North Pole Express 2026
Passengers board a locomotive-powered sleigh for an evening round-trip journey to the North Pole. The holiday experience features festive sing-alongs, hot chocolate, sugar cookies, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Every child receives a small gift from Santa.
What to Expect
Nighttime train journey to the North Pole with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Event Details
Duration
Each departure is approximately 90 minutes round-trip.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Essex
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and sugar cookies are part of the experience; beverage purchases are available in First Class, and Premium First Class has upgraded bar options on select departures for full- and half-car purchases.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Tuesday–Thursday: $60.00 per Coach Seat / $95.00 per First Class Seat. Friday–Sunday and Tuesday & Wednesday December 22–23: $70.00 per Coach Seat / $105.00 per First Class Seat. Premium First Class: $120.00 per seat on all dates, available on select departures for Full and Half Car Purchases. Coach is a padded bench seat; First Class is an individual seat with the option to purchase beverages; Premium First Class includes upgraded bar options and a gift for each passenger. Children under 1 sitting on a parent's lap do not require a ticket. – Get tickets
- Hours: Fri Nov 20: 4pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 8pm; Sat-Sun Nov 21-22: 2pm, 2:30 pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 8pm; Sat-Sun Nov 28-Dec 20: 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm; Tue-Fri Dec 1-Dec 22: 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm; Fri Nov 27 and Wed Dec 23: 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm.
- Parking: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow for parking; boarding begins approximately 10 minutes before the excursion.
Tips & Advice
- Buy every ticket for your party in a single online order, because seats are assigned by car and separate orders may put you in different cars.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to park, and be in your seats five minutes before the train leaves since late arrivals can't be held.
- Dress the kids in warm, cozy pajamas for the ride, since they're invited to wear PJs and it's cold up at the North Pole.
- Open your ticket envelope as soon as it arrives in November, because it includes your tickets plus any updated event information.
- Have a few backup dates and times ready when buying, since all sales are final with no refunds, exchanges or credits.
Special Events & Promotions
- Premium First Class cars with upgraded bar options and a gift for each passenger, on select departures for full and half car purchases
- Full, half and quarter cars and four-seat sections sold for groups, families and employee outings
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the ride?
You board a locomotive-powered sleigh for a nighttime trip to the North Pole. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on board, along with sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and every child gets a small gift from Santa.
What should kids wear?
Kids are invited to wear their favorite pajamas. Make sure they're warm and cozy, since it's cold up at the North Pole.
What's the difference between Coach, First Class and Premium First Class?
Coach is a padded bench seat. First Class is an individual seat, with beverages available to buy. Premium First Class adds upgraded bar options and a gift for each passenger, and it's only on select departures for full and half car purchases.
Does a baby need a ticket?
No. Children under 1 sitting on a parent's lap don't need a ticket.
How will we get our tickets, and will our group sit together?
Tickets are mailed to the address on your order starting the first week of November. Tickets bought close to the ride date are held at the onsite ticket window. Seating is assigned by car, so buy all your party's tickets in one order to be placed in the same car.
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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.