Santa Called: There's a Polar Express Christmas Train Ride in Nearly Every State! (2024)

December 1–January 4

Arizona residents and visitors can enjoy a 90-minute trip from Williams, Arizona, to the North Pole. During this relatively speedy trip to Santa’s home, your kids will meet Santa and his reindeer, and they’ll even get a gift from him. With hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies, it’s no surprise so many families have made it a tradition. Prices start at $33 for kids and $45 for adults.

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November 29–December 22

Your journey includes hot cocoa, a cookie, and all the story’s characters you know and love. Once you’ve reached the North Pole, expect for Santa to hand each passenger a silver sleigh bell to kick off the Christmas season. Pre-sales begin on September 5 for members. Tickets start at $45, but children under 2 are free.

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November 9–December 23

See a reenactment of the beloved tale with your family as you ride along the Polar Express in Colorado. Prepare for an interactive experience like nothing you or your kids have ever seen before, and yes, sugar cookies are included. Tickets start at $60.

November 16–December 29

Floridians, get ready to hop on board the Polar Express. Your golden ticket will be punched before you’re served treats and participate in a read-along. Santa and his elves will bring gifts for you and your loved ones, and there are keepsakes provided to keep the memory of your ride alive. Tickets are $60 and up, and children ages 2 and under ride for free.

*This photo is not from the Fort Lauderdale Brightline Station

November 29–December 23

All aboard for the Santa Express! Your family will spent time listening to a Christmas story, singing along to your favorite holiday tunes, and meeting classic Christmas characters. There are four different departure times and tickets start at $31 for kids and $48 for adults.

November 23–December 29

From dancing chefs to finally getting your golden ticket stamped, Chicago residents will love the chance to visit Chicago Union Station, without the hassle of a work commute. If you book now through Labor Day (September 2), you can get your tickets at a lower rate ($43 for adults and $35 for kids).

*This photo is not from Chicago's Polar Express Train

November 8–December 3

Starting at $35, you and your kids can go aboard Indiana’s very own Polar Express. While on the train, you’ll receive a free silver sleigh bell and Santa’s elves will lead you and your kids through a series of beloved Christmas carols.

*This photo is not from French Lick Scenic Railway

November 16–December 27

With so many similarities to the popular book-turned-movie, you’ll likely tell yourself, “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” You can choose from coach or first class pricing, which will start at $45 for adults and $40 for kids.

*This photo is not from Midland Railway

November 22–December 22

Chris Van Allsburg’s words are retold in this immersive experience that departs from Stearns Depot. You can expect lots of time with Santa, food and drinks, singing, and they highly recommend that everyone wears their pajamas. Prices start at $44.75.

*This photo is not from the Big South Fork Scenic Railway

December 9–January 1

NOLA residents will appreciate that on December 19, the Polar Express will offer a train ride that’s sensory friendly. That means there will be additional lighting to help board the train, softer audio levels, and quiet spaces throughout. Prices start at $48 for adults and $38 for children.

*This photo is not from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

Select dates from Thanksgiving to Christmas

The most frequented event at this museum is the seasonal Polar Express ride. Every year, more than 15,000 people venture for all the holiday feels, provided by the Conductor and his singing costars. Trains leave from Portland and head out to the North Pole, but tickets are released in September.

Select dates from November 16–December 1

You’ll feel like a kid again when you head to the museum for a ride that features Santa and all the wonderment of the classic Christmas story. If you purchase the book prior to the event, Mr. Claus will even autograph it for your kids. Tickets start at $47, but dress rehearsal performances on November 15 are as low as $42.

December 1–December 23

To ensure that your experience is as delicious as ever, the Missouri trip features a “premium” status that will allow you to have unlimited cookies and refills of hot cocoa (You can say it’s for the kids, but we all know who needs more). Tickets start at $44 for adults, $34 for kids, and $2 for kids 23 months and under.

*This photo is not from the Branson Scenic Railway

Weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas

Hop on Santa’s Reindeer Flyer Christmas Train in Ely, Nevada, and show your kids how they can get face time with Santa at the North Pole. There are snacks and countless photo ops during this 90-minute ride. It’s first come, first served, so make sure to get there extra early to score your spot. Tickets are free for kids 0–4, $20 for kids 4–12, and $41 for adults.

November 15–December 23

Over on the East Coast, Utica hosts its own Polar Express Train Ride. So throw on those pajamas and prepare for quite the adventure. They highly recommend indulging in the Cocoa Class car, which provides souvenir mugs filled with tasty hot cocoa. Adult prices start at $46 and tickets for kids are $38 and up.

November 29–December 27

While many of these rides focus on the train-inspired Christmas tale, the Country Christmas Train takes you through the Nativity. Along the way, you’ll also see a gingerbread house, general store, doll museum, and more. As expected, Santa will be there to greet you too.

November 9–December 24

The North Pole Express Train is powered by the railroad’s vintage diesel locomotives. Fresh-baked chocolate chunk cookies, hot chocolate, and one-on-one time with Santa are guaranteed features. Both children and adults should feel extra spirited in their PJs, so why not make the whole family match for the most adorable holiday card? Tickets start at $51.99 for adults, $41.99 for kids 3–11, and $11.99 for infants 0–2 years old.

November 16–December 8

This two-hour trip on the North Pole Flyer promises all-you-can-drink hot cocoa and locally baked cookies, so you’ll stay happy and entertained all day long. Santa will head over to each car and check in with you and your family. Plan your trip ASAP, because they usually sell out by mid-October. Tickets start at $45 for ages 3 and up.

December 14 & 15

You only have two days to experience the magic of Vermont’s Polar Express. Engineers will greet PJ-wearing passengers onto the train, and Santa will be collecting new or gently-used books that they’ll donate to children in need. Tickets are $30 each, but children under 24 months can ride for free.

November 23–December 8

Jinx the Elf is ready to welcome you and your kids aboard The Elf Limited, a 60-minute train ride. You’ll see how elves are working toward earning a spot in Santa’s workshop as you venture out to the spot where Santa makes his big decision. Tickets start at $48 for adults and $38 for children 2–11 years old.

*This photo is not from The Elf Limited