Jingle All the Way on This Magical Train Ride Near Asheville

If your family is looking for a unique holiday experience and day trip, especially for smaller children, here is why a trip on the Jingle Bell Trolley on the Craggy Mountain Rail Line is a fun and memorable option.

Media tickets were given for this review but the opinion of the experience is solely that of the author.

I stumbled across the Craggy Mountain Railroad when looking for holiday things to do that I haven’t tried and the second I saw it, I knew the Jingle Bell Trolley ride would be something my kids would go crazy for. And they did. But there is more to this little railroad than initially meets the eye.

Craggy Mountain Line

The Craggy Mountain Line is actually a non-profit that encompasses a little more than three miles of the railroad of the same name, a historic stretch in Buncombe County, North Carolina, right outside of Asheville. The non-profit does track rehabilitation and restores equipment to operating conditions. The small area where the trolley operates is a little train village that is inviting, cozy, and oh-so-cute.

The Jingle Bell Trolley is one of the many rides the Craggy Mountain Line operates throughout the year. In the fall, they deck out the trolley cars with hay for a hayride down the tracks. In July, they have a Military Appreciation Ride. And in the summer and into early fall, they have Dino Day Jurassic Park rides, which are wildly popular.

The railroad also runs regular open-air excursions every Thursday and Saturday — a seven-mile round trip that leaves at 4 p.m. and lasts about an hour and 25 minutes, stopping at Woodfin’s Silverline Park along the French Broad River.

Jingle Bell Trolley – What to Expect

The Jingle Bell Trolley is decked out with garland, lanterns, and jingle bells. It is open-air so be sure to dress warmly and wear hats, gloves, and maybe bring a small blanket. The trolley doesn’t go very fast at all but it’s better to be prepared.

The ride is a two-mile, 25-minute round trip journey down the mountain and back through the old wooded railroad line where you’ll stop once you find Santa’s lost jingle bells. The conductor hands out little jingle bells to all the kids and then you ride back to the station.

We went at night so the train cars lit up were so beautiful and festive. I can only imagine how it would all look during a snowfall – magical and enchanting to say the least.

Back at the train village, guests can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a train car that has more garland and lights than most homes I’ve seen decorated for the holidays. Kids will get little gifts.

Next, head to the train car across the way where more festivities await, namely delicious hot chocolate and cookies. This could have been my kids’ favorite part of the whole experience.

There is also another train car that is painted in red that has a Christmas movie playing and small trains for sale.

There is a bathroom on site that kids should certainly use before getting on the trolley, which is bathroom-less. While the bathroom is a porta-john, it’s the most decorated and cleanest porta-john I’ve ever seen, with lights on the inside and baby wipes. I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention how great this bathroom is.

Tickets

As you may well imagine, the Jingle Bell Trolley is very popular. It’s just an hour and 20 minutes from Greenville so an easy holiday day trip. Tickets are being sold both individually and as the entire train as a private ride.

2026 dates and ticket prices haven’t been announced yet. As of September 28, 2026, the railroad’s ticket page shows no events on sale, and the most recent Jingle Bell Trolley announcement on its site is still the 2025 season. Craggy Mountain Line usually posts the holiday schedule closer to the season, so keep an eye on its news page for the 2026 dates.

For reference, the 2025 season — the railroad’s 14th annual Jingle Bell Trolley — ran on 14 dates in December at $23 per person, with children 3 and under free. Given how popular this one is, it’s worth booking as soon as the schedule goes up.

Tickets include the 25-minute train ride, a visit with Santa, and hot chocolate and cookies.

For the most up-to-date information, follow the Craggy Mountain Line on Facebook as that is where they will let guests know if they are adding more rides.

Have you been on the Craggy Mountain Rail?

Craggy Mountain Line
111 North Woodfin Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804
828.808.4877

Jingle Bell Trolley FAQs

When is the 2026 Jingle Bell Trolley?

Craggy Mountain Line hadn’t announced its 2026 holiday schedule as of September 28, 2026. The ride traditionally runs on select dates in December, and the 2025 season had 14 of them. Watch the railroad’s news page for this year’s dates.

How much are tickets?

2026 pricing hasn’t been posted yet. In 2025, tickets were $23 per person and children 3 and under rode free.

How long is the ride?

The Jingle Bell Trolley is a 25-minute, two-mile round trip. Plan on longer than that at the railroad, though — you’ll also want time to visit Santa, get hot chocolate and cookies, and walk through the decorated railroad cars.

What’s included with a ticket?

The trolley ride, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a small gift for each child, and hot chocolate and cookies.

How far is it from Greenville?

About an hour and 20 minutes, which makes it an easy holiday day trip.

What should we wear?

Dress warmly. The trolley is open-air, so hats, gloves, and a small blanket are a good idea. There’s a bathroom at the depot but none on the trolley, so send kids before you board.

Find lots more holiday fun in Asheville, NC