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Santa's Holiday Train Ride in Hiwassee River Gorge

Name: Santa's Holiday Train Ride in Hiwassee River Gorge
Brand: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Price: 33.30 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (19477 reviews)

Celebrate the season with Santa, treats, and Hiwassee River Gorge views

4.8 stars• 19.5K reviews

Duration

1 Hour (Approx.)

Includes

Train ride, treats, Santa visit

Highlights

Celebrate the holidays aboard a scenic train ride through the Hiwassee River Gorge. Write a letter to Santa, enjoy chocolate milk, and welcome Santa aboard for a visit and photo opportunity.

Ride through the Hiwassee River Gorge on a festive holiday train
Write a letter to Santa during the journey
Meet Santa aboard the train and take photos
Take home a keepsake boarding pass and holiday bell
Receive a commemorative ornament with select Holly Class seating

Itinerary

Arrive at 9406 Highway 411 in Delano at least 30 minutes before departure. Be prepared to wait outdoors during boarding.
Board your assigned seat for an approximately one-hour round trip into the Hiwassee River Gorge.
Enjoy a chocolate chip cookie and chocolate milk while children complete their letter-to-Santa activity.
Welcome Santa for an onboard visit and photo opportunity.
Return to the original Delano boarding location with your holiday bell and keepsake boarding pass.

What's Included

Letter-to-Santa activity
Chocolate milk
Keepsake boarding pass
Holiday bell
Commemorative ornament with select Holly Class seating

Important details

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and be prepared to wait outdoors during boarding
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Strollers are not permitted aboard the train
Historic rail cars are not wheelchair-accessible
Holly Class has additional access limitations
Rideshare availability in Delano may be limited; arrange return transportation in advance

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final.

Product ID: UNHUDC

FAQs

Infants under age 1 may ride on an adult’s lap. They do not receive a reserved seat, refreshments, a holiday bell, or other add-ons.

Seats are assigned automatically. Select the same seat type and railcar for everyone in your party; different selections may result in separate seating.

Yes. Restrooms are available aboard the train and are typically no more than one coach away.

Review summary

4.8

Excellent

19.5K reviewsGoogle Maps

This place clearly knows how to deliver a memorable train experience. Visitors consistently rave about the friendly, knowledgeable staff who make every ride special, whether it's the shorter local excursions or the longer Hiwassee Loop journey. The historians on board get particular praise for their engaging storytelling about the region's rail history, and touches like the banjo entertainment add extra charm. Several groups mention the dining options as a real highlight, with one reviewer specifically calling out their server Jermain for making their ladies' trip feel warm and welcoming. The vintage passenger cars themselves are beautifully restored and meticulously maintained, which adds to the authentic experience. People appreciate that this is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving local railroad heritage. One practical tip that comes up: book your tickets online in advance because these excursions sell out fast, and don't be late since the trains run on schedule. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a group outing, this seems to be one of those Chattanooga attractions that genuinely appeals across ages and interests. The overwhelming enthusiasm from repeat visitors suggests it's worth making time for if you're in the area.

What people are saying

This was a nice train ride. About an 1 1/2. A little history given at the train yard that we went to.

Antoinette Wiggs

September 1, 2026

This was a nice train ride. About an 1 1/2. A little history given at the train yard that we went to.

Antoinette Wiggs

September 1, 2026

Meeting details

Hiwassee River Rail Adventure Boarding Station, 9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325

Experience provided by Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Book with confidence

No hidden fees
The price you see is the price you pay. Nothing is added at checkout.
A real concierge team
Questions, changes or special requests? Our concierge team sorts it out with the operator for you.
Flexible cancellation
Most experiences refund in full when you cancel within the cancellation window.