Quick Details
Enjoy a comfortable vintage train ride after Christmas, with seasonal lights at the depots and along select parts of the route. This easygoing family experience includes Missionary Ridge Tunnel, four historic bridges, and a live turntable demonstration.
Adult
All Ages • Priced per Seat
$ 26
Child
All Ages • Priced per Seat
$ 17
Know before you book: This after-Christmas ride does not include Santa, a restoration-shop tour, or refreshments served onboard. Food and drinks may be purchased at the depots.
Holiday Christmas Lights Train Ride
Keep the season glowing with a relaxed evening aboard enclosed, heated vintage coaches. The approximately 60–65 minute, 6-mile round trip travels through Missionary Ridge Tunnel, crosses four historic bridges, and pauses for a working turntable demonstration at East Chattanooga.
Holiday lights are concentrated at the depots and along select portions of the route; they are not continuous throughout the ride. Every guest receives a souvenir boarding pass.
Why Guests Choose This Ride
- A calm after-Christmas outing without pre-Christmas crowds
- A manageable length for families and first-time visitors
- A working turntable demonstration
- A comfortable evening activity in enclosed, heated coaches
At a Glance
- Included: train ride, seasonal light displays, turntable demonstration, and souvenir boarding pass
- Not included: Santa visit, restoration-shop tour, or onboard refreshment service
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Travel six miles round trip aboard an enclosed, heated vintage coach. The approximately 60–65 minute experience crosses four historic bridges, passes through the pre–Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, and includes a working turntable demonstration at East Chattanooga.
Seasonal lights are displayed at the depots and along select parts of the route rather than continuously throughout the ride.
Included
- Round-trip train ride
- Holiday light displays at the depots and along select route sections
- Working turntable demonstration
- Souvenir boarding pass
Not Included
- Santa visit
- Restoration-shop tour
- Refreshments served onboard
Food and beverages may be purchased at the depots.
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- Families seeking an easygoing after-Christmas outing
- Parents and grandparents looking for a manageable evening activity
- Couples and friend groups who enjoy seasonal lights
- Visitors wanting a short introduction to TVRM’s historic railway
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Arrival: Check in at Grand Junction Depot at least 20 minutes before departure. Trains leave on schedule, and Chattanooga operates on Eastern Time.
- Bring your digital or printed ticket confirmation and a valid photo ID.
- Coaches are enclosed and heated, but dress warmly for boarding and the outdoor turntable demonstration.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Service animals are welcome. Contact TVRM in advance if you need boarding assistance or accessibility accommodations.
- Free parking is available on site.
- Food and drinks are sold at the depots; outside food and beverages are not permitted onboard except for special dietary needs.
- Trips generally operate in light rain or snow. Schedule changes caused by severe weather or operational conditions will be communicated by email or phone.
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Is Santa on this ride?
No. Santa appears on pre-Christmas experiences. The Holiday Christmas Lights Train operates after Christmas.
Are food and drinks available?
Refreshments are not included or served onboard. The Depot Deli offers snacks and beverages before departure, and concessions may also be available at East Chattanooga Depot.
Does the train run in rain or snow?
The ride generally operates in light rain or snow. Coaches are enclosed and heated. TVRM will contact ticket holders if severe weather requires a schedule change.
What happens if I arrive late?
Trains cannot wait for late arrivals. Check in at least 20 minutes early and remember that Chattanooga operates on Eastern Time.
Are restrooms available?
Restrooms are available at the depots. Onboard restroom access is limited, so plan ahead.
Can I bring a pet?
Only service animals trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are permitted. Pets and emotional-support animals are not allowed.
Is the ride suitable for young children?
Yes. The ride is family-friendly. Every reserved seat requires a ticket; confirm infant seating options during booking.
Is the ride wheelchair accessible?
Historic railcars have limited accessibility. Contact TVRM before booking to discuss boarding assistance and specific needs.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. A digital ticket displayed on your phone is accepted.
Can I change my reservation?
Changes depend on availability and the terms selected during checkout. Contact the ticket office for assistance.
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Founded in 1961, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, operating, and interpreting historic railroad equipment. Every ticket helps maintain vintage locomotives and railcars and keeps the region’s railroad history moving for future generations.
