Knoxville, TN · Heritage railroad · 2026 season

Christmas Lantern Express at Three Rivers Rambler

Three Rivers Rambler announces 2026 Christmas Lantern Express tickets, with remaining departure choices controlled by booking.

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 program listed — confirm departures

2026 event announced; exact dates require the official booking calendar

Published operating dates do not guarantee seats. Check your exact departure and class in the official booking calendar.

The announced sale date has passed; current remaining seats were not checked. Use the official departure calendar.

Ticket-sale announcement: Published ticket-sale date September 8, 2026

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 official updates →

Where to board

Knoxville boarding location

Three Rivers Rambler Depot, 2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37919

Official boarding information →

Plan your visit

Boarding
Three Rivers Rambler Depot, 2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37919
Ticket announcement
The operator announced the 2026 ticket opening for September 8. A sale announcement is not a current seat count.
Duration and arrival
The trip lasts roughly two hours; boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.
Changes
Purchased tickets are non-refundable. Confirm the final date and departure before booking other travel.

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 Tennessee

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

Sources and railway guide

Visit the Three Rivers Rambler railway guide →