BLUE RIDGE TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
A Holiday Ride Through North Georgia: Open‑Air Coaches, Santa Visits, and Scenic Views
A concise guide to riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s festive open‑air coach—what to expect onboard, what to bring, and practical details for the outing.
A Holiday Ride Through North Georgia: Open‑Air Coaches, Santa Visits, and Scenic Views.
Climb aboard a festive train where holiday music and a reading of The Night Before Christmas set the tone, children receive a jingle bell and candy cane, and passengers enjoy seasonal treats, visits with Santa, and views of the North Georgia countryside from open‑air coach seating.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Holiday program onboard
The ride features holiday tunes and a narrated story; children receive a jingle bell and candy cane and have a chance to see Santa during the trip, with snacks and hot chocolate available from the concession car.
Open‑air comfort with seasonal adjustments
Open‑air coaches offer long bench seats facing outward and large open windows for unobstructed viewing; vinyl windows are installed in winter months to retain heat and padded seating and restrooms are available during the trip.
Close encounters with the North Georgia countryside
Bench seating that faces the windows and plenty of open window area make the train a close, rolling view of the local landscape while the car layout keeps the ride communal and family friendly.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
The outing is an uncomplicated, festive onboard experience: passengers board the open‑air coach, settle on long bench seats that face outward, listen to seasonal music and a holiday story, visit the concession car for hot chocolate and snacks, and enjoy a Santa visit and family‑oriented moments against a backdrop of rural Georgia scenery.
THE EXPERIENCE
Holiday program onboard
The ride features holiday tunes and a narrated story; children receive a jingle bell and candy cane and have a chance to see Santa during the trip, with snacks and hot chocolate available from the concession car.
THE COACH
Open‑air comfort with seasonal adjustments
Open‑air coaches offer long bench seats facing outward and large open windows for unobstructed viewing; vinyl windows are installed in winter months to retain heat and padded seating and restrooms are available during the trip.
THE SCENERY
Close encounters with the North Georgia countryside
Bench seating that faces the windows and plenty of open window area make the train a close, rolling view of the local landscape while the car layout keeps the ride communal and family friendly.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who is this outing best for — and who should take caution?
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Official duration is listed as 4 hours. Confirm boarding and departure times at the Blue Ridge Railway Depot when you book.
Boarding begins at the Blue Ridge Railway Depot — 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513; arrive early to secure seating inside your assigned car.
Wear comfortable, safe shoes (avoid flip‑flops, sandals, or heels) and dress in layers for the open‑air cars; vinyl windows are installed in winter but warm clothing is recommended. Small hard‑sided coolers that fit under a seat are allowed; snacks and non‑alcoholic drinks are permitted, but NO ALCOHOL is allowed.
Open‑air coaches have padded bench seating and restrooms are available during the trip; concession car offers hot chocolate and other snacks for purchase.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the difference between an open‑air coach and a closed coach?
Open‑air coaches have bench seating that faces out toward the open windows for close viewing of the countryside; closed coaches feature enclosed windows, padded seats arranged in groups of four, and climate control.
Are there assigned seats?
No. Passengers are assigned a car, but seats within that car are first come, first served.
Can my group sit together?
If everyone in your party arrives early and boards at the proper time, you should be able to sit together; late arrivals may be split up inside the assigned car because others have chosen seats.
Are service dogs or emotional support animals allowed on the train?
Service animals are permitted in accordance with the ADA (a service animal must be a dog individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability). Emotional support, comfort, and companionship animals are not allowed.
What defines an open‑air coach seating layout?
Open‑air coach cars have long bench seating that faces outward toward the windows, providing a close encounter with the local landscape.