Ride a Christmas Train, Then Stay in a Christmas-Themed Inn for a Holly Jolly North Carolina Adventure

It’s hard to believe that we are ending another year! In some ways, it feels like this year went by in the blink of an eye, and in other ways it feels like this year dragged on for a decade. Since we are winding down the last few weeks of 2025, it’s time to start planning your holiday activities in North Carolina. There are plenty of holiday light displays for the family to enjoy, but how about embarking on a full Christmas getaway? We've got the perfect Christmas weekend in North Carolina planned for you, all you need to do is book it!

The historic Craggy Mountain Line Jingle Bell Trolley is back this year for a holly holly adventure, and it’s one of the best things to do for Christmas in North Carolina. They had to pause their Christmas train last year due to damage from Hurricane Helene, but they are back for 2025, and you won’t want to miss it. 

Celebrating its 14th year, the Annual Jingle Bell Trolley offers a 25-minute, two-mile round-trip train ride that’s sure to put the Christmas spirit in your little one. 

Passengers can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the depot area, where they will be waiting to give out special treats! There will also be a hot chocolate car where you can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies made by Santa’s elves. 

Be sure to dress warm and watch the weather before you head over. It’s an open-air train car, so dressing warm is important! Since it's an open-air train car, the weather plays a large role here. In the event of a weather delay, the Craggy Mountain Line will refund or reschedule your tickets for a ride in the future. 

Tickets for the Jingle Bell Trolley are $23 per person, and children three and younger are free. Visit the Cragy Mountain Line website to purchase your tickets. The train ride is offered on select dates in December, and they go quickly!

After your holly jolly train ride, treat yourself to a luxurious holiday vacation at the sprawling 6,300 square-foot Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn and Spa. Listed as the Jackson-Peyton House on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s only three miles from the train depot, and it’s centrally located to enjoy all of the holiday activities in Asheville. 

The amenities are fine-tuned here, with high-quality spa linens, king-sized beds, whirlpool tubs with showers, and working fireplaces in all rooms and suites. Complimentary drinks and cheese plates are served every evening at around 5 p.m., which is a great way to meet other travelers and swap holiday activities.

Visit the Abbington Green website to browse through each room and book yours today.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. Be sure to add the Biltmore to your itinerary. Is it even Christmas in North Carolina if you didn’t visit the Bilmore during Christmas?