About Swain County, NC

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Christmas with the family? Take a ride on the Polar Express near Hendersonville. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is taking visitors on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard their special Polar Express from now through Christmas Eve. There's nothing like it!

Once you board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's Polar Express (which departs from Bryson City Depot), you and your children will be treated to the retelling of the Christmas classic as you are whisked away to the North Pole. Between sips of hot cocoa, listen to carols being sung by the staff. Once you reach the North Pole, Santa Claus will join you, bringing each little girl and boy a special gift...their very own sleigh bell. But, will they be able to hear it ring? You'll have to be on board to find out!

Tickets start at $39 for adults, $26 for kids 2-12 years old and free for children under 2. Upgrades are available. Please click here to view the Polar Express' departure schedule and click here to make your reservation. There will be a special limited Polar Express Christmas Eve train ride available on Saturday, December 24, 2012. Tickets for that range from at $51 (for Coach) to $72 (First Class) per adult and $37 (for Coach) to $50 (First Class) for kids (children under 2 are still complimentary). Seats for all rides fill up fast. So, make sure you make your reservations right away.

No matter what the weather may be like, the Polar Express will always make its way to the North Pole. So, dress the kids up in their warmest jammies and take a ride on the Polar Express near Hendersonville. It's a night your children are sure never to forget!

Happy holidays!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist