Savor the warmth and wonder of the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville, a festive two-hour ride featuring hot chocolate, gingerbread, local celebrity storytellers, and a special guest in red. Discover why this holiday tradition is a must-do seasonal adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; the ride requires sitting and light walking only.
Wildlife
History
Knoxville’s Christmas Lantern tradition reflects the city’s long-standing community spirit established over decades of seasonal celebrations.
Conservation
The event emphasizes minimizing waste by offering reusable cups for hot chocolate and encourages guests to dispose of litter responsibly.
Three Rivers Rambler
Savor the warmth and wonder of the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville, a festive two-hour ride featuring hot chocolate, gingerbread, local celebrity storytellers, and a special guest in red. Discover why this holiday tradition is a must-do seasonal adventure.
Three Rivers Rambler operates seasonal holiday train experiences in Knoxville, presenting the Christmas Lantern Express: a two-hour ride that delivers festive entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate and gingerbread, and family-friendly surprises. The experience features live readings of The Christmas Lantern by local celebrities and includes a special guest in red for a memorable photo opportunity. The ride proceeds regardless of weather, ensuring scheduled departures rain or shine for consistent planning. Ticket options are organized by time and seating class to accommodate family groups, couples, and individual riders seeking a cozy, holiday-themed outing. Onboard staff assist with seating and guest comfort while maintaining safety and schedule adherence. Three Rivers Rambler partners with local personalities and community contributors to curate storytelling segments and seasonal touches that reflect Knoxville traditions. Marketing materials and the ride description emphasize an approachable, family-oriented atmosphere with sensory highlights like warm beverages, seasonal treats, and illuminated holiday décor visible from the train. The operation focuses on short-duration, accessible entertainment suitable for a broad age range, providing a concentrated two-hour window of celebration. Seasonal scheduling focuses on evening and weekend dates during the holidays, helping guests coordinate travel, group bookings, and multi-generational visits while preserving a compact, memorable holiday experience for Knoxville audiences and families.
Duration
2 hours
Complete festive ride length
Location
Knoxville
Hosted in Knoxville
Complimentary Treats
Hot chocolate & gingerbread
Warm drinks and seasonal snacks included
Entertainment
Local celebrities
Live readings of The Christmas Lantern
Reserve seats for the two-hour holiday train in Knoxville — enjoy hot chocolate, gingerbread, live readings, and a special guest in red.
Dress for chilly weather
Layer up to stay comfortable during the outdoor portions of the ride, especially in the evening.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to enjoy hot chocolate and get seated comfortably.
Bring a camera
Capture the twinkling lanterns and festive scenes, but be mindful of the ride's cozy space.
Prepare for crowd
This popular seasonal event often sells out; book your tickets early to guarantee a spot.
Warm jacket
Keeps you warm during the evening ride and outdoor waiting periods.
winter
Gloves
Useful for staying warm if temperatures drop.
winter
Comfortable shoes
Needed for short walks to and from the boarding area.
winter
Camera or smartphone
For capturing festive lantern-lit scenes and holiday snapshots.