Raleigh cancels annual Holiday Express due to COVID-19 concerns
The Holiday Express, one of Raleigh’s most popular winter-time activities, has been canceled for 2020.
“Our top priorities are the health and safety of our community,” according to a news release from the city Wednesday. “While we are very disappointed, we feel that this is in the best interest of our visitors and staff.”
The annual event draws thousands and includes train rides, carousel rides, holiday lights, arts, crafts and chances to meet Santa at Pullen Park near downtown Raleigh.
Raleigh is planning other ways to bring “cheer this holiday season,” but the city didn’t release details.
Ticket sales normally start in the summer and sell out quickly. They were postponed this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 16,000 tickets were sold last year.
This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 9:32 AM.
