The Polar Express Train Ride
Passengers embark on a train journey to the North Pole while listening to the story of The Polar Express and enjoying hot chocolate and treats served by onboard chefs. At the North Pole, Santa boards the train to give each passenger a silver sleighbell before everyone joins in singing Christmas carols. After arriving back at Jamestown Station, guests can walk the lighted pathway to the Historic Roundhouse to visit further with Santa and his elves.
What to Expect
Magical hour-long train journey to the North Pole to meet Santa.
Event Details
Duration
The train ride lasts approximately one hour.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
California State Railroad Museum Foundation
Food & Drink
Onboard chefs serve hot chocolate and a small treat; other food and drinks are not allowed aboard.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and storybook-like
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Coach seating: $85 per person; all fees are included. Children who have not yet reached their 2nd birthday do not need a ticket if seated on an adult's lap. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4:30pm, 6:00pm & 7:30pm.
- Parking: There are two designated parking areas; ask parking attendants for available spaces. Visitors are advised to arrive at least one hour before departure to allow for parking.
- Accessibility: A wheelchair lift is available for the Blitzen Car, and preboarding is offered for guests needing extra boarding time.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed, except ADA-qualified service dogs.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least an hour before your departure to allow time for parking, because departures leave exactly on time and missed rides can't be rebooked or refunded.
- Dress the kids in their warmest pajamas with good shoes, since you walk outdoors to and from the car and the train runs in any weather.
- Use the Depot Deck restrooms before boarding, because there are no restrooms on the train during the hour-long ride.
- Eat before you arrive, because the only food at the event is the hot chocolate and treat served on board.
- After the ride, walk the lighted path to the Historic Roundhouse, where Santa and his elves have more time to visit with children.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members have access to a ticket presale September 14–17, 2026; public sales begin September 18, 2026 at 9 AM.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the train ride?
The ride is about an hour. The story of The Polar Express is read aloud and onboard chefs serve hot chocolate and a treat. At the North Pole, Santa boards and gives everyone a silver sleighbell. Everyone sings carols on the way back into Jamestown Station.
Can we wear pajamas and bring our book?
Yes. The whole family is encouraged to wear warm pajamas, and you can bring your copy of the book for the Conductor to sign. Dress warmly enough to walk to and from your car, and wear proper footwear.
Is there food at the event?
Only the hot chocolate and small treat served on the train. No other food is sold on site, and outside food and drinks aren't allowed on board.
Are there restrooms?
There are none on the train. There are permanent restrooms with changing tables on the Depot Deck, plus porta potties around the park.
Do we get reserved seats?
No. Line leaders walk you out to the train and seating is first-come, first-served. Seats are grouped in clusters of four. Larger groups should arrive and line up together to sit near each other.
More Christmas Events near Oakdale
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