Polar Express Experiences USA 2022

As well as all the great Polar Express train rides in the UK, you can also enjoy a Polar Express experience across America too.

If you’re not sure what the Polar Express story is all about, and why it’s such a magical family experience, read on. The Polar Express train ride is a magical recreation of the classic children’s story based on a real train or trolley.

As a passenger, you are treated to a reading of the classic story, whilst enjoying hot chocolate and treats from the dancing chefs. As with all Christmas experiences, there is a gift, and in true Polar Express style, this is a silver bell. A silver sleigh bell was the first gift of Christmas in the book.

Why not try our Polar Express Trivia Quiz

santa train

Polar Express Train Rides Across The US

Adirondack Scenic Railroad New York

321 Main Street, Utica, NY 13501

On dates between 18th November and 19th December 2022, you can depart from Utica’s Union Station and travel north on the Polar Express train while being served hot chocolate and cookies.

Santa will board the train to visit each family and give them their silver bell. Wearing pajamas isn’t compulsory but is encouraged.

Big South Fork Scenic Railway

100 Henderson St, Stearns, KY 42647

You’ll depart from Stearns Depot. During your Polar Express experience, each child will meet Santa, enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, a treat and a special gift. 2022 dates for the Polar Express are between 18th November and 23rd December.

North Pole

Blackstone Valley Polar Express

1 Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895

Guests are treated to a three-hour experience at the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. The train journey lasts for 90 minutes which includes a visit from Santa, special gift, hot chocolate and plenty more fun. The Rhode Island Polar Express runs on weekends in November and December.

Branson Scenic Railway

206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616

Your special ride to the North Pole to visit Santa will last for around 75 minutes on the Polar Express train in Missouri. The special train journey runs between Thursday and Sunday in November and then almost every day in December. 

train in snow

Cape Cod Central Railroad

70 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

On your Polar Express train journey in Massachusetts, the conductor will punch golden tickets for each child. There will be dancing chefs and waiters performing while Christmas carols play. You’ll also be treated to a reading of the classic children’s book.

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Polar Express

1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532

The Polar Express in Washington runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on selected dates in November and December.

You can enjoy your complimentary hot chocolate and cookies during your special train journey to the North Pole to meet Santa.

santa with a lantern

Chicago Union Station Polar Express

500 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606

Why not relive the magical story of the Polar Express on board the Chicago Union Polar Express train. Sadly the Chicago Polar Express experience wont be going ahead in 2022.

Delaware River Polar Express

99 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

It’s time to get on board the NJ Polar Express on selected weekends in November and December. Leave New Jersey for the North Pole on a magical Christmas experience. This is an annual holiday tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas.

Christmas train

Dennison Railroad

400 Center St, Dennison, OH 44621

The Polar Express at the Dennison Depot is an experience not to be missed. When the train arrives at the North Pole, you will see Santa and his workshop out of your train window. Santa will visit the children on the train to present them with a special gift.

Durango & Silverton Polar Express

479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

You are welcomed to climb aboard a vintage steam train as it departs the Durango Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. The chefs will serve you hot chocolates and sweet treats while the conductor recites a reading from the Polar Express book.

train in the snow

French Lick Polar Express

1 Monon Dr, French Lick, IN 47432

Each ticket on the Polar Express includes entertainment, hot chocolate, a cookie, and a keepsake sleigh bell to take home. 2022 dates run between November 4th and December 23rd.

Galveston Railroad Polar Express

2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550

The Texas Polar Express train departs from the Galveston Railroad Museum vintage train station. You will get to meet many of the characters from the film including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo, and of course the main man himself, Santa Claus.

santa

Grand Canyon Polar Express

235 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046

Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life to take you to the North Pole. Santa Claus and his reindeer will be waiting for you with a special gift for each child. 

Great Smoky Mountains Polar Express

226 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713

The Polar Express train will leave Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole.

All guests on board will be given a warm cocoa and a treat whilst you listen to the magical Christmas tale during your journey.

hot cocoa

Miami Polar Express

600 NW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33136

The Miami Polar Express will be taking place on selected dates in December. Polar Express tickets are expected to sell out quickly for this magical train ride to the North Pole.

Monticello Polar Express

992 Iron Horse Pl, Monticello, IL 61856

The Polar Express in Illinois departs from the Wabash depot on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November and December. Don’t forget your Polar Express ticket as the conductor will be around the train to punch them for you.

North Pole sign

Morristown & Erie Polar Express

1 Railroad Plz, Whippany, NJ 07981

2022 dates and tickets for the Whippany Polar Express are on selected dates during November and December. But book your magical train journey quickly as tickets sell out fast for this great Polar Express train ride.

National Railroad Museum Polar Express

2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304

The National Railroad Museum will present The Polar Express Train Ride on selected dates between November 18 and December 11, 2022.

When you arrive at the Museum, you enter the Lenfestey Center. Before the show, you are welcome to stroll among the decorated trees in the Festival of Trees, explore the full-size trains, or play Reindeer Games.

North Carolina Polar Express

411 Salisbury Ave, Spencer, NC 28159

This is a great family Christmas experience to the North Pole on board the Christmas train. After you enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, you’ll meet and greet with Santa.

When you leave the train at Candy Cane Lane, all passengers who BELIEVE will receive their own sleigh bell.

Oklahoma City Polar Express

3400 NE Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111

2022 dates and tickets for the Oklahoma City Polar Express are for selected dates in November and December. But book your magical train journey quickly as tickets sell out fast for this great Polar Express train ride.

South California Polar Express

2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570

2022 dates and tickets for the South California Polar Express are for selected dates during November and December. But book your magical train journey quickly as tickets sell out fast for this great Polar Express train ride.

St. Louis Polar Express

1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103

2022 dates: November 18th – December 30th

An important St. Louis holiday tradition is bringing joy to families this year. The Polar Express train ride returns to St. Louis Union Station for the 2022 holiday season.

Your journey begins at St. Louis Union Station Train Park, where the conductor will invite you onboard the train.

Once you reach the North Pole, Santa will board the train.

Texas State Railroad Polar Express

789 Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801

As the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole, your adventure begins. Onboard the chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as they recite the classic children’s book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

V&T Railway Polar Express

4650 Eastgate Siding Rd, Carson City, NV 89702

Dates for 2022 are between 17th November and 23rd December. Experience a reading of the classic story as you travel to the North Pole to see Santa.

Western Maryland Polar Express

13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502

Your Polar Express train journey departs from Cumberland or Frostburg to the North Pole. Selected dates are available for booking in November and December. All passengers will receive a special commemorative silver sleigh bell, hot chocolate and cookie and amazing memories.

Written By Angela Spicer

Angela Spicer has been enjoying family travel for over ten years. She has been on multiple trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and also exploring various locations in the UK.

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