The Polar Express Train Ride
Passengers board vintage railcars set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, reliving the classic holiday story while enjoying hot chocolate and freshly baked chocolate peppermint cookies served by chefs. The journey features live characters, hot chocolate dancers, and a reading of the book before arriving at the North Pole. Santa and his helpers board the train to visit each passenger and present children with a silver sleigh bell, concluding with Christmas carol singing on the ride back.
What to Expect
Magical vintage railcar round trip to visit Santa at the North Pole.
Event Details
Duration
75-minute round trip to the North Pole.
Ages
Children 2 and under are free, but must be on adult lap.
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Chehalis Centralia Railroad & Museum
Food & Drink
Passengers are served hot chocolate and a freshly baked chocolate peppermint cookie; non-dairy, vegan, and gluten-free options can be accommodated when noted in the booking comments.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, cozy, nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Regular Coach: $69 per person. Children 2 and under ride free but must ride on an adult's lap. The page also lists First Class Parlor seating for $498 flat fee and Dining Room seating for $664 flat fee (marked sold out). A later Premier Car section lists Parlor seating at $390 for up to 6 passengers, Dining Room seating at $520 for up to 8 guests, and two Stateroom seating areas at $260 for up to 4 passengers. Regular Coach passengers receive cocoa, a cookie and a sleigh bell; Premier passengers receive a souvenir mug and one tote bag for every four mugs, as well as a sleigh bell, cookies and cocoa. Snacks and water are available for purchase. – Get tickets
- Hours: 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; no 2:00 p.m. rides on the listed Fridays.
- Parking: The parking lot is gravel, and ADA parking is available.
- Accessibility: Trains are not wheelchair or walker accessible due to narrow aisles and doors, though depot ramps and pre-boarding assistance are provided.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive half an hour before departure to check in at the ticket counter, collect your golden ticket and line up on the deck.
- Choose your date carefully, because all sales are final with no refunds or date changes, though you can gift tickets using the transaction number.
- Dress the kids in fuzzy pajamas and bring blankets or scarves, since the vintage cars have limited heating.
- If your party is larger than four, buy tables close together, because empty seats at your table will be filled by other parties.
- Add any dietary restrictions in the booking comment section so the crew can provide non-dairy, vegan or gluten-free treats.
Special Events & Promotions
- Premier First Class seating in the historic 1920s Business Car is booked as a unit for groups, with a collector's mug and gift bag for each passenger. First Class is marked sold out.
- The Premier car is recommended for passengers with sensory processing concerns.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we check in?
Check in at the depot ticket counter about half an hour before departure. You'll get your boarding pass with seating details and your golden ticket. Then line up on the deck and wait for the conductor's instructions.
What food and drink is served, and can you handle dietary needs?
Chefs serve hot chocolate and a freshly baked chocolate peppermint cookie on board. Snacks and water are sold in the depot before boarding. Note any dietary restrictions in the comment section when you book. Non-dairy, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Can wheelchairs or walkers come on board?
No. The train's doorways and aisles are too narrow, so wheelchairs and walkers stay at the depot. Pre-boarding is available for anyone who needs help, and ramps lead to the depot and the train.
Can we bring a stroller or infant car seat?
No. Space on the train is limited, so strollers and infant car seats must be left at the depot. Children 2 and under ride free on an adult's lap.
What should we wear?
Blankets, fuzzy pajamas and cozy scarves are encouraged. The cars have limited heating, in keeping with 1950s standards.
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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.