The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Guests gather at the terminal for a live theatrical send-off before boarding decorated historic passenger coaches. During the ride, costumed chefs serve hot chocolate and snickerdoodle cookies while passengers listen to a reading of The Polar Express and pass illuminated holiday displays. At the North Pole, Santa Claus boards the train to greet passengers, and elves lead festive carols on the journey back.
What to Expect
Theatrical holiday train journey to the North Pole with hot chocolate and Santa.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 50 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
Food & Drink
Each passenger receives hot chocolate and a snickerdoodle cookie; lactose-free hot chocolate is available if requested in advance.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, theatrical, nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Coach Class: $35 per person; $40 on premium departures. First Class: $65 per person; $70 on premium departures. Presidential Class: $105 per person; $110 on premium departures. Lap children: $5 in all classes. Lap fare applies to children age 2 and under who do not require their own seat; a child who needs their own seat requires a full-price ticket. The premium departure charge is an additional $5 on high-demand departures. Coach is a general admission ride; First Class includes a restored turn-of-the-century car, reserved individual padded seating, and a commemorative ceramic mug; Presidential Class includes reserved premium cushioned individual seating, a commemorative ceramic mug, and one signed Polar Express book per group of four or fewer. All passengers receive hot chocolate and a cookie; children get a silver sleigh bell. Tickets are non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and non-refundable except in the event of a train cancellation. – Get tickets
- Hours: November 20: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm; November 21: 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm; November 22: 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm; December 10 and 17: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm.
- Parking: Maine Narrow Gauge does not provide parking. Free street parking and several lots are available a short walking distance away.
- Accessibility: A wheelchair lift and four ADA-accessible seats are available on the Silver Bell car only.
Tips & Advice
- Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure, because the train leaves exactly on time and can't wait for anyone running late.
- There's no will-call this year, so bring your emailed ticket either printed or on your phone, and staff will check it on board.
- If anyone in your group needs lactose-free hot chocolate, email the railroad before your trip so it's ready for you on board.
- The train runs in rain, snow or shine, so dress for the weather you expect when you walk to the terminal and board.
- Book a lap ticket ahead of time for any child age 2 or under, because every rider's fare, lap children included, must be reserved in advance.
Special Events & Promotions
- Matinee trips on select days for families with small children run in daylight, so there's no North Pole or nighttime lighting.
- Peak-night departures on select high-demand dates cost more than standard departures.
- First Class and Presidential Class tickets add a commemorative ceramic mug, and Presidential Class adds a Polar Express book signed by Santa for each group of four or fewer.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ride a good fit for families with small children?
Yes. Matinee trips run on select days so families with small children can ride earlier and still get home for dinner and bedtime. The North Pole and the nighttime lights aren't visible in daylight, but everything else about the ride is the same.
What happens during the ride?
Live actors set the scene at the station. The Conductor hands children golden tickets, and costumed chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. You hear the Polar Express story while passing illuminated displays. At the North Pole, Santa and his helpers board and every child gets a silver sleigh bell. Elves lead carols and singalongs on the way back.
What food is served, and are there allergy options?
Everyone gets hot chocolate and a snickerdoodle cookie from Two Fat Cats Bakery. The cookies may contain wheat, soy, dairy and eggs, and they're made in a facility that stores nuts. A lactose-free hot chocolate is available if you ask for it ahead of time.
Can the train take wheelchairs?
Yes. The train has a wheelchair lift and four ADA-accessible seats per train, all in the Silver Bell car. Every other car has one or two steps up to board.
Will Santa pose for photos?
Santa walks through every car and greets each guest. With so many riders to meet, he can't stop for individual photos.
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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.