Illustration of a santa visit scene (The Polar Express Train Ride)
Other Christmas Activities

The Polar Express Train Ride

All aboard for a magical journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express Train Ride! Families and friends are invited to wear their pajamas for this enchanting experience. Passengers will relive the story with chefs reciting the book, serving hot chocolate and cookies, all while the movie's soundtrack plays. Meet Santa at the North Pole and receive a special gift before singing carols on the way back.

What to Expect

Magical train ride to the North Pole

Event Details

Duration

60 minutes

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Texas State Railroad

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and cookies served on board; concessions available at the depot.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Magical, festive, whimsical

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

Texas State Railroad
789 Park Road 70
Palestine, TX
75801

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $20 – Get tickets
  • Accessibility: An ADA-compliant car is available and must be booked by calling the reservations desk directly. Service animals are allowed on non-ADA compliant coaches if the passenger does not require ambulatory assistance. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow ample time for check-in and picking up boarding passes, as the boarding platform closes 10 minutes prior to departure.
  • Consider booking tickets in even numbers for First Class, Dome, and Presidential cars to ensure comfortable seating arrangements and avoid sharing tables with non-related guests.
  • Purchase the official 'The Polar Express' book when booking tickets, as it can be gifted to children to read along with the chefs during the journey.
  • If you have accessibility requirements, contact the reservations desk directly at 855-632-7729 to book tickets for the ADA-compliant car, as online booking is not available for this option.
  • Be aware that tickets are non-refundable and rescheduling may incur a fee and is subject to availability, especially within 14 days of the original departure date.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Families and friends are encouraged to show up in their pajamas.
  • Purchase the official 'The Polar Express' book as a gift.
  • Various seating classes available, from Coach to Presidential Class.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Tickets can be cancelled 30 days prior to departure with a $20 fee per ticket. Cancellations within 30 days are forfeited. Rescheduling is subject to availability with a $20 fee per ticket and cannot be done within 14 days of departure.

What is included in the ticket price?

All tickets include the train ride, hot chocolate, and cookies. First-class, Deluxe First-class, Dome, and Presidential-class passengers also receive a complimentary keepsake THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride mug.

What is the length of the ride?

The round-trip train ride is approximately 60 minutes long.

Are there any food allergy accommodations?

The event cannot guarantee that hot chocolate or cookies are free of allergens. An ingredient list will be available on each coach. Non-dairy milk is not available. For specific concerns, contact the reservations desk.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are prohibited on all excursions. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are allowed. Emotional support or comfort animals are not permitted.

Tags

train ridesfamily friendlySanta visitsholiday seasonChristmas showseasonal activitieschildrens activitiesholiday traditionfestive foodinteractive displays

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team