Santa Express — New Hope Valley Railway

The North Carolina Railway Museum operates the New Hope Valley Railway, which it calls "the Triangle's Train", on four miles of historic track through piney woods and over a trestle between Bonsal and New Hill. Its Santa Express is one of three main events the volunteer crew decorates for each year, alongside the spring and Halloween rides.

The operator describes a festive ride through holiday-decorated woods, with an "I Spy" game for spotting the decorations and Santa himself aboard to greet every passenger. In the railyard there are Christmas decorations, a fire pit, and Frosty to look out for, and local food trucks sell hot chocolate, sweet treats and other bites.

Trains are run by an all-volunteer crew. Passengers ride in open excursion cars with school-bus-style bench seating, a roof and open sides. Some cabooses can be booked as an alternative, and the operator says they sell out. Guests may bring their own food, drinks and snacks aboard.

The railroad also runs a separate sensory-friendly winter ride with no music and no Santa; it is not part of this event.

A ride of about one hour in an open excursion car, with Santa aboard, an "I Spy" game and holiday decorations along the line. Before and after, the railyard has decorations, a fire pit, Frosty and food trucks, and a garden-scale model railroad runs while you wait to board. There is no restroom on the train; restrooms are in the rail yard. Dress for the weather: the cars are open-sided.

North Carolina Railway Museum, 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, about 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh off US 1 (exit 89, then south on Old US 1). Free parking is at the same address. The ticket office opens one hour before the first departure; check in there to receive printed tickets. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure: boarding begins 15 minutes before and trains cannot be held for late arrivals. A wheelchair lift is available and one excursion car is designed for several wheelchairs; email the railway in advance for accommodations. Only service animals are permitted on board. Children under two ride free with an adult ticket holder, on a lap if the train is full. The train runs in rain, snow, sleet or heat, and rain checks are not issued. If the railroad cancels an event, riders are notified by email and refunded to the card on file; the operator lists no other refunds apart from a COVID-19 or Monkeypox isolation exception.