It’s always fun to ride the rails of a historic train, especially during themed rides where robbers board in old western attire or there’s a mystery to be solved during the two-hour excursion. This time of year, it’s all about the North Pole and Santa.
Here are nine Southern train rides that transport passengers on exuberant holiday outings.
Dollywood Express: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Family friendly Dollywood is a joy any time of year but especially magical at Christmas during its Smoky Mountain Christmas. Visitors may wander through a winter wonderland glowing with more than six million lights — sometimes with snow.
Plus, Santa pays a visit, theatrical performances have a holiday theme, and visitors may ride the adorned Dollywood Express and sing a song or two. The authentic coal-fired steam engine pulls the open-air passenger cars through a five-mile excursion around the park. Learn more at www.dollywood.com.
Grapevine, Texas
The Christmas Capital of Texas, with its 1,400 holiday-inspired events from now until New Year’s, includes Santa’s North Pole Express that rolls from the town’s depot and back for a two-hour holiday ride…