Pullen Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, has long been a favorite spot for families — with its historic carousel, serene lake, and charming train rides. But come December, it turns into something truly special: the Holiday Express. This festive event brings the magic of the holidays to life with twinkling lights, joyful activities, and a sense of wonder that captivates kids and adults alike.
The Holiday Express isn’t just another Christmas light display or train ride. It’s a full evening of immersive fun, where you can hop on a decorated train, meet Santa, craft souvenirs, and enjoy games under the stars. As someone who’s attended this Raleigh holiday event for years, I can tell you it’s more than an outing — it’s a tradition that creates lasting memories.
In this article, we’ll take a gentle, step-by-step look at what the Holiday Express at Pullen Park is all about, its history, how to plan your visit, and tips to make it unforgettable in 2025.
What Is Holiday Express at Pullen Park?
The Holiday Express is an annual outdoor holiday celebration hosted by the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department at Pullen Park. It’s a winter wonderland experience that transforms the park into a festive playground, complete with holiday-themed attractions, lights, and activities designed for families.
At its heart is the Holiday Express train ride — a magical journey on the park’s classic C.P. Huntington miniature train, decked out in lights and holiday cheer. But that’s just the start. The event includes unlimited rides on the historic Dentzel carousel, interactive games, crafts with elves, photo ops, and even a visit to Santa’s toy shop. Everything is included in one ticket price, making it easy and affordable for families looking for Raleigh Christmas events.
Pullen Park itself is the perfect setting. As North Carolina’s oldest public park, opened in 1887, it spans 66 acres with a lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas. During the Holiday Express, over 200,000 lights illuminate the grounds, creating a cozy, enchanting atmosphere. It’s not overly commercial — think wholesome fun with a touch of nostalgia, ideal for young children and those young at heart.
In my experience visiting similar park holiday events across the Southeast, what sets Holiday Express apart is its focus on interactive, hands-on activities. It’s not just looking at lights; it’s participating in the magic, which makes it a standout among Triangle holiday attractions.
The History of Holiday Express at Pullen Park
The Holiday Express has grown from a small local gathering into one of Raleigh’s most beloved holiday traditions. It began in 2011 as a modest four-day event called the Holiday Express, partnering with local businesses to bring festive lights and train rides to Pullen Park after a major renovation.
Back then, it was a simple celebration to showcase the park’s updates, including the restored carousel and train. Tickets sold quickly, and by 2012, it expanded due to popularity, nearly selling out entirely. Over the years, it evolved into a multi-week festival, adding more activities like crafts, games, and themed areas. Sponsors like Duke Energy and WRAL helped fund the elaborate light displays and attractions, turning it into a community staple.
There were challenges along the way. The event was canceled in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and again in 2021 due to staffing shortages. But it bounced back stronger in 2022, with record attendance. Today, in 2025, it’s a 17-night extravaganza that draws families from across the Triangle and beyond.
As a Raleigh native who’s followed local events for over a decade, I’ve seen how Holiday Express reflects the city’s spirit — inclusive, creative, and family-oriented. It’s inspired similar holiday train rides in other parks, but Pullen’s historic charm keeps it unique among North Carolina Christmas celebrations.
Holiday Express Dates and Times in 2025
Planning ahead is key for this popular event, as tickets sell out fast. In 2025, the main Holiday Express runs from Tuesday, December 2, through Thursday, December 18, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each evening.
For those with early train ride slots (4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m.), you can enter the park as early as 4:15 p.m. or 4:30 p.m., respectively, to enjoy the playground and train before the full festivities kick off at 5 p.m.
There are also two sensory-friendly afternoons on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. These sessions feature lower music volumes, reduced crowds, and a quiet decompression area, making them perfect for families with sensory sensitivities.
Each date is treated as a separate event for ticketing, with train ride time slots every half hour from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Expect a 15- to 30-minute wait for your train ride, but the rest of the park is yours to explore freely.
From my own visits, evenings in early December are less crowded, offering a more relaxed pace for enjoying Raleigh winter festivals.
How to Get Tickets for Holiday Express
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. via Ticketmaster — mark your calendar and set an alarm, as they often sell out within hours.
Pricing is straightforward: $17 plus tax and fees per person for guests ages 1 and up (infants under 12 months are free but must be held). Everyone needs a ticket, even if not riding the train, since it grants access to all activities.
You can buy up to eight tickets per household, credit card, or IP address to prevent scalping. All sales are final, with no refunds, but you can transfer or resell at face value through Ticketmaster.
Pro tip from a seasoned attendee: Have your preferred dates and times ready before logging in. Use the Ticketmaster app for faster access, and don’t hesitate — slots disappear in real-time. If you miss out, check for resale, but avoid third-party sites to ensure authenticity.
This system keeps the event accessible, aligning with Pullen Park’s community-focused ethos in the world of Triangle family outings.
What Activities Await at Holiday Express?
The Holiday Express packs in a variety of attractions, all included with your ticket. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Start with the star: the Holiday Express train ride. Board the festively lit train for a scenic loop around the park, passing holiday displays and twinkling lights. It’s about 10-15 minutes long, with room for three per seat (including kids).
