The Polar Express Train Ride
Guests experience an opening show at the station before boarding a round-trip train ride heading north. Onboard, passengers listen to the classic story, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy hot chocolate and sugar cookies. Santa boards the train at the North Pole to visit with each family and present children with a silver bell.
What to Expect
Train ride to the North Pole with hot chocolate and Santa.
Event Details
Duration
The whole event lasts approximately two hours, including the opening show, boarding and deboarding. the FAQ says the round trip is about an hour and a half.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Adirondack Railroad
Food & Drink
Passengers are served hot chocolate and sugar cookies onboard.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Coach Class: adults ages 13+ $47; children ages 2–12 $39; children under 2 ride free. First Class: adults ages 13+ $68; children ages 2–12 $58; children under 2 ride free. Both classes include meeting Santa, a Silver Bell, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, story narration, sing-along carols and assigned seating. First Class also includes a souvenir ceramic mug and bag, and table seating. Children under 2 are subject to hot chocolate and cookies; in First Class, a mug is handed out only to ages 2 and up. No group discounts. – Get tickets
- Hours: Opening scene: 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; train departure: 2:00, 5:00 and 7:30. The 1:30 shows and 2:00 boarding are on select weekends.
- Parking: There are multiple parking lots around Utica’s Union Station, but parking may be limited; avoid no-parking zones.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible for standard chairs up to 26 inches wide; station restrooms are accessible, but train restrooms are not.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted on the trains. ADA-certified service animals with their owner or trainer are allowed; emotional support animals are not service animals under the ADA and are not permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Book as early as you can, because this ride sells out every year and a sold-out trip can't be switched.
- Put your whole group on one reservation, since all seats are assigned and requests to sit with another party are no longer accepted.
- Arrive about an hour before departure, and make sure the reservation holder brings valid ID to pick up the golden tickets at the ticket window.
- Dress the kids, and yourself, in pajamas and bring a camera to capture the visit with Santa on board.
- Use the station restrooms before boarding, because the restrooms on the train are for emergencies only.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the opening scene takes place inside the Union Station lobby, and passengers board the train right after it ends.
- Early-afternoon shows run only on select weekends in December.
- First Class tickets add table seating, a souvenir ceramic mug per ticket holder and a souvenir bag per reservation.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people really wear pajamas?
Yes. Most children and many adults come in their pajamas, and families are encouraged to.
How long should we allow?
Plan on about two hours in total. That covers the opening show in the Union Station lobby, boarding, a ride of an hour to an hour and a half, and getting off the train.
How do we get our tickets?
Pick them up in person at the station ticket window, no earlier than an hour before departure. The reservation holder needs valid ID. Your purchase email isn't your ticket, so keep the ticket envelope out and ready for the platform.
Can our group sit together?
Only if everyone is on one reservation. All seats are assigned, parties are seated in groups of four, and seating requests aren't accepted. Parties split unevenly will be reseated.
What does First Class add?
You get table seating, with four seats per table. Each ticket holder ages 2 and up gets a souvenir ceramic mug, and each reservation gets one souvenir bag.
More Christmas Events Near Utica
More Christmas Events near Utica
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.