The Polar Express Train Ride at Caledonian Railway
Passengers embark on a theatrical re-creation of the holiday story, immersed in the sights and sounds of the classic tale. On board the train, guests are served a freshly baked cookie along with hot chocolate, and each passenger receives a silver sleigh bell from Santa Claus. Where possible, trains are hauled by an authentic steam locomotive.
What to Expect
Theatrical re-creation of the classic Christmas movie on a heritage train.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Caledonian Railway Brechin Ltd
Food & Drink
Standard and Premium passengers receive a freshly baked cookie and hot chocolate; Premium hot chocolate is served in a Polar Express™ disposable cup, and lap babies do not receive these treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Standard Tickets: £30.95–£45.95. Premium Tickets: £45.95–£55.95. Standard passengers receive a Silver Sleigh Bell, freshly baked cookie and hot chocolate. Premium passengers receive a Silver Sleigh Bell, freshly baked cookie and hot chocolate in a Polar Express™ disposable cup, a souvenir ceramic mug and a Polar Express™ Train Ride bag. Babies on Lap do not receive a Golden Ticket, Silver Bells, Hot Chocolate or Cookies. No separate price is stated for accessible tickets. – Get tickets
- Parking: Standard ticket holders can use free parking next door in the Haulier’s Yard of Steel and Murdoch, as well as on-street and local council parking. Premium ticket holders get free on-site parking at Brechin Station, one car per compartment booked. The accessible section has free parking from Park Road at the Whistle Stop car park, with access from there onto the platform.
- Accessibility: A disabled accessible section is located in Coach C, with platform access from the Whistle Stop car park on Park Road.
Tips & Advice
- Book Standard tickets with your group size in mind, because seating is at tables of 4 and different groups are never mixed at a table.
- Email the railway early if you need the accessible section in Coach C, because it only has a few seats per departure and some are already sold out.
- Choose Premium if you want to park right at Brechin Station, since on-site parking is included at one car per compartment booked.
- Double-check your date and departure before paying, because all Polar Express tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Don't expect a babe-in-arms to get the bell, cookie or hot chocolate, because 'Babies on Lap' tickets don't include any of the gifts or treats.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: Premium ticket holders take home a souvenir Polar Express ceramic mug that isn't sold in the shop.
- Each Premium booking also gets a Polar Express Train Ride bag to carry the mugs.
- New this year: non-allocated seat tickets for parties with more young children than adults (9 in a compartment or 5 in a bay).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Standard and Premium tickets?
Standard passengers get a Silver Sleigh Bell, a freshly baked cookie and hot chocolate, sitting at tables of 4. Premium holders get a private compartment for up to 8 people, hot chocolate in a Polar Express cup, a souvenir ceramic mug, a Polar Express Train Ride bag and free on-site parking.
Will we share our table or compartment with strangers?
No. Groups are never mixed. Because of this, Standard tickets in coaches C to F have a minimum order of 2, and Premium tickets in coaches A and B have a minimum order of 4.
Is the train accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. Coach C has a disabled-accessible section. Email crbpex2026@caledonianrailway.com first to book it. There's free parking off Park Road at the Whistle Stop car park, with access onto the platform from there.
Do babies get the gifts and treats?
No. 'Babies on Lap' don't get a Golden Ticket, Silver Bell, hot chocolate or cookie.
What if our group has more young children than adults?
This year you can buy a non-allocated seat ticket, which allows 9 in a compartment or 5 in a bay.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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.