Tickets For This North Carolina Holiday Train Are Now On Sale, And They Could Sell Out Fast
More than 270,000 lights wrap around a tiny historic train for just 17 nights each December. Tickets for this ride have a habit of vanishing within a few hours.
That’s not a typo.
The train is a miniature C.P. Huntington, and it rolls past glowing displays like Candy Cane Lane and Arctic Avenue.
Santa waits nearby in a cozy caboose workshop. There’s even an elevator that claims to take you to the North Pole.
I like how this whole thing feels old-fashioned and a little silly in the best way. It’s also one of the most popular holiday traditions in North Carolina.
I can’t imagine a better way to make kids believe in magic for one more year.
So here’s the big question. Will your family be ready when the online gates open tomorrow morning?
Set Your Alarm Because These Tickets Disappear Fast
Ready your fingers, because Pullen Park Holiday Express: Presented by WRAL tickets go on sale Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. Eastern.
Sales happen only through Ticketmaster, so don’t go hunting anywhere else.
History offers a clear warning here. Tickets have sold out within a few hours in past years.
That means planning ahead is your best friend. Create a Ticketmaster account before sale day so you aren’t typing passwords while seats vanish.
There’s also a limit to keep things fair. Each household, credit card, or IP address can buy up to eight tickets.
Every guest one year and older needs a ticket. Babies 12 months and under ride free, which feels like the nicest holiday gift of all.
The price is friendly for a family outing. Expect a modest per-person cost, plus taxes and fees at checkout.
A smart move is picking two or three backup nights before 9 a.m. arrives. If your first choice fills up, you can grab another slot without panicking.
Treat it like a mini mission with snacks and a charged phone. Your future cocoa-sipping self will thank you.
A Tiny Train Wearing Its Fanciest Holiday Lights
Small trains somehow make grown adults grin like kids. The star of the show is a historic C.P.
Huntington miniature train that loops through Pullen Park.
During the Holiday Express, the ride gets dressed up in twinkling lights and festive decorations. It’s like the train put on its favorite sweater for December.
The ride itself is short and sweet. That makes it a great fit for little ones who wiggle after a few minutes.
Kids get to wave at glowing displays as they roll past. Parents get a front-row seat to all those wide eyes and big smiles.
Your ticket gives you a set train ride time. Arriving a bit early helps you find your spot without rushing.
Guests with 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. train tickets can enter the park at 4:15 p.m. Other activities still open at 5 p.m., so that early window is mostly about catching your train.
Bring a camera that handles low light well. Phone flashes tend to wash out the glow you came to see.
Honestly, it’s hard to beat a tiny train full of lights. Good luck staying grumpy on that ride.
You’ll find it at 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606.
An Elevator That Claims To Reach The North Pole
Most elevators take you to the third floor. The Enchanted Elevator at the Holiday Express aims a little higher, all the way to the North Pole.
It’s a whimsical stop built for pure imagination. Kids step inside and get swept into the holiday story.
Once you arrive, Santa is waiting in his Toy Shop. His workshop sits inside a cozy caboose, which fits the train theme perfectly.
Visiting Santa is a big moment for many families. Have your child think about their wish list ahead of time so nerves don’t win.
Shy kids might just want to wave, and that’s totally okay. Not every visit needs a long conversation or a perfect photo.
Dress everyone in layers before heading over. Most of the event happens outside, so you’ll warm up and cool down a lot.
Little details like the caboose make this part feel special. It’s a clever twist that ties Santa right into the park’s train history.
Bring a small notebook if your kids like writing letters. Jotting a quick note to Santa beforehand can make the trip feel even more official.
Over 270,000 Lights Turn The Park Into A Glow Zone
Count every bulb if you want, but you’ll be there a while. Pullen Park shines with more than 270,000 lights during the Holiday Express.
Over 250 of those are color LED light displays. That’s a lot of sparkle packed into one park in North Carolina.
The lights are grouped into themed areas with fun names. You’ll find Candy Cane Lane, Glistening Glen, and Arctic Avenue.
There’s also an Igloo Experience hosted by the Rotary Club of Crabtree. Kids tend to love anything shaped like an icy little house.
Each zone gives you a new backdrop for photos. Plan a few family pictures in different spots so your holiday card has options.
Walking between areas is part of the fun. The park has paved sidewalks, which helps with strollers and wheelchairs.
Comfortable shoes are a must for this stroll. Warm gloves help too, especially if you’ll be holding a phone for pictures.
