Pullen's Holiday Express tickets on sale this week

I know it's July, but that doesn't mean it's too early to get ready for Christmas, I suppose.

Tickets for Pullen Park's Holiday Express will go on sale Tuesday for the event, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., nightly, from Dec. 4 to Dec. 7 and Dec. 11 to Dec. 14.

The evening includes a ride on the train and carousel, along with arts, crafts, holiday music and a visit with Santa. Thousands of lights will decorate the park and train track. Raleigh parks and the Crabtree Rotary Club present the event. Part of the event's proceeds support Rotary charities.

This is a very popular event. Tickets will sell out. And Raleigh parks officials have been making changes each year to make the event less about waiting for things and more about fun.

New for this year: Guests will purchase tickets for a designated train boarding time, which means you won't have to wait as long in line if you don't get there as soon as the event opens. Great change.

And the event was extended to four days each week - Thursday to Sunday, instead of Friday to Sunday - to better accommodate all of the people who want to come.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, July 29. They are $8 per person. Armband and boarding passes are required for all guests 24 months and older. Children under 24 months without a paid admission must be held or sit in the lap of an accompanying adult during the train ride. They cannot occupy a seat, according to the city.