BRYSON CITY, N.C. (WLOS) — As dusk settles over Bryson City, the glow of a steam locomotive cuts through the mountain air, signaling the start of a holiday tradition that has become world-famous.
Families, many dressed in matching pajamas, gather along the platform as the train pulls in, lights twinkling and steam rising. For many, the excitement begins well before they ever step on board.
“I think the overall magic is the excitement that families and children express when they come on property, see the train all lit up, and watch the steam locomotive roll in,” said Kim Albritton, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad general manager and vice president. “It just creates a completely different atmosphere before they even board.”
The Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City isn’t just one of many seasonal attractions, it’s the largest of its kind in the world. Organizers say more than 134,000 people attend each year, making it the most heavily attended Polar Express event across all licensed railroads worldwide.
That scale doesn’t dilute the magic. Instead, it amplifies it.
“It’s a lot of multigenerational families,” Albritton said. “Grandparents, parents, and grandchildren all arriving together. It’s really special to see.”
For some families, the ride is a surprise. Josh Kinney, a father traveling with his wife and children from Live Oak, FL said the kids didn’t know where they were going until moments before boarding.
“We wanted to surprise them,” he said. “They just found out a few minutes ago. They’re super excited,” Kinney.
Once on board, the experience mirrors the beloved holiday film almost scene for scene. Conductors explain their roles, music fills the cars, and children sing along as hot chocolate and cookies are passed down the aisles.
“You board the train and it’s excitement right off the bat,” said Mark Lee, a conductor who works the event each season. “They’re singing, dancing, and completely immersed.”
Even staff members say the production feels special every time.
“Although it’s the same show, it’s never the same run,” Lee said. “There’s always something different happening.”
That includes interactive moments designed to pull the entire family into the story, from parents being coaxed onto the dance floor to dramatic pauses along the tracks to clear “caribou” from the way. On some nights, real wildlife even makes an appearance.
“Occasionally, some of our native elk can be seen off the side of the train during that stop,” Mark Lee said. “It just adds to it.”
Behind the scenes, the event is also a major community effort. More than 150 seasonal employees are hired each year, many of them students from local high schools and Western Carolina University.
When the train reaches the “North Pole,” anticipation peaks. Santa himself boards the train, greeting children, signing books, and delivering the first gift of Christmas, a silver bell.
“We have families who’ve been coming almost the entire 20 years,” Lee said. “They bring their kids, then their grandkids. It becomes a tradition.”
As the train heads back to Bryson City, bells ring nonstop, songs echo through the cars, and families soak in one final moment together.
“Seeing that excitement in the children and families, that shared moment, that’s what it’s all about,” Lee.
For many, the experience extends beyond the tracks.
“It’s not just the train ride,” he added. “It’s coming to Bryson City, the town itself, and how the entire community embraces it.”
As the whistle blows and voices shout “Merry Christmas,” one thing is clear: this holiday journey is about more than a destination, it’s about creating memories that last long after the season ends.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is officially sold out for the 2025 season. However, 2026 tickets are now on sale for those who want to secure their preferred date and time selections for next year. Check the full calendar and reserve your 2026 holiday tickets here.
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