Blackstone Valley Polar Express
Passengers board vintage train cars for a roundtrip journey to view the North Pole featuring carols, games, and a dramatic reading of the classic book. A conductor punches each passenger's golden ticket while chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, and Santa visits to give every child a keepsake silver bell. Outside the train, guests can explore an outdoor Christmas Village with photo backdrops, an elf house, and a live stage show.
What to Expect
Interactive 90-minute holiday train ride to view the North Pole.
Event Details
Duration
The train ride is 90 minutes, described as a 45-minute ride to view the North Pole and a 45-minute return. The page also describes the full visit as a 3-hour immersive experience.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Woonsocket
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and a cookie are served on the train; village snack shacks offer popcorn, cotton candy, soft pretzels, churros, and cold drinks, with limited vegan hot chocolate and gluten-free vegan snickerdoodle cookies available by request at least two weeks ahead.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children who enjoy christmas stories and train rides
Vibe
Interactive and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Prices vary by date. First Class: adults $77–$110; children 12 and under $75–$104. Premium: adults $112–$138; children 12 and under $107–$134. Platinum/Prancer: $117–$143 per passenger, sold exclusively in groups of 4, with table seating and ceramic mug upgrade. Lapsit ticket upgrade for infants 12 months and under: $10 added to an adult ticket; the infant does not receive hot chocolate and a cookie. All ticket sales have an additional $8 processing fee. – Get tickets
- Hours: Doors open 60 minutes before the ticketed time; the stage show starts at the ticketed time; boarding begins approximately 15 minutes after it; the train departs promptly at the top of the hour. The page also describes afternoon visits from 3 PM–6 PM and evening visits from 6 PM–9 PM.
- Parking: Free parking is available in downtown Woonsocket. There is no parking at the depot this year.
- Accessibility: A ramp for non-motorized wheelchairs and accessible seating are available exclusively in the Comet car, with 20-inch car doorways and aisles.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed on the train; service animals are allowed with proper documentation at the ticket booth.
Tips & Advice
- Park in one of the free downtown Woonsocket lots, because there is no parking at the depot this year and the High Street lot is closest.
- Leave extra travel time for traffic and highway work, because the train leaves on time and missed trips are not refunded or exchanged.
- On the later evening show, see the Christmas Village before boarding, because it closes once that train returns.
- Have your eTix tickets printed or on your phone for scanning at check-in, and keep them handy to find your seats while boarding.
- Stay after the train returns for a free photo with Santa in the Depot.
Special Events & Promotions
- Groups of 20 or more get a discount per ticket when booking through the box office at (401) 495-1213.
- The Platinum Prancer car is sold in tables of four and includes souvenir Polar Express ceramic mugs.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included with a ticket?
A stage show in the Christmas Village and a 90-minute interactive train ride with storytelling, sing-alongs and games. You also get photos with the characters, hot chocolate, a cookie, a songbook, a golden ticket, and a silver bell for every child.
Do we get off the train at the North Pole?
No. It's a 45-minute ride to view the North Pole and 45 minutes back, with the show running inside the cars the whole time. The train makes no stops.
Should we wear pajamas?
Yes, pajamas are encouraged for kids and adults. Dress for the weather too, because the stage show and boarding are outside in the Christmas Village. The train itself is heated.
Are there vegan or gluten-free treats?
A limited supply of vegan hot chocolate and gluten-free vegan snickerdoodles is available on request. Email bvtctrains@gmail.com with your trip date, time and how many you need at least two weeks ahead. They can't be guaranteed.
What is there to do before boarding?
The outdoor Christmas Village has photo backdrops, a 3D Polar Express engine, an elf house, gift shops, snack shacks and a family fun area. Inside the Depot you'll find Letters to Santa, a Coloring Zone and photo spots.
More Christmas Events Near Woonsocket
More Christmas Events near Woonsocket
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.