Then, hop on the unlimited carousel rides. This 1911 Dentzel masterpiece features hand-carved animals like lions and reindeer, spinning to holiday music from a Wurlitzer organ.
Wander through themed areas like Candy Cane Lane, where elves help with crafts — make reindeer food or write letters to Santa at the post office. Play in candy-themed inflatables or try games like Hansel and Gretel’s Great Escape.
In Gingerbread Grove, tackle the 27-foot Gingerbread Glide slide or compete in Gumdrop Grab and Gingerbread Jam for high scores.
Arctic Avenue offers frosty fun: toss snowballs at Blizzard Boogie, play Penguin Escape, or dance for prizes.
Don’t miss Reindeer Roundup — grab a tracker to find Santa’s “lost” reindeer and claim a prize.
For a sweet treat, roast complimentary s’mores at the S’more Station with fire safety tips from the Raleigh Fire Department.
Visit Santa’s Toy Shop in a vintage caboose for a quick chat or selfie (no formal photos due to crowds).
New for 2025: Reindeer Flight School, a 60-second game to “fly” reindeer; the Rotary Igloo Experience for photo ops and play; and Club Cocoa Lounge, a customizable hot chocolate bar (extra cost).
Pullen Cafe offers food with options for dietary needs — check their menu online.
As I’ve wandered these paths on chilly evenings, the joy on kids’ faces during these Raleigh holiday activities is priceless.
Sensory-Friendly Holiday Express: Inclusive Fun for All
Recognizing not every family fits the standard mold, Holiday Express offers sensory-friendly sessions on December 6 and 14. These daytime events reduce capacity for more space, lower music decibels, and minimize flashing lights.
Activities are spread out with less walking, and there’s a dedicated quiet area for breaks. Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and other tools are available at the Welcome Center.
This initiative, back by popular demand, ensures everyone can enjoy Pullen Park Christmas events. From my perspective as an advocate for inclusive family experiences, it’s a thoughtful touch that sets this apart from other North Carolina holiday light shows.
Tips for Attending Holiday Express at Pullen Park
To make your visit smooth and magical, here are some practical tips drawn from years of attending:
Dress warmly — it’s an outdoor event, so layers, hats, and gloves are essential, especially on cooler Raleigh winter nights. The event runs in light rain or snow, but check the website by noon for severe weather updates.
Arrive early if your train slot is later; you can enter anytime after 4 p.m. (or earlier for select times) to beat crowds at popular spots like the carousel.
Bring a stroller for little ones — the park is walkable, but paths can get busy. Wagons aren’t allowed for safety.
Pack patience for lines, but use wait times to enjoy games or crafts. Download the park map from the official site to navigate efficiently.
For food, try the cafe’s holiday menu, but eat before if lines are long. No outside food, but exceptions for allergies.
If driving, parking details will be updated soon — expect lots near the park or nearby streets. Consider rideshares to avoid hassle.
Finally, capture memories with your phone, but live in the moment. As someone who’s chased the perfect photo, I know the real magic is in the laughter and lights.
Parking, Transportation, and Getting There
Pullen Park is at 520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh, NC 27606, easily accessible from downtown. Parking info for 2025 will be posted soon, but typically includes on-site lots and overflow areas. Arrive early to snag a spot, as it fills up.
Public transit via GoRaleigh buses stops nearby, or use rideshares like Uber for drop-off at the entrance. Biking? Secure racks are available.
In my trips, carpooling with friends makes it eco-friendly and fun, reducing stress amid Triangle holiday traffic.
Food, Souvenirs, and Extra Touches
Beyond complimentary s’mores, the Pullen Cafe serves warm meals, hot drinks, and treats — think cocoa, cookies, and options for gluten-free or vegan diets. The new Club Cocoa Lounge adds customizable hot chocolate for a small fee.
The Gift Shop stocks souvenirs like limited-edition carousel ornaments ($15) or train replicas. Pick up reindeer food or crafts as keepsakes.
These extras enhance the experience without breaking the bank, making Holiday Express a budget-friendly Raleigh family holiday outing.
Why Holiday Express Stands Out in 2025
This year brings fresh excitement with new attractions like Reindeer Flight School and the Rotary Igloo. Amid rumors of a Bee Gees biopic (unrelated but fun trivia for music fans), the event stays true to its roots while innovating.
What makes it special? It’s community-driven, with sponsors funding free elements like games. In a world of pricey holiday experiences, this offers value — unlimited fun for under $20.
As an expert in local attractions, I’ve compared it to places like the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival; Holiday Express wins for its intimate, kid-centric vibe.
Final Thoughts
The Holiday Express at Pullen Park isn’t just an event; it’s a heartfelt celebration that captures the joy of the season. From the twinkling train ride to crafting with elves, it turns ordinary evenings into magical memories, all in Raleigh’s historic heart.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning family, it reminds us of simple pleasures — laughter under lights, warm treats on cold nights, and togetherness. In 2025, as it continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of holiday spirit.
Don’t miss out — grab tickets and create your own traditions. Holiday Express may spotlight the train, but its true gift is the warmth it brings to every visitor.
