(Bonsal, N.C., September 17, 2025) – This October, New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), the Triangle’s Train, invites families and train enthusiasts of all ages to experience a full month of fall adventures. The lineup includes the Track or Treat Halloween Express rides, sensory-friendly train rides designed for guests seeking a calmer experience, and the festive Boo ’n’ Brew.
The Track or Treat Halloween Express train rides are family-friendly and feature Halloween characters and decorations along the route. In the rail yard, visitors can enjoy seasonal photo opportunities, music from the singing pumpkins, and watch model trains navigate the Garden Railway. On-site food trucks include Moonrunners, Cheesecake Lady, and Thirsty Skull Brewing.
Passengers of all ages are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, and the NHVR gift shop will be open during all events. NHVR offers the Birthday
Party Caboose for $150 during select Track or Treat rides. Ideal for birthdays or small private gatherings, the stationary caboose allows families exclusive use for up to two hours before train departures. Train tickets are additional.
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, NHVR will host two sensory-friendly train rides for guests who prefer a calmer, less intense experience. These rides feature Halloween decorations on the grounds but omit live actors, loud noises, and other elements that may startle passengers, making the event more inclusive and enjoyable for guests of all ages and abilities.
The Boo ’n’ Brew event on Friday, Oct. 24, combines scenic train rides with seasonal food, drinks, and a lively Halloween atmosphere. While guests ages 21 and older may purchase craft beer in the railyard and bring aboard the train, the event is open to all ages.
“October is always a special month for us here at New Hope Valley Railway,” said John Morck, president of the North Carolina Railway Museum. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Triangle community to celebrate the fall season with us.”
October 2025 Halloween Event Schedule
- Saturday, October 11 – Track or Treat Halloween Express
Train departures: 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. (Birthday Party Caboose Option), 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 15 – Track or Treat Sensory-Friendly Train Ride
Train departures: 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.
- Saturday, October 18 – Track or Treat Halloween Express
Train departures: 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. (Birthday Party Caboose Option), 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m.
- Friday, October 24 – Boo ‘n’ Brew
Train departures: 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m.
- Saturday, October 25 – Track or Treat Halloween Express
Train departures: 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. (Birthday Party Caboose Option), 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m.
Tickets for all Halloween events are available at www.TriangleTrain.com. Advance purchase is recommended, as rides often sell out.
About the New Hope Valley Railway
New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), the Triangle’s Train, is the operating division of the North Carolina Railway Museum, Inc. NHVR straddles the historic towns of Bonsal and New Hill, North Carolina, 30-minutes southwest of Raleigh, off U.S. Highway 1, Exit 89.
Historic train locomotives take passengers on one-hour scenic rides through the woods in covered, open-air passenger cars. The 501(c)(3) organization was chartered in 1983 as the East Carolina Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and soon began its all-volunteer operated public train ride days. Also available are opportunities to operate a locomotive and visit the North Carolina Railway Museum, Garden Railroad (G Scale) and gift shop.
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Oct. 11 – 25, 2025
New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), 3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, N.C., will host Track or Treat Halloween Express train rides on various days and times from Oct.11-25, 2025. Visitors can enjoy a family-friendly train ride with scenes of flying witches, smoking cauldrons, pumpkin people, Count Dracula and other friendly creatures along the route. The Oct.15 rides will be sensory friendly with no loud noises or actors. In the rail yard, families can listen to songs by the popular singing pumpkins, take advantage of the photo opportunities and watch model trains operate in the Garden Railway. Halloween costumes are encouraged for passengers of all ages. Food trucks will be onsite, and the Oct. 24 Boo ‘n’ Brew will also feature local craft beer. Visit www.TriangleTrain.com for tickets and more information.
Track Or Treat Halloween Express Days and Times
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, 2:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, 2:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, 5:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, 2:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
