Illustration of Santa in a red suit sitting in an armchair as a small child shows him a paper list beside a lit fireplace (Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train)

Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train

Passengers take an out-and-back journey through the winter Hiwassee River Gorge aboard heated vintage coaches. Children can write a letter to deliver to Santa during his onboard visit, and everyone receives a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk. Every rider also takes home a commemorative boarding pass and holiday bell.

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

tvrail.com

When

Tickets

Mistletoe Class: $30 per seat, age 1 and up. Holly Class: $45 per seat, age 1 and up; not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. Both classes include a cookie and chocolate milk, letter-to-Santa activity, Santa visit, and one holiday bell per passenger. Holly Class includes one keepsake ornament per family; Mistletoe Class does not. Mistletoe has coach seating; Holly has dome, lounge, or observation seating depending on availability.

Ages

All Ages

Food & Drink

A chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk are served onboard; water bottles and light snacks are permitted, while hot beverages and open drinks are discouraged.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Delano boarding location. Allow additional time for parking, check-in, and boarding.

Accessibility

Historic railcars have limited accessibility and cannot accommodate wheelchairs onboard, though guests who can board with assistance and use a standard seat are welcome.

Pets

Only service animals trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are permitted onboard.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Delano Station · 9406 Highway 411, Delano, TN Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive, scenic, cozy

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in and boarding, because trains can't wait for late arrivals and missed departures aren't refunded.
  • Dress the kids warmly, since you may wait outside briefly before boarding, even though the vintage coaches themselves are heated.
  • Leave a large stroller in the car, as onboard storage is limited and even compact strollers must be folded and stored for the ride.
  • If you're taking Lyft or Uber, set up your return pickup in advance, because rideshares can be hard to find in Delano when the train gets back.
  • Bring water bottles or light snacks if you like, but skip hot drinks and open cups, since the cookie and chocolate milk are served onboard.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Holly Class upgrade: dome, lounge or observation seating (depending on availability) plus one keepsake ornament per family.

Links & Contact

Run by Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Website / Tickets 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 comes with every ticket?

Every ticket includes assigned seating in a heated vintage coach, the letter-to-Santa activity, a chocolate-chip cookie and chocolate milk, and a visit and photo with Santa. Every rider also gets a commemorative boarding pass and a holiday bell.

What's the difference between Mistletoe and Holly Class?

Mistletoe Class is coach seating. Holly Class gives you dome, lounge or observation seating, depending on availability, plus one keepsake ornament per family. Holly Class isn't recommended for anyone with mobility issues.

How long is the ride?

Under an hour. It's an out-and-back trip through the Hiwassee River Gorge on the same route both ways, so there are views from both sides. Allow extra time for parking, check-in and boarding.

Can we bring a stroller?

Compact strollers must be folded and stored during the ride. Large strollers should stay in your vehicle because onboard storage is limited.

How can separately booked guests sit together?

Use the same Primary Name on every reservation, or email info@tvrail.com to link the bookings. Unlinked reservations may be seated apart.

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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.

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