Christmas Lantern Express — Three Rivers Rambler

The Three Rivers Rambler runs its Christmas Lantern Express from its depot at University Commons in Knoxville, Tennessee, which the operator calls a beloved Knoxville tradition. Passengers enjoy festive decorations, holiday treats, storytime with celebrity readers and a special visit with Santa. Trips last roughly two hours.

The Rambler's excursion is an 11-mile trip along the Tennessee River that passes historical sites, farmland and Knoxville's first settlement area on the way to the Three Rivers Trestle, where the French Broad and Holston rivers join to form the Tennessee River. The operator says its steam trips use oil-fired steam engine No. 203, "Lindy", with diesel power as a backup, that its other steam engine, No. 154, is undergoing a lengthy federal rebuild, and that it reserves the right to change the operating power without notice.

A trip of roughly two hours, with boarding starting 20 minutes before departure: festive decorations, holiday treats, storytime with celebrity readers and a special visit with Santa. The train runs in rain, snow or shine, and the operator urges guests to dress for the weather because one car is open-air.

Boards at the 3RR depot, 2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, Tennessee. Check-in is done from an electronic roster, so you do not need to bring a printed receipt. Tickets are non-refundable. The depot has two restrooms, and there are two restrooms on board. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks may be brought, and drinks and snacks are sold on board. Wheelchair access on the train is limited: the passenger cars were built in 1925 and their doorways only accept standard, non-motorized wheelchairs under 25 inches across, but the open-air car is available to everyone and a wheelchair lift is provided. Infants ride free with an adult ticket purchase. The operator says tickets begin selling out as the season approaches, so it advises booking early. Phone: 865-524-9411.