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Experience holiday magic aboard the Christmas Daylight Express in Chattanooga. With Santa, treats, and festive fun, this train ride creates memories for the whole family during the winter season.
Experience holiday magic aboard the Christmas Daylight Express in Chattanooga. With Santa, treats, and festive fun, this train ride creates memories for the whole family during the winter season.
Book with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum · Chattanooga, Tennessee
Located in the vibrant city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a timeless way to celebrate the season with its Christmas Daylight Express. As winter blankets the scenic Tennessee landscape, this one-hour train ride transforms a classic locomotive journey into a festive adventure for all ages. Decked in holiday lights, the train winds through the tracks with Santa himself making a special appearance, delighting children and adults alike. Candy canes and friendly reindeer add to the magic, creating a true holiday spectacle.
The journey concludes in the Christmas Village, where families can participate in games, crafts, and seasonal treats, fostering unforgettable holiday memories. The museum’s vintage trains—harking back to a bygone era—serve as a charming backdrop for photos and stories that connect visitors to Chattanooga’s rich railroad history.
This experience isn’t just about trains; it’s a community tradition that brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the season’s joy. The museum’s dedicated staff and volunteers craft an environment of warmth, making it a standout holiday destination in the Southeast. Combining a wintry train ride with festive activities, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Christmas Daylight Express offers a nostalgic escape into holiday cheer.
Whether you're with family, friends, or looking for a unique way to ring in the holiday season, this trip stands out as a seasonal highlight in Chattanooga. It’s a perfect blend of history, community spirit, and seasonal spectacle—an unmissable part of any winter itinerary in Tennessee.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all ages, with minimal physical activity required
Yes, the Christmas Daylight Express is designed to be family-friendly and enjoyable for children of all ages.
Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially during the holiday season, to secure a spot.
The museum provides accessible options; please contact in advance to ensure accommodations.
Dress warmly in layers, as parts of the ride are outdoors and can be chilly.
Outside food and gifts are generally not permitted on the train; check with the museum for specific policies.
The Village activities typically run after the train ride, allowing plenty of time for family fun and crafts.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has operated since 1952, preserving Chattanooga’s railroading heritage with a collection of authentic vintage trains.
The museum emphasizes preservation and sustainable practices by maintaining historic trains and educating visitors on railway history.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum preserves and operates historic passenger trains and locomotives in East Tennessee, offering a broad range of scenic excursions, specialty dinner trains, seasonal holiday rides, and educational exhibits. The museum operates restored steam and diesel locomotives, vintage passenger coaches, and heritage dining cars to recreate authentic rail travel experiences for families, history buffs, photographers, and rail enthusiasts. Signature trips include long-distance scenic runs such as the Summerville Steam Special and Hiwassee Gorge Limited, daily local rides like the Missionary Ridge Local and Evening Ridge Runner, and memorable special events such as the Holiday Lights Train, North Pole Limited, Valentine’s Dinner Train, and Rails, Wizards & Spells. Dining options feature multi-course gourmet menus served aboard restored dining cars for events like Dinner on the Diner, Christmas Dinner Train, and New Year’s Eve Dinner Train. The museum also hosts curated programs — night photo sessions, tea room gatherings, exhibit admission for permanent galleries, and themed family experiences — all framed by knowledgeable staff and volunteer interpreters. Routes traverse the Hiwassee River Gorge, historic tunnels, and scenic bridges, with guided narration and scheduled layovers for exploration. As a preservation-focused institution, the museum emphasizes safety, authentic restoration practices, and community engagement, supporting regional heritage through volunteer programs and educational outreach. Visitors can book seasonal excursions, private charters, and museum admission online or at the Grand Junction Depot. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum blends living history, scenic rail travel, and culinary events to create outings that celebrate the legacy of railroads in Tennessee Valley.
Book with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum