As my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina continues to exponentially grow, the more fun, family experiences become available. For the first time ever, The Piedmont & Northern Railway in Belmont — a 20 minute drive from the Queen City — began service onboard The Train To Christmas Town this past week and I had to make sure that Joaquín and I were on the inaugural train ride. I brought my Mother and Grandmother along with us as well!
The heartwarming holiday tale comes to life when the train departs Belmont for a one-hour roundtrip journey to “Christmas Town”: a secret location that only the elves and Santa know about. The cheerful elves greet you the second you board the festively-dressed train cars.
Guests are then welcomed by the Conductor and are given hot cocoa and sugar cookies to enjoy while listening to “The Train To Christmas Town,” which is read aloud by the voice of author, Peggy Ellis. Then Bumblebee the Polar Bear and Wabash the Squirrel appear, as everyone joins in for Christmas carols and nonstop surprises. Joaquín was absolutely delighted the entire train ride and did not know which direction to look in!
Once you arrive at Christmas Town, Santa climbs onboard and greets everyone with holiday cheer and presents each child with a special gift. The return trip is filled with more carols, photo opportunities with Santa, dancing elves, and unforgettable memories.
Developed by Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC, The Train to Christmas Town is a custom holiday event that is based upon the book authored by Peggy Ellis. She is an experienced public school educator, mother, and writer. The book centers on Janet, a girl searching for new meaning in friendship, family, and the meaning of Christmas. She relies on her brother and their woodland friends as they make their yearly journey to Christmas Town. The train journey also has a custom produced soundtrack by Grammy Award winners Trout Fishing in America. The album features the theme song named for the event, “The Train to Christmas Town”.
The Premier Rail Collection is a family of passenger railroads across the United States that aims to bring the spirit of rail travel to a new generation, and reinvigorate the love for trains in those that knew it in its golden age. I hope this train ride was just the first of many that Joaquín and I will ride around the world together!
I just love these photos. Makes me miss home so much! Thank you for sharing your adventures and Joaquin with us. He’s incredibly handsome and has won a place in my heart! Besitos. xxx
Awww thank you from the bottom of my heart for you wonderful comment — it totally made my day! Your gorgeous daughter has won a place in my heart as well. Much love and besos!
Oh so lovely! These beautiful photos make me want to ride the Train to Christmastown! It looks like a windfall time was had by all… <3
You’re the sweetest! Wish you could have been there with us. Much love!
So cute! and your son seems to be having a blast!
Thank you!!! And yes, he truly loved it! 🙂
Andi, this is so sweet! What a magical experience!
Thank you my love, it truly was!!!
These photos are adorable!!
Awww thank you sweetheart! Happy Holidays!!!
I love this! It looks like the most magical day. I wish I could take the train to Christmas Town, too! 🙂
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It was so magical — that is the best word to describe it!!! I wish I could take my son again it was so much fun and he had the best time. 🙂
What lovely pictures, and your blog is so beautifully written! I am really glad you and your family enjoyed the train and also my book. As a fellow writer, I’m sure you know how much this meant to me. Your son’s happy face brought Janice and all the other characters in the book alive for me. Thank you so much.
Peggy Ellis
Hi Peggy! I feel so honored that you stopped by my blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed my post. My son had the best time on the train and especially listening to your gorgeous book. Happy Holidays!!!
Oh my goodness! What a fun thing to do!
It was sooo fun!!!
This is so fun! I wish they had Premier in Nashville, too. =(
It was sooo much fun!!! Hopefully, they will have one soon.
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you!
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