Tickets for 2026 Pullen Park Holiday Express go on sale Oct. 15

Tickets go on sale Oct. 15 for Pullen Park Holiday Express, which runs Dec. 1-17, 2026. WRAL is a presenting sponsor. 

Tickets for the popular city of Raleigh event are $21 plus taxes and fees. Tickets go on sale Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Each person over the age of 1 will be required to have a ticket.

Historically, tickets have sold out within a few hours, so customers are encouraged to create a Ticketmaster account before sales open.

The highlight of the popular holiday event is a train ride with holiday lights. The 2026 event will also feature an enchanted elevator ride, Santa's toy shop, an igloo experience, carousel rides, games, crafts, a Yeti scavenger hunt and more family fun.

Pullen Park Holiday Express runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with families selecting the time for their train ride. All activities are included with each ticket except food, which will be available for purchase.

Snacks, nonalcoholic beverages and strollers are allowed inside the park.

Tips for families

• Ticketholders can arrive at Pullen Park as soon as the event opens to enjoy activities before and after their train rides. Get there early, because parking will be busy, and there will be lines.
• Save your digital ticket to your phone to get into the event faster.
• Kids may have to wait between 15-30 minutes for their train ride. Bring snacks, toys or other games to keep them occupied in line and while waiting to get inside the park.
• Dress warmly! Coats, hats, gloves and comfortable shoes are a must.
• Pick a train ride time that works best for your family (and child's bedtime).
• Be cautious if purchasing resale tickets from a third party.

About Pullen Park Holiday Express

Organizers said an estimated 40,000 people attended the 2025 event, up from about 5,000 people who attended the very first Pullen Park Holiday Express in 2007. The first event was only four days.

All proceeds raised from Pullen Park Holiday Express are used to enhance future events or go to local and international charities, including Wake Up and Read, Green Door Project, Sleep In Heavenly Peace and Meals on Wheels.

If tickets sell out

If you miss out on tickets, don’t worry! WRAL will give away VIP family four-packs throughout the event’s run. Each giveaway includes four VIP tickets. Stay tuned for more details on how to enter and win!