There’s something truly magical about the holiday season — and riding the Holiday Express on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia is one of those experiences that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a living snow-globe.
When & Where
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Dates: The Holiday Express runs from November 28 to December 24.
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Departure Times: For 2025, rides depart at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
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Station: The journey begins at the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Depot, located at 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
What to Expect on the Holiday Express
On this journey, you will be struck by how thoughtfully the experience was crafted — festive, cozy, and full of little surprises. Here’s what you’ll likely encounter:
- Festive Music & Storytelling
The ride features holiday music playing softly through the car, and there’s a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” that gives the journey a warm, nostalgic feel. - Santa Appearance
Children get a real treat: they receive a jingle bell, a candy cane, and even have a chance to meet Santa Claus during the ride. - Sweet Treats
There’s a concession car on board where you can buy hot chocolate, snacks, and other goodies — perfect for sipping as you watch the winter scenery glide by. - Seasonal Atmosphere
Even though some of the train’s open-air cars are used, they install vinyl windows in the winter to trap in warmth (mostly from passengers), but it can still get chilly — so bundle up. - Scenic Views
The train rolls through the peaceful North Georgia countryside, passing rolling hills and the Toccoa River — it’s a gentle, one-hour escape from daily life.
What to Bring & How to Prepare
To make the most of your Holiday Express ride, here are a few tips based on what I learned:
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Dress warmly. Even with the vinyl windows, it can still feel cold. Think cozy coat, scarf, gloves, maybe even a blanket if you like.
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Arrive early. The depot can be busy, especially during holiday weekends. Showing up about 30–45 minutes before your ride gives you time to park, pick up tickets, and settle in.
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Bring a camera or phone. You’ll want to capture the scenery, the decor, and those special moments with Santa.
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Cash or card ready. If you plan to buy snacks or hot drinks from the concession car, have your payment method handy.
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Reserve ahead. These rides are popular — tickets tend to sell out, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
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Kids list. If you're traveling with young ones, remind them that the train is moving, and it's part of the charm. The jingle bell and candy cane they’ll get are fun souvenirs.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s how much the tickets cost for the Holiday Express (based on the 2025 season):
Adult (13–65+) US$ 54.99
Child (2–12) US$ 42.99
Lap (0–23 months) FREE
Final Thoughts
Riding the Holiday Express on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway felt like pressing "pause" on the holiday rush. The soothing rhythm of the train, the soft glow of festive lights, the scent of hot chocolate — it all combined into a heartwarming experience that was both simple and unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the season that’s a little whimsical, a little nostalgic, and entirely cozy, this train ride is one of the very best holiday traditions you can gift yourself (or your family). Trust me — once you step off, a small piece of that holiday magic rides with you.
