Line 1 · Christmas & holiday
Bryson City Polar Express with kids
Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
The Polar Express train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, with hot cocoa, a reading of the book, and Santa boarding at the 'North Pole'.
Pajamas are encouraged. December dates often sell out by early fall.
Price it for your family from your ZIP →What it costs
Example for 2 adults and 2 kids, 5 days, including lodging, food and activities. Gas or flights depend on where you live, so price it from your ZIP for the full total.
| Where you stay | Estimated total* |
|---|---|
| Budget (1★) | $1,920 |
| Mid-range (3★) | $2,440 |
| Luxury (5★) | $4,030 |
*Planning estimate from typical recent prices, before travel, with an 8% buffer. Holiday weeks and school breaks cost more.
Best time to go
- JanOff
- FebOff
- MarOff
- AprGood
- MayGood
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- OctGood
- NovBest
- DecBest
Top attractions in Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains RailroadThe Polar Express departs here
- Deep CreekThree waterfalls on easy trails
- Fontana DamTallest dam east of the Rockies
- Nantahala GorgeWhitewater center
- Oconaluftee Visitor CenterElk grazing in the fields
- Mountain Farm MuseumLog farmstead
- Mingus MillHistoric gristmill
- Museum of the Cherokee PeopleCherokee, NC
- Oconaluftee Indian VillageLiving-history village
- Smoky Mountain Trains MuseumModel trains
Where to eat in Smoky Mountains
- Nantahala Brewing$$Brewpub
- Pasqualino's$$Italian
- The Cork & Bean$$Crêpes and coffee
- River's End Restaurant$$At the Nantahala Outdoor Center
- Jimmy Mac's$Burgers
- Mountain Layers Brewing$$Pizza and beer
- Paul's Family Restaurant$Cherokee
- Granny's Kitchen$Southern buffet, Cherokee
- Lulu's on Main$$Sylva
Things to do
- Ride the Polar ExpressWear pajamas
- Tube Deep CreekSummer
- Raft the NantahalaGentle Class II rapids
- Watch elk at OconalufteeDawn and dusk
- Hike Juney Whank and Tom Branch FallsShort loop
- Unto These HillsOutdoor drama in Cherokee, summer
- Ziplining in the Nantahala GorgeSeveral courses
- Fly-fish for troutCherokee and Deep Creek
- Drive Newfound Gap RoadCross the Smokies
- Kayak Fontana LakeCalm water
Places change. Tap any name to check it on Google Maps before you go.