Nov28to Dec 19
Santa Express
Tennessee Central Railway Museum · Nashville, TN
- Time
- 1.5-hour round trip
- Ages
- Under 2 free on a lap; 2 and up need a seat
- Price
- Not listed
- Tickets
- All seats are reserved, and the dome car's 20 seats go first
Christmas trains 2026Nashville · Music City
Christmas train rides near Nashville, 2026.
In 2026, Santa train rides near Nashville run Nov 28 through Dec 19. Santa Express at Tennessee Central Railway Museum starts Nov 28. Under 2 free on a lap. Polar Express Storytime at the Historic RailPark at Historic RailPark & Train Museum starts Dec 1 and admission is free. All ages.
The quick answersChecked
Best for under-3s?Santa Express: Under 2 free on a lap.Under 3Is there a Polar Express ride?None with 2026 dates near here yet.Not yetWhere’s the Santa train?Santa Express: from Nov 28. Plus 1 more.2 trainsDo I need to book?2 of 3 ask you to book ahead or warn they sell out.Book early
By date
Every Christmas train, by first date
Filter by kind of ride, then tap one for dates, ages, price and how to book.
20NovFriDancing Lights of TRAINS! at Holiday LIGHTS
Model trains · to Jan 3 · Nashville, TN (Cheekwood)28NovSatSanta Express
Santa train · to Dec 19 · Nashville, TN1DecTuePolar Express Storytime at the Historic RailParkSanta train · to Dec 10 · Bowling Green, KY · about 65 miles away
Model trains · to Jan 3 · Nashville, TN (Cheekwood)28NovSatSanta ExpressSanta train · to Dec 19 · Nashville, TN1DecTuePolar Express Storytime at the Historic RailParkSanta train · to Dec 10 · Bowling Green, KY · about 65 miles awayNothing matches that filter yet.
What to know
Dates, ages and tickets near Nashville
Each line is copied from that operator’s page. When they have not posted a price, the line says so.
Dancing Lights of TRAINS! at Holiday LIGHTS (Nov 20 through Jan 3, Nashville, TN (Cheekwood)). No pricing information.
Santa Express (Nov 28 through Dec 19, Nashville, TN). Ages: Under 2 free on a lap. No pricing information.
Polar Express Storytime at the Historic RailPark (Dec 1 through Dec 10, Bowling Green, KY · about 65 miles away). Ages: All ages. Tickets: Free.
Train rides
Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Nashville
Dates, ride length, ages, price and booking notes come from each railroad, zoo or park’s own page. The area line shows where you board.
Quick picks: Best for under-3s: Santa Express (Under 2 free on a lap).
Dec1to 10
Polar Express Storytime at the Historic RailPark
Historic RailPark & Train Museum · Bowling Green, KY · about 65 miles away
- Time
- Storytimes every half hour, 4:30–7 p.m.
- Ages
- All ages
- Price
- Free
- Tickets
- Free tickets (limit 6). General public registration opened Nov. 3 at 9 a.m.; members registered Oct. 30–Nov. 2.
Good to know: The story is read aboard the Duncan Hines Diner Railcar with cocoa and cookies. Kids leave through the Presidential Railcar and get a quick hello with Santa. Pajamas are encouraged.
Model trains
Holiday model train displays near Nashville
Most let you walk through at your own pace, so you can stay as long as little ones are interested.
Nov20to Jan 3
Dancing Lights of TRAINS! at Holiday LIGHTS
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens · Nashville, TN (Cheekwood)
- Time
- Evenings 4:30–10 p.m.; daytime 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Ages
- Not listed
- Price
- Not listed
- Tickets
- Reserve tickets ahead
Good to know: Cheekwood's permanent TRAINS! garden exhibit gets lit up for the holidays.
More to come.Model train shows often post late. We recheck every week through December.Email me when one’s addedBefore you go
Three things that make train day easier
TicketsBook as soon as you canPolar Express and Santa trains often sell out weeks ahead, weekend evenings first.
DressPajamas are part of itMany Polar Express rides invite kids to come in pajamas. Bring a warm layer for the platform.
TimingPick a ride before bedtimeEarly departures are easier with little kids. Late lights trains are better for older kids.Keep planning
More for little kids in Nashville
November: things to do in NashvilleEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in NashvilleEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in NashvilleFree days, free events and places that never chargeFree museum days in NashvilleFree days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts, with who gets in
Indoor play in NashvilleIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Ice skating in NashvilleHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in NashvilleParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in NashvilleKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
Christmas parades in NashvilleParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesThe Nutcracker in NashvilleBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in NashvilleChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
Tree lighting in NashvilleDates, times and what the organizer posts for kidsChristmas break in NashvilleWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1Birthday party places in NashvilleStarting prices, ages and what’s included
Youth soccer and basketball in NashvilleSoccer and basketball for kids under 6, with sign-up dates
More things to do with kids in Nashville this weekDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Christmas trains near Nashville: the FAQ
Not one we could confirm with 2026 dates on an official page. The closest thing on this page is Santa Express and Polar Express Storytime at the Historic RailPark.
Santa Express (Nashville, TN): Sat Nov 28, Sat Dec 5, Sat Dec 12 and Sat Dec 19. Polar Express Storytime at the Historic RailPark (Bowling Green, KY · about 65 miles away): Next: Tue Dec 1, Wed Dec 2, Thu Dec 3, Mon Dec 7 and 3 more.
Dancing Lights of TRAINS! at Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Nov 20 – Jan 3.
Many do. Two of the three here ask you to book ahead or warn that seats sell out. Each card says what the operator posts about tickets.
Best for under-3s: Santa Express, Under 2 free on a lap. Those come from the ride length, price and age notes on this page.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.
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