15 Best Polar Express Train Rides That Are Almost as Magical as the Season Itself
There's a reason these experiences are so popular.
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After you've watched every Hallmark movie, baked every last Christmas cookie, drank all the hot chocolate in your pantry, ordered gifts for your kids, and prepped your Christmas dinner menu, what's there to do? Take a train ride, of course! Here, we're sharing the best Polar Express train rides all across the country. Whether you're itching to do something more exciting than crafting DIY ornaments, check an item off your Christmas bucket list, or are simply looking for something to take your family's mind off the presents sitting beneath the tree, you can't go wrong when you embark on one of these magical adventures with Santa and his crew of helpers.
Oh, and lest you think the fun is just for the kids, think again! These Polar Express train trips for families might be inspired by the classic 1985 book, The Polar Express, but that doesn't mean you'll be snoozing while your kids get to have all the fun. We've also selected a few special, scenic train rides designed specifically for grown-ups. And with ride locations all over the nation, you might not even have to schlep far to make your next road trip one to remember. Just be sure to book your tickets before these popular events sell out.
California State Railroad Museum | Sacramento, California
Run by the California State Railroad Museum, this ride is nearly always sold out. But if you can get a ticket, you're in luck, as you'll be treated to dancing waiters, warm hot cocoa, and a gift from Santa himself (spoiler: it's an adorable bell!).
Adirondack Scenic Railroad
Calling all East-Coasters: If you do nothing else this season, you're going to want to check out the incredible Polar Express ride offered by the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. It's run out of Utica Union Station, and you can wear your Christmas jammies for the duration of the two-hour ride. How fun is that? Best of all, the whole thing is free to kids under the age of two.
Branson Scenic Railway | Branson, Missouri
The Branson Scenic Railway in Branson, Missouri is absolutely worth the trip. Each ride lasts about 1.5 hours, and it's typically open on select days in November and December—so you don't have to wait all the way until Christmas Day to get in on the fun. But in our opinion, the best part of this particular trip is that it includes a live reading of The Polar Express, plus hot chocolate and cookies galore. Yum!
Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, Arizona
What's more magical than The Polar Express, you ask? How about the Grand Canyon? This ride combines the two for an experience that's beyond thrilling—to say the least—and it's no surprise that kids and adults alike love it. You can also check out the Polar Express Package at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel if you're interested in staying longer; it includes an overnight stay, meals, and ride tickets. Now, that's a sweet deal!
Grapevine Vintage Railroad | Grapevine, Texas
Near Dallas, you'll find a charming vintage railroad offering its very own North Pole Express ride. Head to the "North Pole" with your little ones in a fabulous Victorian-style train, then enjoy a Christmas show, a visit from Santa, and a souvenir mug.
Country Christmas Train | Denton, North Carolina
Hop on board Denton Farmpark’s Country Christmas Train in Denton, North Carolina for an evening of festive sights and activities. During your excursion, you’ll visit a church to sing carols, stop by Santa’s cabin, venture through the General Store, make your way through a Gingerbread House, and much more. Tickets start at $13 for adults and $5 for kids, making this one of the most affordable Christmas train experiences across the country.
Santa Express | Blue Ridge, Georgia
Beginning on November 23, ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Yuletide-themed Santa Express out of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Kids will get to chat with Santa, enjoy a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, and more during this one hour-long train experience. Tickets start at $47 for adults and $31 for kids.
The Polar Express Train Ride | Cities Across America
Operated by Rail Events, Inc. and Warner Bros., these hour-long rides bring scenes from the classic book (and subsequent Tom Hanks movie) to life. The adventures feature a Polar Express reading, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa. The train rides take place in more than 40 locations across the country including Utica, New York in the Adirondacks, Bryson City, North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains, and more, which means you can get in on all the Christmastime fun no matter where you live. Ticket prices vary by city.
North Pole Express | New Hope, Pennsylvania
On the North Pole Express, operated by the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad, families can sing along to Christmas carols, sip hot cocoa, munch on cookies, and share their holiday wishes with both Santa and Mrs. Claus while they venture through scenic Pennsylvania. Take note: There's an extra special trip planned for Christmas Eve. Tickets start at $42 for kids and $52 for adults.
The Elf Limited | Cass, West Virginia
On board the 60-minute Elf Limited train ride, operated through the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, passengers will journey through the beautiful West Virginia mountainside and forests beside a crew of Santa's best helpers. Kiddos will learn all about what it takes—toy packaging, snowballing, and mischief making—to become one of Santa's elves from characters on board. Tickets are $51 per person.
The Polar Express | Burlington, Vermont
Venture through the snow to the North Pole to see Santa during this 75-minute ride from the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation at Union Station. Conductors lead Christmas carols while chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. And all passengers are asked to wear pajamas and bring a book to give to Santa, which will be donated to children through the Fletcher Free Library. Tickets are $30 per person.
North Pole Flyer | Cedar Park, Texas
This two-hour North Pole Flyer excursion from the Austin Steam Train Association features an array of holiday festivities that will delight the kiddos, including a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a special book reading by one of Santa's elves. And just like the original Polar Express, this Cedar Park, Texas train is pulled by a steam locomotive. Tickets start at $45 and include unlimited hot cocoa.
Christmas Special Dinner Train | Chattanooga, Tennessee
Beginning on November 25, guests can enjoy a delicious meal in vintage dining cars decorated for the holidays on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. With tables available for parties of 2-8 people, you can make this a romantic date night to remember or a festive girls' night out. Tickets start at $80. Groups looking for more family-oriented ventures can ride the Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train or the Summerville Santa Special both of which, run out of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Train of Lights | Sunol, California
If you love seeing homes ablaze with Christmas lights during the holidays, then the Train of Lights is the adventure for you. The Niles Canyon Railway train leaves the station while it's still light enough to take in scenic views of the San Francisco Bay area, and on the journey back it will be dark enough to enjoy the glowing lights covering the interior and exterior of the train. Tickets cost $30.
Holiday Express | Across the South and Midwest
Every holiday season, Rudy, the grinning car at the front of the Kansas City Southern's Polar Express train, leads a group of decorated carriages through parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, and a few other states. At each of its stops, passengers can hop on to tour the cars, which are decorated to look like a gingerbread house, an elves' workshop, a reindeer stable, and more of Santa's favorite hangouts. This free event typically makes its first stop in Victoria, Texas in late November.
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