Celebrate the season of holiday magic in Bryson City, NC. Each year, their downtown square lights up with a massive 20-foot Christmas tree, tons of lights, and other festive decorations. Perfect spots for family photos are scattered everywhere! Whether you're up for family fun like riding the Polar Express Train, taking a laid-back holiday hayride on a real farm, doing some local artisan shopping, hitting an outdoor ice skating rink, joining a lively community event, or just grabbing a hot drink from a nearby cafe, your time in this Great Smoky Mountains town is sure to be spectacular. Read more about Bryson City.
One of the town's most popular holiday attractions, the Polar Express Train, sells out fast most years, so book your tickets far in advance. The train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole.
As you hop on board, friendly ticket takers welcome you, holiday tunes from the beloved film fill the air, and the train car sparkles with tinsel streams presents bound for Santa’s Workshop, and more. A whimsical retelling of the storybook kicks off the whole adventure, and when the train starts its gentle journey to the North Pole, Santa's elves dance and sing while offering tasty hot chocolate to riders.
We recommend arriving at the Bryson City Depot an hour before your train embarks to check in, snap photos, and prepare for the most amazing ride of the holiday season.
Other holiday events include writing letters to Santa and mailing them at the Swain County Visitor Center, watching a Christmas parade through the downtown streets, jumping on a Christmas hayride at Darnell Farms, shopping around their holiday market, and ice skating at The Yard.
Learn more and experience the magic of a truly small-town Christmas on the Explore Bryson City website.
More Bryson City Things to Do
Bryson City Outdoors
This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals, a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Their craft… read more
This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals, a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Their craft beer taproom & bottle shop has 10 rotating brews on tap with an additional 200+ bottles and cans to go.
Fishing in the Smokies, Bryson City
Discover one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers and dozens of mountain streams throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana Lake. You… read more
Discover one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers and dozens of mountain streams throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana Lake. You can even fish the Tuck in downtown Bryson City. Greatly enhance your chances of catching trophy fish by hiring a professional fishing guide. Find 26 best fishing spots and guide services.
Bryson City Restaurants
For a small town, you'll find a nice variety of restaurants, ranging from southern home cooking to a brewery and gourmet dining. A nice reward after a day of exploring the Great Smokies and… read more
For a small town, you'll find a nice variety of restaurants, ranging from southern home cooking to a brewery and gourmet dining. A nice reward after a day of exploring the Great Smokies and Nantahala River.
