Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train lit with colorful holiday lights

Enjoy a holiday-themed railway excursion on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

8 Holiday Train Adventures Around Georgia

Remember a train encircling your Christmas tree when you were growing up? My boys spend hours enjoying our steam engine that comes out each year with the mistletoe and stockings. Holiday train adventures around Georgia will help you relive those childhood memories. Hold on to your seat, we’re going for a ride!

Inside a train car on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway during the holidays

Ride a train with Santa on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

A visit with Santa is magical, especially when you’re headed through the mountains on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway alongside the winding Toccoa River. A daytime ride on the Holiday Express is best for young children, lasting only an hour. All children get gifts and a visit with Santa. Older kids (and adults) will enjoy the four-hour Holiday Pavillion Tour with a stop in the border town of McCaysville/Copperhill for dining and shopping.

Various dates and times November through December 2024.

Holiday model trains at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

See holiday model trains at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Atlanta, Georgia

2. Atlanta Botanical Garden Holiday Ride-on Train

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights is one of my favorite nighttime holiday treats, with millions of lights illuminating the downtown gardenscape at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Holiday cheer continues during the day when visitors can enjoy a G-scale train and trolley winding through a mountain village town. The miniature metropolis is not the only train show; kids can enjoy a turn on the Holiday Ride-on Train.

Plan ahead because tickets are limited for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Holiday Ride-on Train rides are offered on Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 16, 2024 - Jan. 12, 2025

Stone Mountain train with holiday lights

Sing carols on the Stone Mountain Sing-along Train at Stone Mountain Park. Photo by Stone Mountain Park

3. Stone Mountain Park Sing-along Train

Stone Mountain Christmas is an event for all your senses. Visit Santa, embark on a Magical Flight to the North Pole, and see the Christmas Drone & Light Show. If you ask me, though, the highlight is a ride on the Sing-along Train. Carol with the other passengers along this five-mile route around the mountain. There is no extra charge; it’s included with admission!

Select dates Nov. 9, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025.

Santa and Mrs. Claus seated in front of a train at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia

Visit Santa at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia.

4. Southeastern Railway Museum

When Santa’s reindeer are taking a breather, you’ll find him at the Southeastern Railway Museum, where he can pick from more than 90 pieces of railway equipment, all perfect for delivering presents. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment as you mingle with Santa and his elves, and take a ride with Santa at the museum. Kids can also write letters to Santa and have pictures taken in a historic setting for family keepsakes. Follow the museum on Facebook for updates.

2024 date TBA

SAM Shortline Excursion Train traveling on a bridge over a lake

Take holiday-themed excursions on the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad in southwest Georgia.

5. SAM Shortline Excursion Train

Head to southwest Georgia for multiple holiday adventures on the 1949 vintage cars that are part of the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. The Cordele Holiday Train is a one-hour trip from Cordele, and passengers receive hot chocolate and cookies while Santa hands out gifts. The Candy Cane Express from Cordele includes a two-hour layover in Plains, where passengers can shop the retail stores on Main Street and explore the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Museum. Don't miss the Plains Christmas Lighting ride from Cordele to Plains on Nov. 30, 2024, to see the annual Christmas Lighting Parade and lighting ceremony!

Select dates November and December 2024.

Holiday lights at the Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee

Ride a train around the Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee resort in Greensboro, Georgia.

6. Linger Longer Express

Just in time for the holiday season, straight from the North Pole to the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, the Linger Longer Express is all decked out and ready for resort guests of all ages to hop aboard and sing along to a few Christmas classics. Rides depart from the front drive daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Make sure to bring your camera to capture some great images of the property along the way.

Santa Special Christmas Train in Kingsland, Georgia

Enjoy holiday tales on Georgia Coastal Railway's Santa Special Christmas Train in Kingsland, Georgia.

7. Georgia Coastal Railway

On the Georgia Coastal Railway, celebrate Christmas with a train ride full of fun, laughter, and Christmas spirit. The Santa Special Christmas Train is a 70-minute journey with Santa and his friends. Enjoy a short preshow of holiday dancers at Kingsland Station before you hop on board. Sing carols with some elves and then get ready with your camera! Santa will pay a special visit to your train car.

Select dates Nov. 29 - Dec. 24, 2024

Winter Wonderland Train at Pine Mountain Gold Museum in Villa Rica, Georgia

Meet holiday characters on the Winter Wonderland Train at Pine Mountain Gold Museum in Villa Rica, Georgia.

8. Pine Mountain Gold Museum Winter Wonderland Train

Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, The Grinch, and more holiday characters at the Pine Mountain Gold Museum for Winter Wonderland Train rides. Meet the Winter Queen, who can make it snow on command, and hear stories and sing songs while you wait on the train. Families will enjoy riding the festively decorated train for almost a mile to see the twinkling lights. (Note, the rides might be canceled in inclement weather. Check the museum's Facebook page for the latest information.)

Select dates Dec. 5-28, 2024

Find more train rides and many other holiday adventures on ExploreGeorgia.org/events/holidays.

Written by: Lesli Peterson
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