Tweetsie Christmas®: A Wild West Holiday Adventure
Tweetsie Christmas® 2026 at a Glance
Dates: Select evenings November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, 18–23 and 26–30
Hours: 5:00–9:30 p.m.
Location: Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Tickets: $65 for adults ages 13 and older; $45 for children ages 3–12; free for ages 2 and under.
Each ticket includes one reserved, approximately 20-minute open-air Christmas Train ride, four amusement rides, Santa’s Gingerbread House, live entertainment and other nighttime holiday attractions. Ticket prices include taxes and fees. Parking is free. Tickets are specific to a date and train departure time, and advance purchase is recommended. Santa appears through December 23.
Step into a Wild West Christmas town at Tweetsie Railroad on select evenings November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, 18–23 and 26–30, 2026!
Join us for an unforgettable holiday experience in North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests of all ages can enjoy a real train ride behind a historic steam locomotive, thousands of twinkling lights, sing-along carols, and festive family activities. Explore Santa’s Gingerbread House, where children can share their holiday wishes and take photos with Santa himself (available until Christmas). Delight in holiday treats like hot chocolate and roast s’mores by the fire and be transported by the joyful sounds of carolers and our special Musical Christmas show.
From the open-air Christmas train ride to our holiday decorations and classic amusement rides, Tweetsie Christmas is the perfect place to create cherished holiday memories with family.
Tweetsie Christmas Highlights
- Steam Locomotive Train - ride among thousands of Christmas lights and sing-along carols behind a historic steam locomotive
- Santa’s Gingerbread House – walk through a giant gingerbread house decorated with candies and meet and take photos with Santa Claus, 5 - 9 p.m. through December 23rd .
- Festive Christmas Show – experience the spirit of Christmas in this 20-minute musical stage show
- Family-friendly Amusement Rides – Jingle Bell Rockets, Himalaya, Bikes & Buggies and Little Drummer Boy (teacup ride)
- Sweet Treats – Roast s’mores by the fire, sip hot chocolate, or delight in homemade candies and fudge at the Fudge Shop.
Plan Your Christmas Visit. Choose your evening and reserved Christmas Train departure time when purchasing tickets. Planning to see Santa? Choose a date through December 23.
Tickets
- Tickets for Tweetsie Christmas at Tweetsie Railroad are $65 for adults (age 13+), $45 for children (ages 3-12), free for toddlers (age 2 and under).
- A Tweetsie Christmas ticket is date and train-ride time specific.
- Each ticket includes one train ride on the Christmas train and admission to all the nighttime holiday attractions.
- Golden Rail Season Pass holders receive a $20 discount off one Tweetsie Christmas ticket. Access the online Season Pass Portal>
Customer Reviews
"We are obsessed with Tweetsie in the summer! We live in Asheville and it's the perfect way to spend a day with our 2 and almost 5 year old. We went to Tweetsie Christmas last night, it was absolutely amazing. Customer service is top notch. Thank you Tweetsie for being a magical part of my kids' childhood!" ★★★★★
"We went for Tweetsie Christmas last weekend. Most reviews state that unless you have small children not to bother. I disagree wholeheartedly. Our kids are adults and we loved it! We visited the gift shops and took photos at the many photo op spots around the park. The train ride was great and everything was decorated so beautifully. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. I will definitely visit again in the spring!" ★★★★★
When is Tweetsie Christmas?
Tweetsie Railroad is open 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on select evenings November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, 18–23 and 26–30, 2026, for Tweetsie Christmas.The park is closed during the day and on Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
Is Tweetsie Christmas good for families with toddlers and young children?
Yes. Tweetsie Christmas is a family event that welcomes Guests of all ages and is especially geared towards families with toddlers and young children.
What does a ticket to Tweetsie Christmas include?
Tickets to Tweetsie Christmas include park admission, one ride on the Christmas Train, amusement rides, Santa's Gingerbread House, and live entertainment. Parking is always free.
What does admission not include?
Tickets to Tweetsie Railroad do not include food, retail items, or s'mores supplies.
What are the main attractions at Tweetsie Christmas?
Main attractions include the Christmas train ride, Santa’s Gingerbread House for visits and photos with Santa (until December 23rd), four classic amusement rides, and a Christmas show with multiple performances throughout the evening. Guests can also enjoy holiday treats, roast s’mores by the fire, and listen to carolers to complete the holiday experience.
Do Golden Rail Season Pass Holders receive a discount?
Yes, 2026 Golden Rail Season Pass Holders receive a $20 discount on one ticket to Tweetsie Christmas as part of their benefits.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance for Tweetsie Christmas at Tweetsie Railroad?
