New Hope Valley Railway’s very popular holiday attraction, Santa Express, is returning for 2026, and tickets are on sale now. They are very much subject to selling out. Read on for all the details, including special sensory friendly rides.
Climb aboard the Santa Express for a 50-minute festive adventure through the twinkling, holiday-decorated woods! Play along with the Santa Express I Spy game as you spot cheerful decorations along the way. And of course, Santa himself will be on board to greet every passenger with a joyful “Ho, ho, ho!”
In the railyard, enjoy our beautiful Christmas decorations and warm yourself by the fire pit! Keep your eyes out for Frosty, too!
And while you’re here, warm up with hot chocolate, sweet treats, and tasty bites from local food trucks.
New Hope Valley Railway is also known as the Triangle’s Train, and is at 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, just 24 miles southwest of Raleigh.
Santa Express Dates in 2026
- Saturday, December 5
- Sunday, December 6
- Saturday, December 12
- Sunday, December 31
- Saturday, December 19
Santa Express departures
- 9:30 a.m.
- 11 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m.
- 2:15 p.m.
- 3:45 p.m.
Tickets are $18.61 (including fees) and sell out quickly. Purchase tickets.
Sensory Friendly Rides
Triangle’s Train also offers sensory-friendly rides on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
These special midweek rides offer a quieter, more relaxed holiday experience away from the busier weekend crowds.
- Santa will be in the railyard rather than riding on the train
- No music for a quieter holiday atmosphere
- The brakemen will signal before sounding the train horn
Everyone is welcome! These rides are open to anyone who would enjoy a quieter holiday experience or a midweek visit.
Tickets are $16.45 for adults, $13.20 for kids ages 2-12, and $15.37 for seniors 60+. Buy tickets here.
Learn about several other Christmas and Santa trains in North Carolina!
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.
More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
Please check out our big list of free and cheap kids’ events in the Triangle or look at a quick list here:
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