The Polar Express Train Ride
Guests gather in a heated pavilion for holiday caroling, cookies, hot cocoa, and a dramatic re-enactment of The Polar Express story. Visitors then step outside to board vintage coaches pulled by an authentic coal-fired steam locomotive bound for the North Pole. During the return journey, Santa boards the train to give passengers a silver bell, followed by an opportunity for personal visits and photos.
What to Expect
Theatrical holiday show and vintage steam train journey to the North Pole.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Colorado Railroad Museum
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and a cookie are included with each ticket; gluten-intolerant guests may request a cookie substitution, while the cocoa contains milk.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children and polar express fans
Vibe
Festive and theatrical
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Standard Seating: $80 per person ages 2–15 and $100 per person ages 16 and older; lap riders under age 2 are free. Performances prior to Thanksgiving are 10% off these rates. First Class: $475 per table of four, plus up to two lap riders under age 2 free. First Class – Preferred Viewing: $505 per table of four, plus up to two lap riders under age 2 free; performances prior to Thanksgiving are 10% off the listed rate. First Class and Preferred Viewing are sold only as complete tables of four; a group may have up to four people per table plus up to two lap riders. Standard Seating guests may buy the number of tickets needed for their party. Hot cocoa, a cookie, and a Silver Bell are included with each Standard ticket and for all ticketed First Class passengers. Each First Class table additionally receives four commemorative ceramic mugs, an ornament, a copy of The Polar Express book, and one First Class Silver Bell. – Get tickets
- Hours: Three performances each evening; the Main Show begins at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., or 8 p.m. Suggested arrival times are 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 7:30 p.m.
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available for the event.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair seating is available in the pavilion and aboard the moving train, but must be reserved during ticket purchase.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets as soon as you can, because the event has sold out quickly in past years and sold-out performances can't be exchanged.
- Arrive about half an hour before your main show to catch the cabaret-style pre-show, because the main show starts right on time.
- Buy all your group's tickets in a single transaction so everyone sits together in the Pavilion and on the train.
- Come in pajamas if you like, but add warm layers and good footwear, since the event runs in rain or snow.
- Choose the Travel Protection option at checkout if your plans might change, since refunds are otherwise not offered.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: First Class – Preferred Viewing, with seats closer to the Pavilion stage and train tables facing the North Pole.
- Discounted tickets for all performances before Thanksgiving.
- Early access and a ticket discount for Museum Members during the members-only presale.
- First Class tables come with four commemorative ceramic mugs, an ornament, a copy of The Polar Express book and a First Class Silver Bell.
- This year's show has several new twists.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should we allow?
About 2 to 2½ hours. The evening starts with the Pavilion show, then the steam train ride to the North Pole, then a visit with Santa.
What should we wear?
Pajamas are encouraged. Add warm layers and good footwear, because the event runs in all weather, including rain and snow.
What if someone in our group can't have gluten or dairy?
The cookies contain wheat. Tell the museum about gluten intolerance when you buy tickets and they'll swap in another cookie. The hot chocolate contains milk, so bring your own substitute if needed.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, including wheelchair seating on the moving train, but you must buy accessible seating. The First Class cars have a wide platform and end door, and there are accessible restrooms near the Pavilion and Depot.
How can our group sit together?
Buy all your tickets in one transaction. First Class seats on the train are sold as tables of four, so larger groups can book several tables at the same performance.
More Christmas Events Near Golden
More Christmas Events near Golden
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.