Take your time instead of racing through each display. The glow looks different as you move, and slow walkers catch the best views.
Free S’mores And Unlimited Carousel Spins Await
S’mores are on the house, and that alone deserves a cheer. The complimentary S’more Station gives every family a sweet treat.
The Raleigh Fire Department joins in with fire safety tips. It’s a sneaky way to learn something useful while chewing on marshmallow.
Then there’s the carousel, and you can ride it as much as you like. Unlimited carousel rides come with the event, so nobody has to beg for one more turn.
Pullen Park’s carousel dates back to 1911. That’s over a century of happy riders going around and around.
Games and crafts fill out the evening too. Crafts are great for kids who need a calm break from the busy lights.
The Yeti scavenger hunt adds a little adventure. Kids search the park for clues, which keeps them moving and curious.
Pack wipes for sticky hands after the s’mores. Trust me, marshmallow fingers and carousel poles are not best friends.
Pace yourself across these activities. With so much included, there’s no need to cram everything into the first half hour.
Warm Up With A Mug That’s All Yours
Cold noses love a good mug of cocoa. New this season, Club Cocoa Lounge pops up in Shelter 1, hosted by the Pullen Cafe.
The star here is a festive hot chocolate bar. You can customize your drink, which means everyone gets their own perfect cup.
Picky eaters, rejoice. The lounge also offers other food options, including choices for guests with dietary restrictions.
That’s a relief for families juggling allergies. It’s nice not having to pack a whole separate dinner bag.
Timing your cocoa break matters. Grab a cup after your train ride so you can sip while exploring the lights.
Holding a warm drink also helps cold hands. It’s basically a tasty hand warmer that you can drink.
Bring a small bag for trash and spare napkins. Cocoa and excited kids can be a splashy combo.
Since it’s brand new, Club Cocoa Lounge adds fresh energy to a long tradition. Even families who came last year will find something different this time around.
Quieter Sessions Make Room For Every Kid
Bright lights and loud music don’t work for everyone. That’s why the Holiday Express offers two sensory-friendly sessions.
They run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on December 6 and December 13, 2026. Daytime hours alone can make things feel more relaxed.
Music plays at a lower volume during these sessions. Capacity is also reduced, so crowds stay smaller.
There’s less walking between activities too. Kids who tire quickly will appreciate that.
A quiet area is available for anyone who needs a break. Having a calm spot can turn a tough moment into a short pause.
Talk with your child about the plan before you go. Showing pictures of the train and Santa can help ease surprises.
Bring comfort items like headphones or a favorite toy. Small things can make a big difference in a new place.
I love that this event makes space for so many families. Everyone deserves a shot at holiday magic, and these sessions help make that happen.
North Carolina’s Oldest Public Park Knows How To Party
Back in 1887, Pullen Park opened as the very first public park in North Carolina. That’s a long time to keep families smiling.
It’s also known as the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the country. Not bad for a city park with a pond and a train.
Parking is available right at the park entrance.
Outside of the holidays, the park offers plenty to love. There’s the carousel, the mini train, playgrounds, and paddle boats.
The Holiday Express itself started in 2007. It’s been growing into a beloved Raleigh tradition ever since.
Knowing the history makes the visit feel richer. Kids might enjoy hearing that their great-grandparents could have played here too.
Arrive with a little extra time for parking. Holiday nights are busy, and settling in early beats circling the lot.
Consider a daytime visit in another season too. Seeing the park in sunlight gives you a whole new appreciation for its charm.
Your Ticket Quietly Helps A Bunch Of Good Causes
Here’s a feel-good bonus most folks miss. The Holiday Express runs through a partnership between the Crabtree Rotary Club and the City of Raleigh.
Proceeds support future events and a list of charities. Some go to local groups, and some reach international causes.
Beneficiaries include Wake Up and Read and Green Door Project. Sleep In Heavenly Peace and Meals on Wheels are on the list too.
So that ticket does double duty. Your family gets a fun night, and others get real help.
The event runs 17 nights, from December 1 to December 17, 2026. Activities usually go from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
It happens rain or shine in light weather. For severe weather, updates get posted on the Holiday Express website.
Check the forecast before heading out. Rain jackets and boots can save a soggy evening.
Sharing this tradition with kids can spark talks about giving back. It’s a sweet way to wrap up a night in Raleigh, North Carolina, and maybe start a new family habit.
