Christmas and the holiday season is all about making memories and holiday magic. I remember only a few of the gifts I received as a child (the big ones, like a mountain bike and my very own video camera to make home movies) but I have so many memories of fragrances, baking, picking out and decorating the tree, christmas music filling the house, driving around to see Christmas lights, and building gingerbread houses. It's these experiences that make Christmas magical.
A special Polar Express train ride is one experience that many families enjoy at Christmas now. Below is our guide to all the Polar Express train rides (both moving and stationary) that we could find in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and beyond, plus other holiday train options that aren't specifically about the Polar Express story.
Please note that many of these rides cannot use the term "Polar Express" so keep this in mind when telling your children, to avoid disappointment. Be prepared for a fantastic holiday experience with Santa, elves, hot chocolate, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and even silver bells, but the train staff may not specifically perform Polar Express songs.
Note, most of the single date rides sell out quickly. If they're already sold out, sign up for their email list and be sure to jump quickly when you receive the email next year.
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Recurring Rides (Run Frequently During the Holiday Season)
Edaville, Carver MA
Edaville will be running a few holiday-focused train rides. Tickets are now available for 2024 rides.
- Festival of Lights: Train ride, Christmas lights, food, vendors and crafters, Santa and vintage amusement rides. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November. Thursdays through Sundays in December.
- North Pole Limited: Train ride, Christmas lights, hot chocolate and cookies, elves and Santa on the train. Wednesdays only in November and December.
- Santa's VIP Express: Train ride, Christmas lights, milk or juice and a cookie, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, amusement park rides. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November and December.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Buzzards Bay MA
Cape Cod Central Railroad is running an official Polar Express train ride this year! The fun includes golden tickets, dancing chefs and waiters, a reading of The Polar Express, a gift from Santa, and cocoa and cookies. Available Fridays to Sundays starting November 22, Thursdays to Sundays through December 14, with additional rides the week of December 16. Last rides are on December 23. Now booking for 2024 rides.
Journey to the North Pole™, North Conway NH
Departs from North Conway or Lincoln NH weekends beginning November 24 through December 23. This two-hour Conway Scenic Railroad adventure includes a train ride with treats and hot chocolate plus a theater visit to meet Santa, hear The Night Before Christmas, and sing Christmas songs. Trains depart at 4:30pm and 7:00pm from both locations. Rides begin November 29. Now booking for 2024 rides.
Santa's Holiday Express, North Conway NH
Journey on the Conway Scenic Railroad with Santa and his elves! Weekends in late November and December and daily the week before Christmas at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. This is a shorter holiday train ride than the Journey to the North Pole and does not include the theater visit. Now booking for 2024 rides.
Santa Express Train, Lincoln NH
Enjoy a special holiday excursion on this 60-minute train ride. Some options include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Train runs on weekends from late November to mid-December. Now booking for 2024 rides.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Blackstone Valley, Woonsocket RI
An official Polar Express™ train ride, this ride includes a reading of The Polar Express, sing-a-longs, cookies, hot chocolate, games, a golden ticket, and a silver bell gift. Weekends from November 8 to December 22 with shows at 3:30 PM & 6:30 PM. Now booking for 2024 rides.
North Pole Express, Essex CT
Enjoy a live musical performance of The Night Before Christmas and hot chocolate and cookies, see Santa and Mrs. Claus, and join in festive sing-a-longs during this 90-minute train ride. Children receive a small gift from Santa. Rides run from November 14 to December 23. Now booking for 2024 rides.
Single-Event Rides (Sell Out Quickly!)
Jolly Jingle Express, Woburn MA
The Jolly Jingle Express is presented by the Wakefield Music Boosters as a fundraiser. Join Santa and his elves for a fun-filled on a 70-minute train ride from Anderson Station in Woburn on an MBTA commuter rail train! Trains depart at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Cookies and milk will be served. The 2024 train ride will take place on Sunday, December 15th. Tickets go on sale on October 26. Follow the Wakefield Music Boosters Facebook page for updates.
North Pole Express, Woburn MA
Presented by St. Augustine School. Santa and his elves will be on the train, handing out milk and cookies. Enjoy a Christmas story reading, sing Christmas carols, and receive a special gift from Santa. Children age 2 and under are free if they sit on their parent's lap. Now booking for the 2024 ride on December 14.
North Pole Express, Newburyport MA
Presented by the Immaculate Conception School, this 50-minute ride includes a reading of The Night Before Christmas, Santa, elves, cookies, songs, holiday characters and more. The show runs on December 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM. 11:30 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:15 PM & 5:30 PM. 2024 tickets are sold out.
Not an Actual Train Ride But Still Fun!
Holly Jolly Trolley, Lowell MA
The City of Lights celebration takes place in Lowell on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 30). Jump on the Lowell National Historical Park's "Holly Jolly Trolley," complete with Ranger Elves, music, and holiday decorations! The trolley will run continuously from the Boott Cotton Mills from 12 to 3 PM. The last run will leave at 3 p.m. FREE event, no reservation required!
The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience at Jordan's Furniture, Avon MA
Jordan's Furniture offers a viewing of a short version of The Polar Express in 4-D, with special effects, at the Jordan's Furniture MOM Theater in Avon. Customers are offered the chance to book tickets in advance. 2024 information is not yet available.
The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience at the Museum of Science, Boston MA
The Museum of Science offers a viewing of a short version of The Polar Express in 4-D, with special effects, at the Museum of Science's 4-D Theater. Attendance required purchase of a ticket to the Museum's exhibit halls and a separate timed ticket for the movie. 2024 information is not yet available.
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