Cordele, GA · Heritage railroad · 2026 season

Candy Cane Express at SAM Shortline Excursion Train

Santa joins SAM Shortline’s Candy Cane Express from Georgia Veterans State Park to Plains, with a town layover.

Illustrative stock photo: Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 decorated with a Christmas wreath
Illustrative stock photograph. Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 with a Christmas wreath on November 18, 2013. Historical holiday decoration; the source does not identify this departure as the Polar Express. The Commons file was cropped vertically by 5% in 2024. Bill Morrow / Wikimedia Commons · Image source · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop; photograph otherwise unchanged.

2026 dates published

December 4, December 5, 2026

Operating dates do not establish every departure or remaining seats. Confirm the exact event, time and class with the operator.

The 2026 program is announced. Remaining seats have not been checked; use the official event information for your date.

Price observed 2026-10-26: Coach $41.99 adult / $31.99 child; senior or military $38.99. Child ages 2–12; senior ages 62+. Premium, Deluxe and Chairman products have separate fares and tax/handling conditions; confirm the full total.

Source reviewed 2026-10-26 · Ticket status observed 2026-10-26

Tickets and official updates

Choose a train departure first. Confirm the date, class, child tickets and checkout total with the operator before arranging other travel.

Check departures and tickets →

Where to board

Georgia Veterans State Park — SAM Shortline

2459 US Highway 280 West, Cordele, GA 31015

Use the state-park depot for this train, not the downtown Cordele office.

Official boarding information →

Plan your visit

Full-day timing
The train leaves the park at 10 a.m. and returns about 3:30 p.m., including a two-hour Plains layover.
Check-in
Collect boarding tickets at the Will Call window at Georgia Veterans State Park before departure.
Class restrictions
Premium is listed for age 16+, Deluxe for 13+ and Chairman’s for 18+. Families should compare the event’s Coach options and current child-ticket rules.

Would an overnight stay help?

Compare your departure time and drive home before deciding. An evening train or a long journey may make staying nearby useful. Secure the correct holiday train first, then check lodging independently; no hotel or regular-excursion booking establishes holiday admission.

More holiday rides in Georgia

Each ride has its own schedule and ticket status; these links do not guarantee availability.

Sources and railway guide

Visit the SAM Shortline Excursion Train railway guide →