
Arrival: Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Guests may wait outside briefly before boarding, so dress warmly—especially children.
Seating: Seats are assigned in advance. Groups booking separately should use the same Primary Name or contact TVRM to link reservations.
Young children: Compact strollers must be folded and stored. Large strollers should remain in the vehicle.
Accessibility: Historic railcars have limited accessibility. Contact TVRM before booking to discuss boarding assistance and seating needs.
Comfort: Coaches are heated. Every passenger receives a commemorative boarding pass and holiday bell.
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How early should we arrive?
Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in, and boarding. Delano operates on Eastern Time.
Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available at the Delano boarding location.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Historic railcars have limited accessibility and cannot accommodate wheelchairs onboard. Guests who can board with assistance and use a standard seat are welcome. Contact TVRM before booking to discuss specific needs.
Can we bring a stroller?
Compact strollers must be folded and stored during the ride. Large strollers should remain in your vehicle because onboard storage is limited.
What happens if we miss our departure?
Trains cannot wait for late arrivals, and missed departures are not refundable. Contact the ticket office as soon as possible if you expect a delay.
How can separately booked guests sit together?
Use the same Primary Name on every reservation or email [email protected] to link the bookings. Unlinked reservations may be seated separately.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are permitted onboard.
Can we bring food or drinks?
Water bottles and light snacks are permitted. Hot beverages and open drinks are discouraged. A cookie and chocolate milk are included.
Is the train heated?
Yes. The coaches used for this experience are heated.
What should we bring?
Bring your digital or printed tickets, warm layers, a camera, and anything your family needs during the less-than-one-hour ride.
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Stay Connected with TVRM
Current 2026 dates and real-time ticket availability appear in the booking calendar on this page. For announcements about future holiday schedules, special events, and ticket releases, join the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum email list.