The Polar Express

Each ticket includes round trip train ride to the North Pole. Each ticketed passenger is served Hot  Chocolate and a cookie by Polar Express Chefs. Santa will board the train at the North Pole, and as  we head back to the train depot , Santa will be on board and walk through each car to give out the “first gift of Christmas” — the Sleigh Bell — to each child. We all join in and sing Christmas Carols  as we return to the station.

Special event parking fess apply. Sold online or at the gate base on availability. 

Absolutely! You can read along or just listen as we read the storybook on our train ride  to the North Pole. If you have read the book or seen the film you will feel like you’ve  stepped off the pages as we recreate the story with your child as a part of the cast.

Each Polar Express Train Ride will last approximately one hour. You will pick up your tickets approximately (30) minutes before your departure time at Will Call.. The experience begins in the  depot to begin the story of The Polar Express prior to boarding. Once on board, you will travel to  the “North Pole”. Chefs will dance through the cars as each ticketed passenger is served Hot Chocolate and a cookie. As the train passes the North Pole, you will catch a glimpse of Santa, who will board the train for the return trip. As you head back to the depot, Santa will be on board and walk  through each car to give out the “first gift of Christmas” – the Silver Bell – to each child. We will all  join in and sing Christmas carols as we return to the depot.

Yes. The trains must leave on time to avoid delays to hundreds of passengers. We suggest you arrive  approximately (30) minutes prior to your departure time to pick up your tickets. Please check your  directions and drive time and allow for weather or traffic delays to avoid disappointment.

No. Passengers stay on board. Santa boards the train at the “North Pole” and will greet passengers in each car.

First Class passengers will board their assigned cars and find their tables. Each ticketed passenger will receive Hot Chocolate served in a ceramic souvenir mug, and a special cookie. First Class Waiters and Chefs will be assigned to each coach. The First Class coaches seat passengers in groups of four around a table.

Coach Class is reserved seating in each coach.

No. Children under the age of two (2) do not need a ticket. They must be seated on an adult’s lap  while on the train. Infants cannot be placed in a carrier or car seat on board the train, they must be  held. If you must use a child carrier seat, a ticket is required.

Strollers and baby carriers are not allowed on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, due to  limited space and narrow aisles aboard the train and the need for staff to move about freely during the  trip. Strollers left at the depot are the responsibility of the passenger.

Yes. You will receive an email confirmation, or confirmation number for phone reservations. Email  addresses will allow us to send the confirmation and any updates about the event. All tickets will be  held at the passenger station for pick-up the day of the event. 

Coach Class seating is assigned by car and specific seats. Coordinate ticket purchase with companions to  arrange sitting close together. First Class is arranged in groups of four (4). Groups of two (2), six  (6), etc. will be seated with others. Reservation agents will do their best to seat groups together;  however, there is no guarantee on seating arrangements. Arrange your groups to book under the same reservation for close seating in First Class.

Tickets are held on a Will Call basis and will not be mailed to you. You will need to arrive (30) minutes  before your train ride to pick up your tickets. Have your confirmation email available as your proof  of purchase. Tickets may not be picked up in advance. They may only be picked up on the day of your  train ride.

There is a $5 per ticket fee for changes. Special event ticket sales are final. Events are held regardless  of weather. Tickets are not refundable due to weather, change in your plans, etc. THE POLAR  EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets sell out very quickly, so there is very little possibility for re-scheduling. 

Yes! We encourage families to dress in warm pajamas and bring your copy of The Polar Express book  for the Conductor to sign if you wish. Be sure to dress warmly enough to walk comfortably to and  from your car, and make sure that everyone is wearing appropriate footwear. Open toed shoes are  strongly discouraged for safety and comfort reasons. Some areas of the train station are covered or  indoors, and others are open to the elements. The coaches are enclosed and heated for the trip.

A full range of exclusive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ gifts and keepsakes are available for  purchase at the museum store located in the depot, open daily year-round. It’s the perfect place  to do your holiday shopping before or as you exit the railyard after your ride.

Food is available at the event site – If you wish to come early or stay later after the ride, there is a food  court at the depot with a selection of snacks, refreshments and light fare. 

A limited number of restrooms are available on board the train. Please alert a staff member if a  member of your party needs to use the restroom, as they will need to be escorted to another car to  access the nearest one. It is important to note that there are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms  located on the train. However, there are wheelchair-accessible restrooms located at the train  depot and adjacent to the event.

Due to historic, narrow doorway widths, and steep step wells, THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride  may not be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Our staff is always pleased to lend assistance  when boarding and alighting from the train (provided wheelchairs or other oversize assistive devices  are not required during the trip). If you need any assistance pre-boarding the train, please inform the  Reservation Agent when booking your tickets. Please remind us at the ticket window and a staff  member will assist with pre-boarding your group. Limited space is available for persons requiring  wheelchairs or other assistive devices. Large motorized scooters will not fit aboard the train.  

If you require special accommodation, please notify us in advance of your visit by e-mailing us or by  calling (409) 765-5700.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate special requests. We will be serving Hot Chocolate and a  cookie. Passengers with allergies may bring their own cookies. Please communicate with the Chefs  on board so that we may serve your treats. Cookies are tree nut and peanut free, but are produced in  facilities that may have handled nuts.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will operate as scheduled. All seating aboard  trains is indoors; no open-air cars are included on the train. Please check weather conditions prior to your visit and dress accordingly. Rides will be cancelled only if a state travel emergency restriction order is issued. Please check our website or Facebook before travelling if severe weather is predicted. Please plan sufficient travel time in case of inclement weather- traffic and weather conditions may double the travel time to the  event.

Every passenger on the train will receive a Silver Bell from Santa or his Elves. If your  party includes developmentally challenged children, please communicate with the Chefs  on board so that Santa can be alerted.