13 Best Polar Express Train Rides in the U.S. (2024)

Yes, you can experience a real-life version of The Polar Express! Railroads across the U.S. get in on the fun with hot chocolate, sing-alongs, visits with Santa and more. Some polar express train rides are exclusively licensed by the Polar Express, while others offer similar versions, and all are guaranteed to put the kids—and you—in the holiday spirit. These are the best Polar Express train rides for 2019.

1.The Polar Express Train Ride – Multiple Locations

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Rail Events Inc. (on behalf of Warner Bros.) offers polar express train rides specifically licensed by the Polar Express. Guests are encouraged to wear their Christmas jammiesfor the rides, which are set to the soundtrack of the movie. Hot chocolate and cookies are served onboard and there is a reading ofThe Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arriving at the “North Pole,” Santa greets each child, who will receive their own sleigh bell—just like the movie!

There are several locations across the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom that offer the exclusive Polar Express Train Ride (including some locations listed below). You can find a full list of locations here.

2. Branson Scenic Railway – Branson, MO

The Branson Scenic Railway in Branson, Missouri, operates a Polar Express from the historic Branson Depot. Rides last about 1.5 hours and take place Thursdays through Sundays in November (with a few additional dates), and most days in December. The trip includes a live reading of The Polar Express and hot cocoa and cookies. When families arrive at the “North Pole,” Santa boards the train to give each child a gift. Make it a family weekend getaway and stay at Welk Resort Branson.

3. New Hope Railroad – NewHope, PA

Enjoy a scenic view of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, aboard the New Hope Railroad’s North Pole Express. The polar express train ride lasts one to 1.5 hours and includes hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carol sing-alongs, live music and special visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Want to stay overnight? Try the Golden Plough Inn at Peddler’s Village.

4. California State Railroad Museum – Sacramento, CA

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The Polar Express Train at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, California, is so popular, it sells out early nearly every year. This ride includes many elements of the movie, including the dancing waiters who serve hot chocolate and cookies! Children receive a silver bell from Santa Claus when they reach the “North Pole.” We recommend staying at theHyatt Regency Sacramento.

5. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad – Elkins, WV

The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers two different holiday train rides: Polar Express and Elf Limited. The Polar Express ride is 90 minutes long and features all of the Polar Express movie fun, including the dancing chefs with hot chocolate, story time and a visit from Santa Claus. The Elf Limited ride, which is an hour long, feature Jinx the Elf, who is vying to serve in Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. Kids can help Jinx complete workshop tests like packaging, snowballing, reindeer grooming and more. A stay at The Greenbrier, which offers Weekends with Santa throughout December, makes this a perfect holiday vacation for families.

6. Grand Canyon Railway – Grand Canyon, AZ

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The Grand Canyon Railway, which offers fantastic views of the Grand Canyon, is offering a version of the Polar Express rides, November through early January. The ride lasts about 90 minutes. You can also book a Polar Express Package at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel—it includes overnight accommodations, breakfast, dinner, and tickets for the train ride.

7. Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot – Woonsocket, RI

Located less than 30 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island, and near the border of Massachusetts, the Historic Blackstone Valley Polar Express is fun for families based in New England. This 90-minute holiday train ride includes a reading of the story, sing-alongs, hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, cookies and of course, a visit with Santa! After the train ride, Santa will be waiting for some photo opportunities in his sleigh. There is also a kids’ area where kids are welcome to write a letter to Santa. Stay in Providence at the Graduate Providence Hotel and enjoy ice skating directly across the street from the hotel to round out your winter weekend of fun.

8. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad – Bryson City, NC

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The holiday journey aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad lasts about one hour and 15 minutes, and travels through Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, affording spectacular views. Guests enjoy a warm cookie, hot cocoa and a special souvenir. Children under 2 years old are free to ride this polar express train. Book a ride on Christmas Eve for an extra special experience, then stay at The Inn at Christmas Place.

9. Grapevine Vintage Railroad – Grapevine, TX

Grapevine, Texas, just outside of Dallas, is the Christmas Capital of Texas, so it makes sense the city offers a North Pole Express via the Grapevine Vintage Railroad! Families ride the Victorian-style train with Mrs. Claus before stopping at the Christmas Tree Trail to the North Pole, where a Christmas show entertains and Santa makes his appearance. Kids receive a free photo with Santa, as well as a souvenir mug filled with Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk. If visiting from out of town, book an overnight stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center to enjoy its holiday events and displays, which include ice-carved creations.

