Activities
This is an outdoor event – please dress accordingly. Indoor space will not be available for guests. We will operate in light rain and/or snow.
Holidays HighwayJoin us for a stroll around the lake and remember some of our best holidays of the year. You will ring in the New Year as you enter the Holidays Highway at the top of the stairs near the event lawn. Make your way along the path to take a selfie with a cupid or a leprechaun. Enjoy the flowers and bunnies before walking through our patriotic area and more.
The Holiday ExpressYour designated ride time is located on your event ticket. Arrive with your entire group at the train station at your scheduled time. Three guests maximum to a seat, including children and infants. Wait time may be between 15-30 minutes.
Enchanted ElevatorStep into this magical elevator for a whimsical experience which will lift you up and out of Pullen Park and away to the North Pole. You never know what surprises may await you when you walk out that other side!
Santa’s Toy ShopSanta has transformed our Southern Railroad caboose into his mobile workshop, where he’s been storing some of the toys the elves have finished. In addition, it’s become his home away from home while he’s in Raleigh! Stop by for a walk-through experience where you might even be able to see the big man himself! Due to the popularity of this experience, traditional sit-down photo opportunities will not be available, but you will likely have time for a brief chat and maybe even a selfie for the digital scrapbook.Please note that this experience may be modified or removed due to circumstances beyond our control.
Club Cocoa Lounge ($) – New for 2025New this holiday season, the Pullen Cafe is bringing some extra cheer to Holiday Express with a festive hot chocolate bar located in Shelter 1. Guests can warm up with rich hot chocolate and customize their cup with a variety of delicious toppings. In addition, the Pullen Cafe will continue to offer a wide selection of food options, including choices for guests with dietary restrictions and allergies, so everyone in the family can enjoy a treat.
For more information about the Pullen Cafe, or to see this year’s Holiday Express menu, visit www.PullenCafe.com
S’more StationEnjoy a delicious complimentary treat and learn about holiday fire safety from the Raleigh Fire Department.
CarouselLions, tigers, and REINDEER, oh my! Choose your favorite animal and enjoy unlimited rides on the historic Dentzel carousel while singing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes played on our authentic Wurlitzer organ.
Candy Cane LaneVisit the crafty elves and create your own souvenir to bring home with you. While you’re up there, don’t forget to make a bag of reindeer food to bring home for the nine high flyers on their big night. Have you written your letter to Santa yet? Stop by the post office and take some time to write a letter or drop off the one you brought with you. Take a turn on our candy-themed inflatables and games, including Hansel and Gretel’s Great Escape.
Reindeer RoundupSanta’s Reindeer are loose! We need YOUR help to find them all to make sure they’re ready to fly off in Santa’s sleigh! Get your Reindeer Tracker from Shelter 4 before starting your adventure. At the end of your night’s work, don’t forget to stop by the Sleigh Barn or Gift Shop to claim your prize.
Gift Shop/Welcome CenterIf you have any issues or emergencies, stop by the welcome center for immediate assistance.
This is also the spot for fun-themed merchandise, including our $15 limited-edition carousel animal ornaments, or our train ornament from the Charleston Mint! This year’s edition will be a replica of one of the lions.
Sensory bags with headphones, fidgets, and additional supplies will be available.
Gingerbread GroveExperience our 27-foot-tall Gingerbread Glide, the Gumdrop Grab, and the Gingerbread Jam. The gameplay is unlimited, so take as many chances as you need to get a high score.
Reindeer Flight School – New for 2025 Have you ever wanted to see if Reindeer really know how to fly? Help our holiday friends take flight as you aim to score the most points in 60 seconds.
Arctic AvenueVisit this frosty playground where you can participate in a variety of games and activities like the Frosty Fling and the Penguin Escape! Get your dancing shoes on for our Blizzard Boogie with an assortment of games, prizes, and our always-popular snowball fight!
Rotary Igloo Experience – New for 2025What’s better than one Igloo? Two! Come experience this brand-new photo op and unique play area, hosted by the Rotary Club of Crabtree.
Inclement Weather PlanIn the case of severe weather (rain with extremely wet conditions, high winds and/or lightning, extremely cold conditions with ice and/or snow), Holiday Express may be canceled. Weather conditions are evaluated on a daily basis. Event cancellations will be made by noon on the day of the event. Registered guests will be notified by email, and information will be posted on the Holiday Express website. Available rain date options will be presented at that time.
RefundsAll sales are final, and no refunds will be provided. Tickets may be resold at face value. Questions regarding extenuating circumstances may be emailed to holidayexpress@raleighnc.gov
