The Polar Express Train Ride
Passengers board a vintage steam train for a festive journey toward the North Pole, immersed in theatrical live entertainment with singing and dancing chefs. Onboard characters recount the holiday story while guests are served rich hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. During the return trip, Santa Claus boards the train to greet passengers and deliver a silver sleigh bell.
What to Expect
UK's only Polar Express powered by an authentic American steam locomotive.
Event Details
Duration
The train ride lasts around an hour; allow 1.5 hours for the whole experience.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Churnet Valley Railway (1992) plc
Food & Drink
Standard and Premium tickets include hot chocolate and a freshly baked cookie; under-two tickets do not include either.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical and theatrical
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Tickets: £28.95–£52.95 per person. Children aged 2 or younger (24 months or less) on the day of travel: £3.00 flat fee; they travel on a parent's lap and receive a Polar Express Silver Bell, but no seat, hot chocolate or cookie. Any child needing a seat must purchase an adult ticket. Standard Class includes hot chocolate, a freshly baked cookie and a silver sleigh bell. Premium Class includes those items plus a Limited Edition POLAR EXPRESS™ Souvenir Ceramic Mug; each booking also receives one bag for carrying the mug. Eligible carers receive a 50% discount on one ticket if the guest is in receipt of the higher rate of DLA or Enhanced PIP; contact the railway with the order number and proof of entitlement to arrange a 50% refund. No other type of entitlement is accepted. – Get tickets
- Hours: The site opens at 1300 on the day of travel. Departures are at the time printed on each ticket; the page gives no general departure times.
- Parking: Free event parking is around a six-minute walk from the station. Guests needing accessible parking because of a disability or health condition should provide their blue badge on the day and will be directed to the disabled parking area. The page also says there is ample onsite parking.
- Accessibility: Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on board the heritage coaches, but staff can assist guests who can climb a step and walk a short distance.
- Pets: No dogs or animals are allowed aboard, except service dogs, which must sit under the table for the journey.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive in time for the departure on your ticket but no earlier than 20 minutes before, because trains leave promptly and late guests miss them.
- Bring your order confirmation on your phone or printed out, since lost tickets will not be resent and staff need it to board you.
- Wear warm layers under your pyjamas, plus a coat and gloves, because the platform can get chilly even though the train is heated.
- Leave pushchairs and car seats at the buggy storage point, as they can't go on board and staff look after them until you return.
- Pack an alternative drink and cookie for anyone with allergies, because the railway tries to accommodate allergens but cannot guarantee it.
Special Events & Promotions
- Premium Class upgrade adds the Limited Edition souvenir ceramic mug, redesigned each year, plus a bag per booking
- Carers get 50% off one ticket when the guest receives the higher rate of DLA or Enhanced PIP, refunded after booking with proof of entitlement
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to wear pyjamas?
No, PJs are optional, but everyone in pyjamas and dressing gowns adds to the magic. The train is heated, but dress warmly underneath. Bring a coat and gloves for the platform and wear shoes suitable for the walk from the car park.
What's the difference between Standard and Premium Class?
Everyone gets hot chocolate, a freshly baked cookie and a silver sleigh bell. Premium Class also gets the Limited Edition POLAR EXPRESS souvenir ceramic mug, which is redesigned each year and isn't sold anywhere else. Each Premium booking gets one bag to carry the mugs.
Can we bring a pushchair on board?
No. Pushchairs and car seats can't go on the train. Leave them at the buggy storage point, and staff will look after them until you return.
What if someone in our party has allergies?
Select the relevant allergens when you book. The railway does its best but can't guarantee every allergy is covered. You're welcome to bring your own drink and cookie for anyone with allergies.
How long does the whole thing take?
The train ride itself lasts about an hour. Allow around an hour and a half for the full experience.
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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.