10. Train to Christmas Town – Multiple Locations

Hop aboard The Train to Christmas Town and help Janice and her brother ride the train for the first time alone as they venture to Grandma’s house. Onboard,families enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and a live reading of The Train to Christmas Town story. Kids also get to meet Bumblebee the Polar Bear and Wabash the Squirrel, while they help Janice and her brother make new friends on the train. When the train reaches Christmas Town, Santa climbs aboard to greet everyone and hand out special gifts. The Train to Christmas Town is available in Batesville, Mississippi; Hood River, Oregon; Dartmoor, U.K.; and Weardale, U.K. Prices vary by destination.If your family is visiting the railroad near the Hood River location, we recommend staying at BEST WESTERN PLUS Hood River Inn.

11. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Blue Ridge, GA

In the North Georgia Mountains, take a ride aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which operates the Santa Express, and book a stay at Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta. Beginning at its historic depot, the one-hour polar express train ride for kids takes guests through Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Families enjoy a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, visits with characters and Santa Claus and singing holiday carols. Kids receive a memento, activity book and candy cane. Children under age 2 are free to ride.

12. Train of Lights – Fremont, CA

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Less than 30 minutes north of San Jose, families will find the Train of Lights in Fremont, California. The rare, nighttime ride through Niles Canyon is an hour-long round trip filled with music, open train cars and refreshments. The train cars are covered in twinkling lights and decorations both inside and out for an experience that’s guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. We recommend a stay at the Fairmont San Jose when visiting the Train of Lights.

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FAQs

13 Best Polar Express Train Rides in the U.S.? ›

Honestly, we had the best time and everyone was so friendly and in character and everything was executed so well. It was definitely a wonderful and festive way to kick off the holiday season. You could REALLY feel the magic of Christmas!

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Is The Polar Express ride worth it? ›

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Do you get off the train on The Polar Express? ›

You are on board the train for approximately 1 hour. Once your experience is over you can spend as much time in our gift shop as you wish but we tend to find guests spend around 15min – 30min here before you head back on the shuttle to the car park.

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How long is The Polar Express train ride in NC? ›

The 1.25-hour round-trip excursion departs the Bryson City depot (see other festive things to do in Bryson City) for a journey over the river and through the woods to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, riders enjoy hot chocolate while reliving the magical story.

Which car is best for Polar Express? ›

I highly recommend the first class car, having our own "space" was great. My kids were able to "goof off" without being an annoyance to those around us. Also the table made getting hot chocolate and cookies very manageable.

Do you wear pajamas on the Polar Express? ›

What should my family wear? Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas just like passengers from THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book and film.

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Is there a toilet on the Polar Express? ›

A limited number of restrooms are available on board the train. Please alert a staff member if a member of your party needs to use the restroom, as they will need to be escorted to another car to access the nearest one. It is important to note that there are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms located on the train.

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Is Polar Express better at night or day? ›

Consider what time of day you travel. Younger kids may do better on earlier trains, but the last train ride of the evening is arguably the most atmospheric when it's darker outside, the train cars seem cozier, and you can see the holiday lights better.

Why does Polar Express get so much hate? ›

Let's address the elephant in the room: a lot of people hate this movie. The most common complaint is that the animation makes the people look uncanny, and I get it. However, I don't think that's enough to dismiss all the great things about the movie.

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Do you eat on The Polar Express? ›

There are no meal options on board the train. All passengers will receive hot chocolate and a cookie as part of the experience.

What is the difference between standard and premium on The Polar Express? ›

We offer Premium and Standard tickets, located in their own carriages. The experience is broadly the same across both Premium and Standard carriages, the primary difference being the centrally located boarding for Premium as well as a free exclusive mug for each member of your party (aged 2+ or with their own seat).

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What to wear in Polar Express? ›

We encourage our guests young and old to wear pyjamas, just as in the book with a dressing gown for good measure. Children love it and if you can persuade our older guests, Mums, Dads, Granny and Grandpa to also join in, the atmosphere in the train comes alive for a truly magical experience!

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Where is the best Polar Express train ride? ›

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How much is Polar Express? ›

TICKETS: £33.95 TO £47.95

Golden ticket.

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What do they do on The Polar Express train ride? ›

Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children's book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.

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Who is the king of the North Pole Polar Express? ›

The Hobo is perhaps the most interesting character aboard the Polar Express, the self-proclaimed king of the North Pole. He's fun, but also mysterious and cryptic in his ways.

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What is the best age for Polar Express? ›

Because of its suspenseful scenes, The Polar Express isn't suitable for children under 6-7 years. We also recommend parental guidance for children aged 8-13 years. These are the main messages from The Polar Express: Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.