Holiday

Holiday Express at Pullen Park is a beloved annual tradition in Raleigh, transforming the city’s oldest public park into a sparkling winter wonderland for 2025. This festival features a nostalgic train ride, festive light displays, crafts, hot cocoa, and more creating a magical evening for families.

When and Where
Held on 17 nights in early December, Holiday Express 2025 is scheduled from December 2 through December 18, with daily hours of 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. Guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before their assigned train time. The event takes place at Pullen Park, located at 520 Ashe Avenue in Raleigh.

Tickets and Tips
Tickets go on sale via the City of Raleigh’s RecLink system, typically in mid-October—this year, ticket sales begin on October 14 at 10:00 a.m. Historically, tickets sell out quickly often within minutes of launch. Tickets are $17 plus tax per rider (ages one and older), with a limit of eight per household, credit card, or IP address.

What to Expect
Visitors enjoy a festive train ride aboard the decorated locomotive, stroll through more than 200,000 holiday lights throughout the park, and explore interactive stations like Santa’s Toy Shop, Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Grove, and Arctic Avenue. Holiday Express also includes fire pits by Lake Howell, themed inflatables, crafts, and snacks in Shelter 1. A carousel ride is included during the event hours on the historic Dentzel carousel.

Families can collect elf name tags, complete the Elf I.T. Training challenge with a PAL tracker, and even visit Santa at his caboose workshop for a fun photo moment.

Why Families Love It
Holiday Express has become a cherished Raleigh tradition that blends nostalgia, lights, and creative exhibits. Local fans appreciate that the event is welcoming to all, regardless of holiday traditions or beliefs. It’s widely shared as a multi-generational favorite and a festive way to celebrate the season together.

Helpful Tips for Attending
• Log in early on RecLink the morning ticket sales open—queue access begins around 8:45 a.m.
• Plan to arrive downtown at least 15 minutes before your assigned train time
• Dress warmly and in layers—some stations and paths are fully outdoors
• Use the free sensory-friendly nights if needed—they offer quieter music and more space
• Consider combining your visit with other nearby holiday activities like Illuminate Art Walk or tree lighting events

Closing Thoughts
Holiday Express at Pullen Park is more than an evening outing—it’s a seasonal tradition that brings families together under a canopy of lights and shared wonder. For Raleigh families looking to create new holiday memories, the 2025 Holiday Express offers all the magic of a winter wonderland right in the heart of the city.