Yes, due to the popularity of Tweetsie Christmas and limited nightly availability. We recommend purchasing tickets online early to secure your preferred date and train departure time. It is not uncommon for events to sell out.
Can I arrive at the park before my scheduled train ride time?
Absolutely! Guests can enter the park as soon as it opens at 5:00 p.m. and enjoy all the attractions before and after your scheduled train ride. The time on your ticket is your scheduled train departure time, and we recommend lining up about 15 minutes prior.
When are crowds the lowest for Tweetsie Christmas at Tweetsie Railroad?
Sundays and the week after Christmas tend to be less crowded during the Tweetsie Christmas event.
Is there a capacity limit for Tweetsie Christmas at Tweetsie Railroad?
Yes, due to scheduled train ride times, Tweetsie Christmas is limited by capacity.
Do I need a reservation to ride the train?
Yes. You must choose your train ride time when you purchase your ticket for Tweetsie Christmas. The train departs at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 p.m.
How long is the Christmas train ride?
The Christmas Train Ride is a three-mile loop that takes guests on a journey through a festive landscape filled with lights, decorations, and classic holiday music. This open-air experience behind a historic steam locomotive lasts approximately 20 minutes, providing a unique way to experience an old-time Christmas in the cool mountain air.
Can I ride the train more than once during Tweetsie Christmas?
No. Each Tweetsie Christmas ticket includes one reserved train ride. If you miss your scheduled departure, space may not be available on a later train.
Are there assigned seats on the train?
There are no assigned seats or train cars, only assigned train ride times. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I have a large group. Can we all sit together on the train?
If you would like to sit together, you should line up 20 minutes before your train time and check-in with the train car attendant; we will do our best to accommodate your group.
Is the train heated?
All the train cars are open-air excursion cars, so the ride can be quite brisk. Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
When is the Christmas Show during Tweetsie Christmas?
The Christmas Show runs throughout the evening at 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:45 p.m. at the Tweetsie Palace. There is no reserved seating; it is first-come, first-served.
Are there any discounts for groups or coupon codes for Tweetsie Christmas?
During Tweetsie Christmas, we do not offer any group rates, nor do we honor any discounts or coupons.
Will we be able to visit and have a photo taken with Santa?
Yes, families and friends will be able to tour Santa’s Gingerbread House (from 5-9 p.m.) and visit with Santa. Guests will be able to speak with and pose for a photo with Santa until December 23rd. Children are encouraged to bring a letter to Santa to place in the mailbox.
What about after Christmas, will we still be able to see Santa?
After Christmas Eve, Santa retires to the North Pole for some much-needed rest. He turns the Gingerbread House back over to Mr. & Mrs. Gingerbread who will be available for photos with guests.
Are professional photos available with Santa Claus?
No. Guests are welcome to take personal photos using their own camera or phone.
Can I take photos during the Tweetsie Christmas event?
Yes, you are welcome to take photos aboard the train, with Santa Claus, and at various photo opportunities throughout the park. This refers to personal, non-commercial photography only. Photos taken at Tweetsie Railroad are not to be used for commercial purposes without prior written consent from the Marketing Department. Drones and any other equipment that will negatively impact other Guests are not allowed.
What happens if weather conditions are bad?
Wind, rain, snow and other conditions are possible in November and December. Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly. Portions of the event will take place outside, so if it is raining or snowing, please bring appropriate outerwear. Tweetsie Christmas will operate as scheduled unless noted on our website: www.tweetsie.com
My plans have changed. Can I refund or exchange my Tweetsie Christmas tickets?
Yes. You can request a refund or exchange tickets to Tweetsie Christmas. The following will apply:
- Request must be made at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled visit.
- Refunds will incur a $5 fee per ticket.
- There is no fee for the first time you exchange. However, additional exchanges for another date or time will incur a $10 fee per order.
- Tickets purchased online can be exchanged in this link. For detailed instructions click here.
- Tickets purchased over the phone or in person must speak with a Ticket Office representative to process a request. You can contact the Ticket Office by phone at 877-893-3874 or email: [email protected] to request a callback.
- This fee may be waived in the event of severe weather or park closure.
Are the park attractions accessible?
| Christmas Train | Yes | |
| Santa's Gingerbread House | Yes | |
| Tweetsie Palace Christmas Show | Yes | |
| Amusement Rides | Have various height and age limitations | |
| Hacienda S'mores Roasting Area | Yes | |
| The Blizzard | Yes |
For general park questions, including stroller access, pet policies and food options, see Park FAQs.