The Polar Express

Each ticket includes a round-trip ride to the North Pole, with Hot Chocolate and a Cookie served by our Chefs along the way. As the train heads back to the depot, Santa boards and walks through each car to give every child the first gift of Christmas: a Silver Bell. We all join in singing Christmas carols as we return to the station.

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

Absolutely. You don’t need to have read the book or watched the movie before THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Guests can follow along as the story is read aloud during the ride to the North Pole. Families who already know the book or film will recognize plenty of the experience, from the Chefs and hot chocolate to Santa and the first gift of Christmas, and will feel like they’ve stepped right off the pages, with their child part of the cast as we bring it to life.

The full experience is approximately two hours, including arrival, pre-boarding activities, and the train ride. Please arrive about 30 minutes before your departure time. The train ride lasts approximately one hour and begins with a story experience inside the depot before boarding.

On board, passengers travel to the “North Pole” while Chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie to each ticketed passenger. Santa boards for the return trip, visits each car, and gives each child the “first gift of Christmas,” a silver bell. Guests are invited to sing Christmas carols as the train returns to the station.

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. Please check your directions and drive time and allow for weather or traffic delays to avoid disappointment.

No. Passengers stay on board for the full train ride. When the train reaches the “North Pole,” Santa boards for the return trip to the depot. During the ride back, Santa visits each car and gives each child the “first gift of Christmas,” a silver bell.

First Class passengers board their assigned car and are seated at tables for four. Each ticketed passenger receives hot chocolate, a special cookie, and a souvenir mug. First Class Waiters and Chefs are assigned to each car to serve guests during THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

Coach Class includes reserved seating in an assigned railcar. Each ticketed passenger receives hot chocolate and a cookie during THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Coach seating is arranged in traditional train-style rows, with guests seated in assigned seats rather than around tables.

Children age (1) and under do not need a ticket and may ride on an adult’s lap. Children ages 2 and 3 require a ticket: either a lap ticket to ride on an adult’s lap, or a full ticket if you’d like them to have their own seat.

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.

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. There is no guarantee on seating arrangements. Arrange your groups to book under the same reservation for close seating in First Class.

You will receive a confirmation email after purchasing your tickets. Your tickets will be emailed to you and will include a QR code. When you arrive for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, please have your confirmation email available as proof of purchase. Tickets are not mailed and do not need to be picked up in advance.

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, pajamas are encouraged! Bring your own copy of The Polar Express, or buy the book in our gift shop, and Santa will be happy to sign it for you. Just be sure to dress warmly enough for the walk to and from your car, and skip the open-toed shoes for safety and comfort. Some areas of the depot are covered or indoors while others are open to the elements, but the coaches themselves are enclosed and heated for the ride.

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 the train’s historic narrow doorways and steep steps, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride may not be fully accessible. Our staff is glad to assist with boarding and alighting, though large wheelchairs, motorized scooters, or other oversized assistive devices cannot be accommodated on board. Please note that the Bonnie Brook car is not ADA accessible. For accommodation requests, please contact us in advance at (409) 765-5700.

We’re unable to accommodate special dietary requests on board, but you’re welcome to bring your own cookies and hot chocolate instead. Just let the Chefs know when you board so they can serve your treats alongside everyone else’s. For reference, our cookies are tree nut and peanut free, though they’re made in a facility that also handles 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. Please check our website or Facebook before traveling if severe weather is predicted. Please plan sufficient travel time in case of inclement weather- traffic and weather conditions may increase travel time to the event.

Every passenger will receive a silver bell from Santa or one of his elves. If someone in your party may need additional support during this part of the ride, please let the Chefs know when boarding so they can help make the experience comfortable and inclusive.