Holiday Express, the popular holiday train in Pullen Park, is back in December, 2024. Tickets will go on sale the morning of October 16, 2024.
They will sell out very quickly, so set a reminder. The randomized queue will open at 8:45 a.m. At 9 a.m. everyone in the queue will be randomly ordered and sales will start. So if you get there between 8:45 and 9 a.m., you have as good of a chance as anyone. Link to enter the queue.
This year’s event will take place on 17 nights from December 2 to 18, 2024, and tickets will be $17, plus tax.
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 2024 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.
- When ticket sales open at 9 a.m. on Oct. 16, all guests in the queue will be randomized and placed into line.
- All guests arriving at the website after 9 a.m. will be placed at the end of the queue.
- If you lose access to the site at any time, please re-enter the queue by going to RecLink.
- 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 plus tax per guest and are non-refundable. Tickets can be gifted or resold at face value and then shared with the new guest via email or text. Tickets will retain the information of the original guest who purchased the tickets. 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 will be emailed to the address you provided. If you do not see it, please check your SPAM folder, the email will come from Raleigh Parks.
- For information about the event or specific ticketing questions, call 919-996-6468 or email 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 7 and 15, 2024, from 3 to 5 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, no strobe lights, as well as access to a quiet area to decompress from sensory overload. While you will be enjoying the holiday lights during daylight hours, there will be some lights that have easy or slow movements. Sensory bags with headphones, fidgets, and additional supplies will be available.
Holiday Express Activities
The activities at Holiday Express include:
Holidays Highway
Join us for a stroll around the lake and remember some of the 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 the 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.
Santa’s Toy Shop
Santa has transformed the 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 the organizer’s control.
Santa’s Snack Shack
The Pullen Cafe offers a variety of options for all guests, including those with dietary restrictions and/or allergies so everyone in the family can enjoy something. Additionally, Santa’s Snack Shack will be in Shelter 1 to offer an assortment of Holiday treats. For more information about Pullen Café or to see this year’s Holiday Express menu, visit www.PullenCafe.com or call 919-803-0030.
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 the 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 highflyers 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 the candy themed inflatables and games including Hansel and Gretel’s Great Escape.
ELF I.T. (In Training)
On Santa’s sleigh ride into Raleigh, a whole bunch of his presents fell out of the sleigh as he was coming in for a landing. Your help is needed to find these presents hidden all around the park. Get your Elf I.D. and PAL (present activity locator) before starting your training. At the end of your night’s work, don’t forget to stop inside the welcome center to collect your elf paycheck!
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 the $15 limited-edition carousel animal ornaments, or the train ornament from the Charleston Mint! This year’s edition will be a replica of one of the carousel horses.
Sensory bags with headphones, fidgets, and additional supplies will be available.
Gingerbread Grove
Experience the 27-foot-tall Gingerbread Glide, the Ava-launch, the Gumdrop Grab, and the Gingerbread Jam. The gameplay is unlimited, so take as many chances as you need to get a high score.
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 the Blizzard Boogie with an assortment of games, prizes, and the always-poplar snowball fight!
Rotary Snow Globe Experience
Ever wonder what it’s like for those people in the scenes on the inside of a snow globe? Now’s your chance to find out about this extremely popular experience provided by the Rotary Club of Crabtree.
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
- What Christmas food can dogs eat?
- 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 day by day list of holiday events in the Triangle, or look at a few of them here:
