It may seem a bit early to discuss holiday events, but not when the event at hand is the annual Polar Express train ride aboard North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City! Tickets just went on sale for the weeks and weeks surrounding the holidays and they are quickly selling out.

If you want to score a golden ticket for this fun family event, you’ll need to act now. Sure the little ones in the family will love it ‐ but here’s the thing: you will too.

Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

A round trip ticket aboard the Polar Express just may be the highlight of your holiday season.

TripAdvisor/Dee C It’s a huge understatement to say that Bryson City, alone, is a wonderful place to visit at Christmastime.

But when the Polar Express is running, there’s an added excitement that fills the air in this small mountain town in western North Carolina.

TripAdvisor/JPHanson1989 There’s something about the train leaving and then returning to the station, which is in the middle of town, and knowing Saint Nick is aboard with hundreds of kids and their families. It’s estimated that during the weeks this train ride is offered, upwards of 50,000 passengers will experience the thrill of living the Polar Express dream.

When you purchase a ticket, you’ll have several options from which to choose, including whether you’ll ride coach, crown, first class, or premium crown.

TripAdvisor/Dee C

Entertainment includes story time, as told by one of Santa’s helpers.

TripAdvisor/HospitalityPros Naturally, the story that everyone hears is The Polar Express.

And the man himself makes the rounds to all of the cars on the train and personally greets every child in attendance.

Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Here’s a spoiler alert: he gives every child on board a gift… a bell from his sleigh.

What a thrill for any child who still believes! And what a thrill for Mom and Dad to witness the smiles and happiness the Polar Express brings to a child’s face.

TripAdvisor/HospitalityPros

The train ride itself chugs along through the wilderness and lasts an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish.

Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad If your Polar Express ride takes place before the sun fully sets, then perhaps you’ll get lucky and ride with astounding views of the snow!

Don’t delay. Tickets always sell out very early for the Polar Express train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City.

Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

And this is one holiday experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Polar Express trains run almost daily from November 12 through December 31, 2021. All employees will wear face masks. Guests may also be required to wear a face mask. Learn more about the Polar Express train ride aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad by visiting the official website. Purchase tickets and choose your seats at this link.

Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

TripAdvisor/Dee C

It’s a huge understatement to say that Bryson City, alone, is a wonderful place to visit at Christmastime.

TripAdvisor/JPHanson1989

There’s something about the train leaving and then returning to the station, which is in the middle of town, and knowing Saint Nick is aboard with hundreds of kids and their families. It’s estimated that during the weeks this train ride is offered, upwards of 50,000 passengers will experience the thrill of living the Polar Express dream.

TripAdvisor/HospitalityPros

Naturally, the story that everyone hears is The Polar Express.

Here’s a spoiler alert: he gives every child on board a gift… a bell from his sleigh.

If your Polar Express ride takes place before the sun fully sets, then perhaps you’ll get lucky and ride with astounding views of the snow!

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Address: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA