The Polar Express Train Ride
Guests begin in the Lenfestey Center to explore full-size trains, browse the Festival of Trees, and watch the Hot Chocolate Dance while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate during a dramatic reading. Afterward, the conductor leads passengers outside to board vintage train cars for a scenic journey past the Northern Lights and Arctic Circle. Along the way, riders encounter storybook characters before visiting with Santa Claus.
What to Expect
Immersive train ride recreation featuring live characters, hot chocolate, and Santa.
Event Details
Duration
The program runs approximately 105 minutes: 30 minutes of pre-show and 75 minutes for the program, train ride, and Santa visits. Additional time in the Depot is available for Northern Lights and Glacier Gulch guests who want a more leisurely Santa visit.
Ages
All ages (ticket required for all, including lap sitters)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
National Railroad Museum
Food & Drink
A cup of hot chocolate and a cookie are served during the story reading; guests with dietary restrictions or allergies may bring an alternate treat and beverage.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children who enjoy storybook adventures
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Northern Lights: $35.00; Glacier Gulch: $50.00; Arctic Circle table seating: $70.00; Spirit of the Season table seating: $70.00; Spirit of the Season lounge seating: $75.00. All seats are for all ages. Arctic Circle and Spirit of the Season table-seating tickets must be purchased in blocks of four. Northern Lights, Arctic Circle, and Spirit of the Season are not handicap accessible; Glacier Gulch is the accessible car. All Polar Express tickets are final with no exchanges; refunds are made only if the Museum cancels a show. Everyone, including lap-sitting children, needs a ticket.
- Hours: Each show begins promptly at the time listed on the ticket; doors open 30 minutes before each show.
- Parking: Parking is available in the Museum’s main lot and Fox River Expansion lot; overflow parking is across the street at Cormier School. Parking attendants are available. Visitors are advised to arrive 30–40 minutes before their show, but not earlier.
- Accessibility: Museum buildings and the Glacier Gulch train car are wheelchair accessible via lift, while other train cars are not.
- Pets: Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed; trained service animals are welcome under ADA regulations.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before your show, and no earlier, so you have time to park, check in and enjoy the trees and pre-show games.
- Have each ticket's TicketStar QR code or physical ticket ready at check-in, because screenshots and printouts are not accepted.
- Dress in layers, because you walk outside to the depot and the vintage train cars can be cold.
- Use the restroom before boarding, because there are no restrooms on the train.
- Book Glacier Gulch if anyone in your group needs an accessible seat, because it is the only car with handicap access.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is The Polar Express best for?
Everyone is welcome, but it means most to children who can stay engaged for about 90 minutes. Every person needs a ticket, including babies and lap-sitters.
Can we wear pajamas?
Absolutely. Kids and adults are welcome in pajamas, and lots of people wear them.
Is food served?
Everyone gets a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie during the show, but there's no dinner. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs, you can bring your own treat or drink.
How long should we allow?
About 105 minutes in total: roughly 30 minutes of pre-show and 75 minutes for the show, the train ride and Santa. Northern Lights and Glacier Gulch riders can stay longer in the Depot to visit Santa.
How does the Santa visit work?
It depends on your car. In Spirit of the Season and Arctic Circle, Santa visits at a leisurely pace on board. In Glacier Gulch he chats briefly in the aisle. Northern Lights riders get a wave on the train, then see him in the Depot at the North Pole.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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