Christmas & Holiday

Experience The Magic Of The Holidays In Bryson City

Prepare to be amazed in Bryson City during the Christmas holiday season. The downtown square is decorated with a large Christmas Tree, plenty of lights, and other decor. Christmas family photo ops on nearly every corner! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure such as a ride on the Polar Express™ Train, a holiday hayride on an authentic farm, a bit of holiday shopping from local artisans, an outdoor ice skating rink, a spirited community event, or a cup of something warm from a nearby cafe, your time spent in our Great Smoky Mountains town will be infused with magic.

All Aboard For the Polar Express Train Ride!

Celebrate the Season of Holiday Magic in Bryson City

Experience a true holiday wonderland in Bryson City, North Carolina. TH E POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole. Thousands of twinkling lights come to life on the downtown…

Letters to Santa, Hot Cocoa and Cookies

Write your letter to Santa and mail it at the Swain County Visitor Center. All…

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a 1¼ hour round-trip…

Chistmas Hayrides at Darnell Farms

After dark, the farm lights up with magical Christmas lights and sounds! Before…

The Holiday Market

Back for the holiday season, the very talented crafters of our Smoky Mountain Farmers…

Merry Market with Santa

Join us this December at our enchanting Merry Market, brimming with unique…

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a must-see holiday event to usher in the magic of…

Visit the North Pole in the Heart of Smokies on the Polar Express

Nothing truly marks the start of the holiday season in Bryson City quite like that first night that the Polar Express pulls into the train station. A beloved Christmas tradition, this special Great Smoky Mountain Railroads ride is the only way to reach the one and only North Pole from our side of…