Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Santa Express Trains
Passengers take a round-trip train ride from the depot to the North Pole, powered by a diesel locomotive. En route, attendants serve chocolate milk and cookies while guests listen to a reading of Santa's Scenic Valley Ride. Santa boards the train at the North Pole to greet each child and present them with a bell before families enjoy carols, jokes, and games on the return trip.
See more Christmas events near Boone
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Classic Coach: $29.68; First Class Coach: $59.36; Table Class: $258.64 per table, maximum 4 passengers per table. Tickets are required for guests ages two and up.
Hours
Fridays: 6:00 PM; Saturdays: 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM; Sundays: 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM (1:00 PM and 3:30 PM only on the Sunday after Thanksgiving).
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Attendants serve a cookie and chocolate milk on board.
Parking
On-site and street parking are free. Guests are advised to arrive one hour before departure to park and pick up tickets.
Accessibility
Only Classic Coach Class is wheelchair accessible; guests should call ahead to reserve seating.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book ahead because trains often sell out, and contact the railroad when booking if you want to sit with another group.
- Arrive an hour before departure to park, collect tickets at the depot window, and use the restrooms; trains will not wait for late arrivals.
- Allow extra travel time for winter driving and possible freight train delays in Boone.
- Wear warm layers and warm footwear in Classic Coach, which is preheated but may cool during the ride; First Class and Table Class are continuously heated.
- Leave strollers and car seats at the depot ticket office, where storage is available; toddlers must sit on an adult’s lap.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members may purchase tickets before general sales open.
- First Class Coach and Table Class tickets are sold separately from Classic Coach Class.
- Friday and Saturday departures include evening sessions.
- On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, only the later Sunday departures run.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the train ride?
The round trip includes a reading of Santa’s Scenic Valley Ride, holiday songs, jokes, trivia games, cookies, and chocolate milk. Santa boards at the North Pole to greet each child and give them a bell.
How long should I allow for the ride?
The ride lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes, though its duration varies with how long Santa visits each car.
How early should I arrive, and where do I collect tickets?
Arrive an hour before departure to park, pick up tickets at the depot window, and use the restrooms. Allow extra travel time for winter driving and possible freight train delays; trains leave promptly.
Can guests with mobility needs ride the train?
Only Classic Coach Class is wheelchair accessible. Call to check availability and reserve seating.
What should I know about seating, strollers, and pets?
Seating is assigned by party; contact the railroad when booking to request sitting with another group. Strollers and car seats are not allowed onboard, toddlers must sit on an adult’s lap, and pets are not allowed.
Browse Christmas in Ames
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.