Illustration of a crowd looking up at a town hall lit in coloured light as snow falls (Country Christmas Train)
Christmas Lights

Country Christmas Train

Guests ride the Handy Dandy Railroad along a 1.5-mile track to view illuminated Christmas displays, a live nativity scene, and dancing elves. Visitors can stroll a lighted pathway to explore historic village shops, a petting zoo, and museums. A tram also carries passengers to the Reid Plantation to watch period demonstrations such as candle making and blacksmithing.

Nov 27 – Dec 23, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Adults (ages 18–64): $25; seniors (65+) and military: $20 with ID; children (ages 5–17): $10; ages 4 and under: free. Kids get in free with a paying adult on Kids Night. Groups of 15 or more get $3 off each adult ticket at the gate; advance tickets are $5 off per adult in a group of 15 or more. Admission includes parking, one train ride, access to the buildings and museums along the lighted pathway, unlimited tram rides to and from the plantation, demonstration viewing, and live entertainment. Additional train rides cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Santa photos are $15 for two pictures; visiting Santa without pictures is free. Other rides cost extra, with prices controlled by individual vendors.

Hours

Gates open at 4:30; ticket sales end at 8:30 pm. The last train ride is 9pm, and the park closes 30 minutes after the last train ride. Train rides are every 30 minutes until the train line is empty at or after 9pm.

Food & Drink

A food vendor is located in the Craft Barn, and Laramie’s Cakery offers fresh-baked goods and gingerbread cookies made in front of visitors.

Parking

Parking is included with admission. Handicap parking is available, and a staffed golf cart can help visitors up or down the hill.

Accessibility

Handicap parking is offered, and a staffed golf cart is available to transport guests up or down the hill.

Pets

Pets are welcome if friendly, kept on a leash, and cleaned up after. Pets riding the train must be kept in the visitor’s lap.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Denton FarmPark · 4259 Handy Road, Denton, NC 27239 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Bring cash, because the gate card readers don't always work, Santa photos are cash only, and some vendors can't take cards; ATMs are in the Craft Barn and General Store.
  • Walk the whole park down to the Reid Plantation before boarding the train, since rides are guaranteed for everyone in line before the last train.
  • Keep your phone in your pocket or bag in the Santa House, where phones aren't allowed out even if you're only visiting without photos.
  • Groups of 15 or more should arrive and enter together and bring their confirmation email to get the discounted group price at the gate.
  • Come rain or shine, since the event runs in any weather, and look at the park's Facebook page for any cancellation notice before you head out.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Kids Night: kids get in free with a paying adult.
  • Ugly Sweater Night.
  • Matching PJ Night: come in matching family pajamas.
  • Groups of 15 or more get a discount on adult tickets, and a bigger discount when tickets are bought in advance.
  • Extra train rides are available for an additional ticket.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

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 website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does admission include?

Admission covers parking, one train ride, all the buildings and museums along the lighted pathway, unlimited tram rides to the Reid Plantation and back, the demonstrations, and live entertainment. Extra train rides and the kids' rides cost extra.

Should I bring cash?

Yes. The gate card readers don't always work, Santa photos are cash only, and not every vendor takes cards. There are ATMs in the Craft Barn and the General Store.

Where can we get food?

Laramie's Cakery in the Gingerbread House has fresh baked goods and gingerbread cookies made right in front of you. There's also a food vendor in the Craft Barn.

Can we visit Santa without buying photos?

Yes, visiting Santa is free if you skip the pictures. Phones have to stay in your pocket or bag inside the Santa House either way.

How do group visits work?

Groups of 15 or more get a discount on adult tickets, and the discount is bigger if you buy in advance. Send in the group form, bring your confirmation email, and arrive and enter together. Line up for the train together, and stay on the pathway of lights.

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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