Santa Express at New Hope Valley Railway

Advance tickets by departure time via Etix; seats sell quickly. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Wheelchair lift available.

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About this adventure

The North Carolina Railway Museum's New Hope Valley Railway in New Hill, in far southwest Wake County, runs its Santa Express on weekends in December, a heritage-train holiday ride on which Santa himself rides the train and greets every passenger. The vintage train travels through woods decorated for the holidays, and children play the Santa Express I Spy game, spotting cheerful decorations along the way. Back in the railyard there are Christmas decorations, a fire pit to warm up by, a visit from Frosty, and hot chocolate, sweet treats and bites from local food trucks for sale. Five departures run each ride day from 9:30 am to 3:45 pm, which suits families with toddlers who nap in the afternoon. Tickets are sold online through Etix by departure and the railway warns that seats go quickly; arrive at least 30 minutes early to park and check in at the ticket office. Children under 2 ride free on an adult's lap; a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair-accessible car are available.