Georgia turns into a festive dream in December, its mountain towns twinkle with lights, riversides are crisp with cold air, and coastal regions glow under the winter skies. Out of all the beloved holiday customs, not many can rev up the Christmas atmosphere as a holiday train ride can. Imagine the sound of train wheels steadily moving on the rails, entranceways ornamented with garlands, the laughter filling the atmosphere, and the view of the lights flickering that go straight past your window while you are riding through a snow-covered landscape.
These train rides to holiday cheer, from the foggy mountain tops of North Georgia to the fun rides of resorts and historic towns, are much more than just a means of transport. Together, you’ll drink hot chocolate, sing carols, maybe Santa and his helpers will come to meet you, and see both towns and localities getting ready for the season. If you are envisioning a snug family outing, a romantic holiday date, or are simply desiring a trip that takes you back through the holiday magic, then a Christmas train ride in Georgia has the solution for you.
All Aboard the Magic: Best Christmas Train Rides in Georgia
During the holiday season, holiday trains in Georgia are full of charm and are very attractive. They are decorated with festive items, carols to sing along, the visit of Santa Claus, and a landscape that shines under the winter sky, so every trip becomes a light memory of the holiday season.
1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway- Blue Ridge, Georgia
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Holiday Express is a festive train that travels along the river from the mountain town of Blue Ridge through the North Georgia mountains. On the holiday trip, the train cars are decorated with greenery and twinkling lights. During the shorter hour-long daytime ride, everyone gets to see Santa, receives a present, and has fun with the holiday spirit. The longer four-hour tour allows a deeper ride with a stop at the picturesque border town of McCaysville/Copperhill for eating and shopping.
2. Atlanta Botanical Garden- Holiday Ride-on Train (Atlanta, Georgia)
Although it is no longer a wilderness train ride, the Holiday Ride-on Train at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a delightful and family-friendly experience in the city. The train and trolley together make the atmosphere of a holiday village while winding through a garden of trees, flowers, and bushes, brightly illuminated for the winter. It makes for a lovely mix of winter lights and a train! Fun for little children or adults wanting to stay in the city, the Holiday Ride-on Train is an enjoyable little adventure.
3. Stone Mountain Park Sing-along Train- Stone Mountain, Georgia
One of the most festive and fun things to do during the holidays at Stone Mountain Park is definitely the Sing-along Train. The train cars go around the mountain about five miles, and the riders are encouraged to sing along with the carols, listen to holiday stories, and generally have a good time in the holiday spirit. This is a ride that anyone can take, as it is included in the park admission, which makes it a wonderful option for families who are planning to stroll around the park, watch the lights, and go to the laser light show, etc. The fresh winter air and stunning natural environment are certainly great extras to the whole experience of being around the mountain.
4. Southeastern Railway Museum- Duluth, Georgia
If you are a history lover and a fan of trains, then the Southeastern Railway Museum is the place to be this holiday season. There are over 90 vintage railway pieces of equipment forming the backdrop of the appearance of Santa and his elves. Children can ride with Santa, write letters, take holiday-themed photos in historic cars, and eat some nice, sweet treats while listening to some entertainment, all in a nostalgic rail setting. It is a more peaceful, history-packed option of the holiday train rides which still has a strong vibe.
5. SAM Shortline Excursion Train- Cordele/Plains, Georgia
Sweet Georgia on the inside, the SAM Shortline in southwest Georgia has holiday-themed rail excursions on vintage 1949 coach cars. The “Cordele Holiday Train” is a one-hour trip from Cordele during which Santa hands out gifts, and hot cocoa and cookies are served. The two-hour layover in Plains, included in the “Candy Cane Express” allows people to walk down the Main Street shops and see the historic site related to President Jimmy Carter. Those who want to experience it all can take the “Plains Christmas Lighting” ride, which goes from Cordele to Plains to see the lighting ceremony and the parade. It’s vintage charm meets holiday delight in small-town Georgia.
6. The Ritz‑Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee “Linger Longer Express”- Greensboro, Georgia
“Linger Longer Express” is a resort-based holiday train ride with a theme that is located at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds at Lake Oconee. The guests of all ages, after the scenic resort railway ride, enjoy singing the Christmas classics and also get delighted by the resort lit up with sparkling lights. Generally, the trips run daily and are scheduled approximately at mid-morning and mid-afternoon times. Thus, it is a perfect addition to a calm resort vacation rather than a lengthy trip.
7. Georgia Coastal Railway “Santa Special Christmas Train”- Kingsland, Georgia
Just a little away from the sea, at Kingsland, the Georgia Coastal Railway runs the “Santa Special Christmas Train” a fun-filled 70-minute trip with comedy, sing-along with elves, and a merry journey through the coastal woodland. The pre-show features holiday dancers at the station, and thus Santa makes a special visit to every car on board. The view of the marshland and the trees gives a different kind of nice coastal twist to the more typical mountain or resort train experiences. As it is in a less-visited area with great holiday spirit, it is perfect for families that want to do something off the main tourist track.
8. Pine Mountain Gold Museum Winter Wonderland Train- Villa Rica, Georgia
In Villa Rica, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum's Winter Wonderland Train is the way to go if you want to bring the holiday magic to your kids. Along the way, the “elves” on the train bring you Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and even the Grinch, among other characters, and take you through a holly-jolly decorated place complete with lights and all the merry-making of the season. Maybe even a “Winter Queen” will toss snow at the perfect moment. The train ride is only about one mile long, but the holiday scenes, the characters, and the lovely local community make for a great Christmas day out in Georgia’s line-up of train rides.
Travel Tips for your Georgia Christmas Train Ride
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Book early: Christmas trains in Georgia are always in demand. Thus, tickets are gone in a flash, on weekends, and on days before Christmas, especially. Get your tickets as soon as possible to ensure your seats and the time of the trip that suits you the most.
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Dress for the chill: Some parts of the journey might be in open-air cars or through the fresh and chilly countryside, so it’s better to dress in layers and take a warm scarf or blanket to keep warm and comfortable for the whole ride.
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Arrive early: You need to be at the station at least 30–45 minutes before departure. During that time, you will be able to see the decorations, take pictures, and drink warm cocoa before boarding.
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Keep the camera ready: Lighted decorations and the arrival of Santa Claus are just some of the moments you will want to capture. Let your camera or phone be ready with a full battery at all times so you don't miss even one shot.
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Check for themed events: There might be a sleepwear party on some trains, cookie nights, or even surprise gift exchanges. To make sure you are not missing out on these, you will have to confirm your train’s schedule.
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Support local businesses: Where the train stations are, it’s usually not far from little towns that are full of small shops and cafes. You can make some extra time to buy perfectly crafted ornaments or eat a festive meal there.
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Travel midweek for quieter rides: If you are free to plan your trip whenever you want, then take the day off during the week and leave on the train journey then. You will encounter fewer people and a more peaceful and intimate holiday festive feeling.