The Polar Express Train Ride
Embark on a magical journey aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train, inspired by the classic story. Passengers will be whisked away to the North Pole, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies served by dancing chefs. A reading of the book and a visit from Santa Claus, complete with a silver sleigh bell gift, make this an unforgettable holiday adventure for the whole family.
What to Expect
Magical train journey to the North Pole with Santa.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1.5 hours (including arrival and boarding time)
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Catskill Mountain Railroad
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and cookies served on board. Passengers may bring their own small snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for outdoor cars. No food or drink allowed in passenger coaches. No coolers.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical, festive, whimsical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking is available in the Kingston Plaza lot adjacent to the train station. Designated parking spaces for those with disabilities are located directly adjacent to the station.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair seating is limited in vintage coaches. Contact the organizer at 845-332-4854 for booking assistance for parties with mobility issues or those requiring wheelchair access. Designated parking for those with disabilities is adjacent to the station. There are no restrooms on board the train.
- Pets: Service dogs only
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for parking and check-in at the ticket office. Boarding begins 20 minutes prior to departure.
- Families with sensory sensitivities can contact the organizer to book seats in a coach with softer audio and lighting levels.
- Consider dressing in warm pajamas, as recommended in the book and film, and bring warm winter attire for potentially cooler platform temperatures.
- If anyone in your party has food allergies or dietary needs, inform a reservations representative when booking and also notify your onboard staff.
- Tickets sell out quickly, so it is highly recommended to book reservations as soon as possible once dates are known.
Special Events & Promotions
- Ulster County/Kingston Resident Discount: $10 off per person.
- Military/First Responder Discount: $5 off per person.
- Peak and Off-Peak ticket pricing available.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Off-Peak and Peak pricing?
Peak pricing applies to trains in high demand, while Off-Peak tickets are offered at a discount for trains with lower demand.
Are there restrooms on board the train?
No, there are no restrooms available on board the train. Portable restrooms are available at the station.
Can I change my reservation to a different date or time?
If seats are available, reservations can be changed with at least 48 hours' notice by contacting a reservations agent. Name changes are also allowed with 24 hours' notice.
What is the refund policy?
All sales are final and no refunds will be granted. In most cases, a replacement ticket can be issued for another ride with at least 48 hours' notice.
Do infants ride for free?
Children under two may ride for free on an adult's lap, provided a free infant ticket is selected at checkout and the child's name is provided.
More Christmas Events Near Kingston
More Christmas Events near Kingston
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.