Ride on the Reindeer Roundup
‘Cause that’s the way things happen
On the Polar Express
It’s all aboard Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express and tickets are selling quickly! New Hope Family Valley Railway: The Triangle’s Train is cruising through a winter wonderland at the North Carolina Railway Museum in New Hill. With special holiday scenes set up throughout the route, experience the magic of the season with photo opportunities galore. Tickets are on sale now for the month of December, get yours before they sell out!
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express:
Operating Saturdays and Sundays, December 5 through December 18, trains will depart at 9:30 am., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each weekend day. Rides are a 50-minute journey and will feature a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus, at the New Hope Valley Railway. On your 8-mile trek through the North Carolina countryside, riders will search for Santa’s missing reindeer along the tracks. Bring your own camera for a photo with Santa!
Although Family Cabooses are sold out for the holiday season, you can still purchase individual tickets online. Tickets for riders ages 13-59 are $15 and $13 for ages 2-12. Tickets for ages 60+ are available for $14. All children will receive an individually-wrapped candy cane. Please note, all guests must comply in wearing a face covering according to the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration.
Raffle for Reindeer Roundup Express:
Ho! Ho! Ho! Enter for your chance to win big! The 2021 Railway Raffle offers participants the chance to win a variety of experiences hosted by the New Hope Valley Railway. This fundraiser will support the rebuilding of the museum’s steam locomotive. The raffle winner will receive a memorable ride experience for family members of all ages and the opportunity to operate a real diesel engine. At the conclusion of the train ride, the engineer will open the door to a diesel locomotive, inviting the winner and three guests to walk inside on of the diesel locomotive cabs. And yes, you’ll get to blow the horn!
The winner will also receive four free tickets aboard Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express. Last but not least, receive a $25 gift certificate to spend at the North Carolina Railway Museum. A total of 1,000 raffle tickets are being sold at $10 per ticket. Raffle tickets can be purchased until Monday, November 15. The total raffle prize is worth approximately $250.
Visit the Museum:
There is fun to be had at the museum all year long! Tickets are available for purchase online for all upcoming train rides. The New Hope Valley Railway is operated by 501(c)3 North Carolina Railway Museum (NCRM). Plan a visit to the museum to learn more about locomotives, ride a train and visit the Garden Railroad display. The museum features a display of historic railroad equipment and artifacts, memorabilia and, of course, a gift shop.
The NCRM is run completely by volunteers with the mission to preserve North Carolina’s railroad history. Originally founded in 1963, the organization has been running for more than 80 years, sharing their love for trains with the public. The open-air facility offers a collection of equipment dating back to the 1920s, two steam locomotives and more than six diesel engines. 100% of ticket fare revenues, after sales tax, go directly to supporting the operation of the museum.
Prices for train rides, with the exception of holiday events, start at $9. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the train’s departure to allow for time to check in and board, which is on a first come, first serve basis. Remaining tickets not sold online will be sold at the ticket booth on the day of the departure. Excursions last approximately one hour.
Learn more about the history of the railway before your visit!
Special Events:
Families, groups and organizations can book trips on the scenic one-hour train ride. Group rides are available for 10 to 60 people during scheduled ride days and charters are available for groups wanting to rent out an entire train, with seating available for 260 people. The railway is also open for events, including weddings, anniversaries, family reunions and corporate events.
However you choose to visit, it will be a ride to remember!