Illustration of a train ride scene (North Pole Express Train Ride)
Other Christmas Activities

North Pole Express Train Ride

Passengers board a festive train ride to sing holiday tunes and listen to a reading of The Night Before Christmas on the way to Santa's Railyard. Upon arrival, guests meet Santa for photos and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. The event also features seasonal games, a snow storm, and safe indoor snowball fights using giant cotton snowballs.

What to Expect

Holiday train ride to Santa's Railyard with cotton snowball fights.

Event Details

Duration

The train ride lasts 30 minutes; the full experience lasts 90 minutes from start to finish.

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and cookies are served at Santa’s Railyard.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and playful

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City
1000 Boulder City Pkwy, Boulder City, NV 89005
Boulder City, NV
89005

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Kids age 3 and older: $30.00; adults: $35.00. Members receive a $5 discount.
  • Hours: 5pm and 7pm departures.

Tips & Advice

  • Buy tickets as soon as Christmas Train sales open on November 1, because this family-favorite tradition sells out fast.
  • Allow about 90 minutes for the whole visit, which covers the 30-minute train ride and the activities at Santa's Railyard.
  • Have your camera ready when you get off the train, since photos with Santa are part of the fun at Santa's Railyard.
  • Don't expect the Polar Express storyline, since this event doesn't follow the book; instead, there's caroling and a reading of The Night Before Christmas.
  • If you're a museum member, use your membership when booking, because members get a discount on North Pole Express tickets.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Museum members receive a $5 discount.
  • Tickets for the Christmas trains go on sale November 1.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens on the train ride?

It's a 30-minute ride to Santa's Railyard. On the way, everyone sings holiday tunes and hears a reading of The Night Before Christmas.

What is there to do at Santa's Railyard?

Once you get off the train, there's hot chocolate and cookies, photos with Santa, and games and activities. These include snowball fights and a snow storm with giant cotton snowballs.

How long does the whole experience take?

About 90 minutes from start to finish, including the 30-minute train ride.

Is this a Polar Express event?

No. North Pole Express is not a Polar Express event and doesn't follow the story in the book.

Is it good for families with young kids?

Yes, it's a holiday outing for the whole family. Kids' tickets apply to children age 3 and up.

Tags

train ridesSanta visitsfamily friendlyholiday seasonfestive atmosphereChristmas Villageseasonal activitiesholiday entertainmentPolar Express

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 25, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team