Step aboard a magical Christmas adventure in Bryson City, North Carolina! 🎅✨ The Polar Express train ride brings the classic story to life with carols, hot cocoa, and visits from Santa. This list includes everything you need to plan your trip — what...
Sections
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Booking and Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
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Where to Stay
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Other Things To Do in the Area
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Where to Eat
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What to Pack
Booking and Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
Book your tickets early! Don't forget to dress the kiddos in PJs and a robe.
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Consider booking First Class, which comes with a souvenir mug, a cookie, a surprise treat, and a souvenir tote bag (per reservation). Book for a night time train ride to get the best experience.
The Polar Express | Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
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Don't forget to read the book before you go!
The Polar Express book
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Let the kiddos wear their pajamas - or better yet, dress the family in matching pajamas.
Children’s Place Family Matching Holiday Pajamas
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Don't forget the robe! It gets chilly, especially at night while you're waiting on the train.
Kids/Toddler Flannel Hooded Bathrobe
Where to Stay
Bryson City has quite a few lodging options that are within walking distance to the train station.
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This was a great hotel for one of our stays.
Sleep Inn, Bryson City
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Please note: We didn't stay here, but given the reviews and accommodations, this would be my pick on our next trip.
Lakeview at Fontana Inn & Treetop Soaking Cabanas
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Please Note: We didn't stay here, but the reviews are great. My husband would love this place. :)
Riverbend Lodging
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Such a quaint place to stay!
The Lodge Nantahala River
Other Things To Do in the Area
Bryson City is a great little mountain town with lots to do.
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Visit the model train museum while you're there.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum
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One of the top aquariums in NC
Appalachian Rivers Aquarium - A Freshwater Fish Experience
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular - Drive Thru Light Show
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Take the kiddos to mail their letters to Santa.
Letters to Santa, Hot Cocoa and Cookies
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Check the website to see if you're in town for the holiday market.
The Holiday Market
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Check the schedule to see if you're in town for the hayrides.
Winter Wonderland Hayrides
Where to Eat
Bryson City has yummy options to fit your tastes.
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Grab a coffee in town.
Mountain Perks
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The kids will love The Chocolate Shoppe!
The Chocolate Shoppe
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Grab a bite at the bistro.
The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
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Grab dinner before or after your ride.
Everett Street Diner
What to Pack
Keep your family warm, comfy, and festive with these must-haves!
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A knit hat is perfect for the weather in Bryson City.
Carhartt Kid's Acrylic Hat
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Knit gloves are great for the colder weather.
Kids' Gloves
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My kids love these more than a regular scarf.
Neck Warmer for Kids
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These are the perfect PJs for the Polar Express.
The Polar Express Kids Believe Pajama Set
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This is such a cute hat to keep you warm!
Women's Winter Chunky Knit Hat
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These gloves are great to keep you warm while still being able to use your phone.
