The Polar Express Train Ride at Dennison Depot
Passengers board decorated vintage coaches in their pajamas as storytellers read the classic book aloud. Costumed elves entertain riders with songs, games, and activities while hot chocolate and cookies are served. At the North Pole, guests view Santa's workshop from the windows before Santa boards the train to greet children and give them a reindeer jingle bell.
What to Expect
Vintage train ride reenactment to the North Pole with Santa.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (tickets required for 1 year and up)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and cookies are served onboard during the ride.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Each passenger age 1 and up must have a seat. All tickets have an additional non-refundable $4 ticket fee. Prime Time (Fridays at 6pm; Saturdays at 6pm or 8pm; Sundays at 6pm): Coach $65, Deluxe $74, First Class $85. Standard (Thursdays at 6pm; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm; Sundays at 2pm and 4pm): Coach $60, Deluxe $70, First Class $80. Downtime (Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays at 8pm): Coach $55, Deluxe $66, First Class $75. First Class Private Compartments: $595 plus a $10 ticket fee, seats up to 6 passengers. Private car rentals: First Class car seating 28 costs $3,000; First Class car seating 44 costs $4,000; Deluxe car seating 52 costs $3,750–$4,100; Coach car seating 60 costs $3,750–$4,100; Coach car seating 72 costs $4,500–$4,800. First Class includes the indoor waiting room, first boarding, and for children ages 1–12 an engineer’s hat, wooden train whistle and special onboard treat; cars have tables or table trays. Deluxe includes the First Class amenities except tables and the special treat; children receive an engineer’s cap and wooden train whistle. – Get tickets
- Hours: Thursdays, December 3 and 10: 6pm and 8pm; Fridays, December 4 and 11: 6pm and 8pm; Saturdays, December 5 and 12: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm; Sundays, December 6 and 13: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
- Parking: Allow plenty of time to park.
- Accessibility: Vintage train cars are not ADA compliant and offer limited wheelchair accessibility; guests must call ahead to confirm accommodation.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive an hour before departure, since boarding starts half an hour early and the gates close five minutes before the train leaves.
- Buy every ticket for your party in one order with a single payment if you want to sit together, because separate orders aren't seated as a group.
- Order early if your group wants to face each other, because seats are assigned first come, first served and facing seats run out closer to the ride dates.
- Leave the stroller in the depot's designated stroller parking, since strollers aren't allowed inside the depot or aboard the vintage train cars.
- If you ordered a pre-autographed Polar Express book, pick it up at Will Call before your ride so the kids have it on board.
Special Events & Promotions
- Elf Parade before select Friday, Saturday and Sunday departures, when the elves march past to board the train.
- First Class Private Compartments seat up to 6 passengers.
- Whole-car rentals let your group bring gifts for Santa to hand out, bring a few extra snacks, and seat everyone as you like.
- A Polar Express book pre-autographed by the Conductor can be added to your ticket order.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between First Class, Deluxe and Coach?
First Class guests wait in the indoor First Class Waiting Room, and the Conductor walks them to the train so they board first. Children ages 1 to 12 get an engineer's hat, a wooden train whistle and a special treat, and seats have tables or table trays. Deluxe gets the same perks except the tables and the treat. Coach passengers are greeted by the Conductor and board from outside.
Do babies need a ticket?
Everyone age 1 and up needs a ticketed seat. The vintage coaches have no seat belts, so if you bring a baby carrier you need to buy an extra seat to set it on.
What should kids wear?
Pajamas are part of the fun. Don't wear open-toed shoes, high heels, slippers, long hats, long scarves or curly elf shoes, because they can be dangerous when getting on and off the train.
Do passengers get off at the North Pole?
No. You see Santa and his workshop from the train window. Then Santa boards, visits with the children, and gives each one a jingle bell from his reindeer's harness.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The vintage cars aren't ADA compliant and have limited room for wheelchairs and passengers who have trouble walking. Call the ticket agents before booking to confirm they can accommodate you, and mention any special needs when you order.
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