Take the Kids: Here's what it's like aboard the Great Raleigh Trolley Santa Express

If your kids get giddy over Santa and getting the perfect photo is on your list this holiday season, you may want to check out the Great Raleigh Trolley Santa Express. Nestled in a holiday wonderland-style tent just between Poole’s Diner and Pooleside Pies in downtown Raleigh, you’ll find Santa and his helpers waiting to take you on a ride along the Great Raleigh Trolley.

The one-hour event is geared toward families with kids toddler age to young grade schoolers – which suits our family perfectly with three kids aged 3, 5 and 7.

When you arrive (they recommend you get there 15 minutes before your departure time), you’ll find the tent stocked with juice boxes, hot cocoa, light snacks (including apples, which I appreciated!), coloring pages, picnic tables and plenty of great backdrops for photos with the Big Guy himself – who takes plenty of time with each child to hear their top holiday wish list items.

Mr. Claus was very convincing and looked like he came right out of a 1930s Christmas movie. He’s sure to convince your kids who may be starting to doubt Santa’s legitimacy.

And if your children are like mine and have to go potty absolutely everywhere you go, you’ll be thrilled to find they have four very nice, clean portable restrooms just behind the tent. (Notice I did NOT say porta-potty, these were much nicer than that.)

The trolley ride itself lasts around 20 minutes and includes photos with Santa, storytime and my favorite – singing Christmas carols. For such an intimate group (they limit each ride to 30 or less guests), we were LOUD and full of holiday cheer (including my three-year-old who loves to sing Rudolph at the top of her lungs.) When we returned to the tent, Santa created a winter wonderland with a snow machine the kids loved.

Tickets are still available for select days and times. It runs daily on the hour, with rides starting as early as 9 a.m. on some days all the way through 6 p.m. Prices range from $30 to $35 per person. Both adults and children require a ticket, although infants who can ride in your lap and are under age 2 are free. There is plenty of parking nearby – just give yourself enough time to park and walk to the destination.

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