Holiday Express, the popular holiday train in Pullen Park, is back in December, 2025. Tickets will go on sale the morning of October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. This year the tickets are being sold on Ticketmaster.
For your best chance at getting tickets, go to the Ticketmaster page 10 minutes before 9 a.m., and make sure you’re signed in to your Ticketmaster account and that you have a valid form of payment.
This year’s event will take place on 17 nights from December 2 to 18, 2025. Tickets will be $17, plus tax and fees.
If you’re not able to get tickets, please check back on Triangle on the Cheap for our annual giveaway!
We’ve put together a huge list of holiday events in the Triangle, including parades, festivals, markets, Santa visits, and more. Check out our growing day by day list of holiday events in the Triangle!
Holiday Express 2025 Ticketing Update
For any updates to the process, please go to raleighnc.gov/parks/services/holiday-express. You can also find clarification to questions there.
- Tickets are limited to 8 per household/credit card/IP Address. Any guests who have purchased more than 8 tickets may have all of their tickets canceled.
- Tickets are $17+ tax and fees per guest and are non-refundable. Tickets can be gifted or resold at face value. Tickets are required for all guests ages one and older (12 months and under do not require a ticket.)
- The train time you purchase is the time you are required to ride. Requests for changes to train times cannot be honored. Please arrive at the train station at your scheduled time. Wait times may be between 15-30 minutes.
- Tickets may be transferred to other guests in accordance with Ticketmaster policies and procedures.
- Screenshots or printouts of tickets will not be accepted. Please be prepared to show your digital ticket at the event entrance.
- For ticketing help, contact Ticketmaster.
- For event-specific questions, please contact HolidayExpress@Raleighnc.gov
Love Christmas lights? Check out our huge list of the best, most incredible, Christmas light displays in the Triangle.
Sensory Friendly Event Information
There will be sensory-friendly daytime events on December 6 and 14, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m.
This event is designed to create a more enjoyable atmosphere for individuals with sensory needs. This Sensory Friendly Event will include:
- Lower-decibel music
- Decreased capacity to provide more space between crowds
- Less walking between activities
- Access to a quiet area to decompress from sensory overload.
Holiday Express Activities
The activities at Holiday Express include:
Holidays Highway
Join us for a stroll around the lake and remember some of our best holidays of the year. You will ring in the New Year as you enter the Holidays Highway at the top of the stairs near the event lawn. Make your way along the path to take a selfie with a cupid or a leprechaun. Enjoy the flowers and bunnies before walking through our patriotic area and more.
The Holiday Express
Your designated ride time is located on your event ticket. Arrive with your entire group at the train station at your scheduled time. Three guests maximum to a seat, including children and infants. Wait time may be between 15-30 minutes.
Enchanted Elevator
Step into this magical elevator for a whimsical experience which will lift you up and out of Pullen Park and away to the North Pole. You never know what surprises may await you when you walk out that other side!
Santa’s Toy Shop
Santa has transformed our Southern Railroad caboose into his mobile workshop, where he’s been storing some of the toys the elves have finished. In addition, it’s become his home away from home while he’s in Raleigh! Stop by for a walk-through experience where you might even be able to see the big man himself! Due to the popularity of this experience, traditional sit-down photo opportunities will not be available, but you will likely have time for a brief chat and maybe even a selfie for the digital scrapbook.
Please note that this experience may be modified or removed due to circumstances beyond our control.
Santa’s Snack Shack ($) – New for 2025
New this holiday season, the Pullen Cafe is bringing some extra cheer to Holiday Express with a festive hot chocolate bar located in Shelter 1. Guests can warm up with rich hot chocolate and customize their cup with a variety of delicious toppings. In addition, the Pullen Cafe will continue to offer a wide selection of food options, including choices for guests with dietary restrictions and allergies, so everyone in the family can enjoy a treat.
For more information about the Pullen Cafe, or to see this year’s Holiday Express menu, visit www.PullenCafe.com
S’more Station
Enjoy a delicious complimentary treat and learn about holiday fire safety from the Raleigh Fire Department.
Carousel
Lions, tigers, and REINDEER, oh my! Choose your favorite animal and enjoy unlimited rides on the historic Dentzel carousel while singing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes played on our authentic Wurlitzer organ.
Candy Cane Lane
Visit the crafty elves and create your own souvenir to bring home with you. While you’re up there, don’t forget to make a bag of reindeer food to bring home for the nine high flyers on their big night. Have you written your letter to Santa yet? Stop by the post office and take some time to write a letter or drop off the one you brought with you. Take a turn on our candy-themed inflatables and games, including Hansel and Gretel’s Great Escape.
Reindeer Roundup
Santa’s Reindeer are loose! We need YOUR help to find them all to make sure they’re ready to fly off in Santa’s sleigh! Get your Reindeer Tracker from Shelter 4 before starting your adventure. At the end of your night’s work, don’t forget to stop by the Sleigh Barn or Gift Shop to claim your prize.
Gift Shop/Welcome Center
If you have any issues or emergencies, stop by the welcome center for immediate assistance.
This is also the spot for fun-themed merchandise, including our $15 limited-edition carousel animal ornaments, or our train ornament from the Charleston Mint! This year’s edition will be a replica of one of the lions.
Sensory bags with headphones, fidgets, and additional supplies will be available.
Gingerbread Grove
Experience our 27-foot-tall Gingerbread Glide, the Gumdrop Grab, and the Gingerbread Jam. The gameplay is unlimited, so take as many chances as you need to get a high score.
Reindeer Flight School – New for 2025
Have you ever wanted to see if Reindeer really know how to fly? Help our holiday friends take flight as you aim to score the most points in 60 seconds.
Arctic Avenue
Visit this frosty playground where you can participate in a variety of games and activities like the Frosty Fling and the Penguin Escape! Get your dancing shoes on for our Blizzard Boogie with an assortment of games, prizes, and our always-popular snowball fight!
Rotary Igloo Experience – New for 2025
What’s better than one Igloo? Two! Come experience this brand-new photo op and unique play area, hosted by the Rotary Club of Crabtree.
Inclement Weather Plan
In the case of severe weather (rain with extremely wet conditions, high winds and/or lightning, extremely cold conditions with ice and/or snow), Holiday Express may be canceled. Weather conditions are evaluated on a daily basis. Event cancellations will be made by noon on the day of the event. Registered guests will be notified by email, and information will be posted on the Holiday Express website. Available rain date options will be presented at that time.
Refunds
All sales are final, and no refunds will be provided. Tickets may be resold at face value. Questions regarding extenuating circumstances may be emailed to holidayexpress@raleighnc.gov
For information about the event or specific ticketing questions, call 919-996-6468 or email HolidayExpress@Raleighnc.gov.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free events this week
- Day by Day list of holiday events
- Best Christmas Lights in the Triangle
- Christmas tree farms and lots near the Triangle
- Free pictures with Santa in the Triangle
- Holiday Markets in the Triangle
- Christmas Trains in North Carolina
More Holiday Events in the Triangle
Check out our big list of holiday events in the Triangle.
