Illustration of a santa visit scene (The Polar Express Train Ride #1)
Other Christmas Activities

The Polar Express Train Ride #1

Guests watch the grand entrance of the train and a live scene with the Conductor before departing on a train ride set to the motion picture soundtrack. Onboard, singing and dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies during a reading of the book. Santa and his elves board at the North Pole to hand out silver sleigh bells, and everyone joins in singing Christmas carols.

What to Expect

Theatrical train journey to the North Pole with Santa and elves.

Event Details

Duration

The train trip is an hour long.

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Alberta Prairie Railway

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and a cookie treat are served onboard by singing and dancing chefs and chef helpers.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Theatrical and festive

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Alberta Prairie Railway
4611 47 Ave, Stettler, AB T0C 2L1, Canada
Stettler, AB
T0C 2L0

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Adults 14 years & older: $120; children 13 years & under: $80.00. GST and a $5.00 fuel surcharge per ticket are extra. – Get tickets
  • Hours: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive in time for the start, because the evening opens with the train's Grand Entrance and a scene between the Conductor and the young lad.
  • Remember that GST and a per-ticket fuel surcharge are added to the fare, so include them when budgeting for a family booking.
  • Be ready to sing along on the return trip, as everyone joins in Christmas carols while Santa and his elves walk through each coach.
  • Remind the kids to pick up their ceramic Polar Express mug at the end of the journey, since each child gets one to take home.
  • Book by phone at 1-800-282-3994 within Canada, or 1-403-742-2811 from elsewhere, if you'd rather reserve with a person than online.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the ride for?

It's made for the whole family. Fares are split into adults 14 and older and children 13 and under.

What happens during the trip?

The train makes a Grand Entrance into the station, and the Conductor plays a scene with a young lad. On board, chefs sing and dance while serving hot chocolate and cookies, and then the story is read from the book. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves get on and hand out silver sleigh bells while everyone sings carols.

Is food included?

Yes. Every passenger gets hot chocolate and a cookie treat.

How long is the train ride?

The train trip lasts about an hour.

Do kids get a souvenir?

Yes. At the end of the journey, each child can take home a ceramic Polar Express mug.

Tags

train ridesfamily friendlySanta visitsholiday seasonfestive foodseasonal activitiescommunity celebrationholiday tradition

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 4, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team