Whether you’re singing along to “Snow” with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, riding the rails through “White Christmas,” or turning the pages of “The Polar Express,” trains have a nostalgic connection to Christmas time. This year, you can add another train-centric experience to your holiday tradition list at the Tweetsie Railroad.

Tweetsie Railroad’s history dates back to 1866 when its namesake locomotive got its start making the journey between Johnson City, Tenn. and Cranberry, N.C. The steam engine had an interesting journey over the years, even falling into the hands of Christmas carol icon Gene Autry, but eventually it wound up in Blowing Rock, N.C.

The Tweetsie name comes from the distinctive steam whistle that would echo through the mountains. Tweetsie Railroad became the first theme park in North Carolina in 1957. Today it’s still going strong, with a very special holiday treat for its guests: Tweetsie Christmas.

This is perhaps the most wonderful time of the year to visit this fun-filled destination. With fun and exciting holiday shows, classic amusement rides, and visits with St. Nick himself, it’s a joyful experience for kids young and old.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Ingles Open Road if food wasn’t involved. Fill up on homemade fudge, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and even s’mores gathered around the fire.

The iconic centerpiece of any visit to Tweetsie Christmas is the three-mile train ride. You’ll travel through the twists and turns of a holiday wonderland as you take in nearly a million Christmas lights. Being here in the evenings and taking in the gorgeous glow of these lights is an unparalleled, magical experience. Visit for a night or make a whole weekend of it and you’ll get lost in the holiday spirit.

So, hitch up the family sleigh and guide your ride to Tweetsie Railroad. You can plan your visit online at Tweetsie.com. Your weekend is waiting on the Ingles Open Road.

To learn more about Ingles Markets, visit their website at ingles-markets.com.