Polar Express Train Rides

Any train that has chefs singing, dancing, and serving cookies gets a big, fat YES from us! The Polar Express experience on the Caledonian Railway will begin its quest to the North Pole in Brechin. Your experience will start with your golden ticket – hole-punched by the mystical conductor himself. 

Next, your waiters and waitresses will arrive and they’ll be dancing all over the shop! The chefs will show you beautifully illustrated books for the whole carriage to follow. Your children will gawp in amazement as scenes from the book play out in front of their wide curious eyes. 

Santa will emerge onto your carriage with a smile and bag full of all things shiny. There will be jingly and jangley sounds ringing out in the air but apparently not everyone can hear them? Do you know anything about this? If you’re a believer I’m sure you do… 

The train ride lasts 30 minutes but the full experience (on and off the train) lasts between 2 – 2.5 hours. This is a must-do attraction during the festive period. Make your little one’s Christmas wishes come true and book tickets to the Polar Express.

Iron out those creases in your christmas pyjamas, dust off those reindeer slippers, and open your hearts to one of the most charming events of the year. Whether you have that festive feeling already or not, the Polar Express Isle of Man experience will kick you straight into Christmas-gear. Your journey will begin just like the 2004 motion picture. You will be picked up by the conductor and invited to journey to the North Pole…

Meet unusual souls along the way, following in the main characters’ footsteps. From the conductor, to the singing chefs, the hobo, and plenty more, this captivating journey will have your hearts warming and your kids’ smiles beaming. 

Chow down on sweet treats while the events of the storybook unfold. Receive a silver bell, and write your letter to Santa. We have a feeling he will climb aboard at some point, but we won’t tell you when…

This immersive theatrical experience awaits you in the station of Leeming Bar… Can you hear that? The train is buzzing with life and songs from the motion picture soundtrack, and the smell of freshly made cookies lingers in the air! Much like the film, the chefs are eager to dazzle you with their vocals and groovy-moves.  

This feel-good attraction invites families to come in their best sleepwear, sing-along, and have a very merry start to their Christmas.

If you are looking for a standard yet magical experience, the Tourist Class may suit you better. Starting from £29 you’ll get a seating table for four and you will get a surprise visit from Santa himself! You will also receive a magical sleigh bell if you are on the nice list… Enjoy festive treats like hot chocolates and cookies. Ticket prices increase to £39 per person from the 1st to 11th December, then after the 11th you can expect to pay £49. 

Fancy an upgrade? Starting from £39, the Pullman Class offers you and your little ones the chance to sit in one of the original Pullman Cars – these luxury railway seat/booths situated in first-class. You will receive a magical sleigh bell from Santa and you will enjoy all the same luxuries as the Tourist class with hot chocolates and cookies being served here too. The price of this experience increases to £49 per person from 1st December to 11th December, and £59 thereafter.

Non-believers will believe in Santa by the end of this trip… There’s a whole host of magical activity on this train. The iconic story is brought to life by an enthusiastic cast. Sing along with all your favourite characters and don’t forget to throw on your best pyjamas and dressing gown. 

When you get to your last stop, don’t be sad. The magic has only just begun! The big man himself will be waiting for you to arrive with a Christmas present in hand and a silver bell from his sleigh. 

The train ride lasts around 1 hour but Churnet Valley Railway recommend you allow 1.5 hours for the whole experience. For an authentic Polar Express experience book the Churnet Valley Railway! 

This steam railway service has been active since 1859 and is now run by dedicated volunteers. The railway usually operates on weekends and bank holidays, and closes during the Winter. HOWEVER, the iconic steam train is opening up its doors to welcome all the good children of Shropshire on the epic Polar Express train ride experience.

The Telford Polar Express experience will pass through the Northern Lights and end up in Elf Village where Santa is waiting patiently. You’ll be entertained throughout your journey by staff onboard the steam train. Remember to pick up your silver bell and present before you leave, good children always need to be rewarded! This experience lasts up to 2 hours.

Make some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime and book tickets today!

Similar to all of the other Polar Express train ride experiences on this list, The Mid Norfolk Railway Polar Express offers hot chocolate, cookies, and entertainment similar to the man character experiences on his midnight journey. 

You’ll meet Polar Express characters while lapping up the scenic views of East Anglia. The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.

A family day out on a steam train is always a magical experience but during the run up to Christmas, the experience becomes even more extraordinary. Prepare to be wow’d by the theatrical extravaganza onboard. Watch chefs do what they do best… SING! Enjoy a variety of sweet treats and beverages before meeting Mr Claus himself. Make sure to get a selfie and a signed Polar Express book! 

Write Santa Claus a letter and post it, in exchange for a special little gift… This experience lasts 2-2.5 hours.

The Spa Valley Railway has heaps of surprises waiting for you onboard from steaming cups of hot chocolate to an array of singing chefs, you’ll feel as if you’ve fallen into a storybook. You little ones will be full of smiles and laughter as Santa Claus greets them with a silver sleigh bell. 

The dancing chefs will narrate the wonderful Polar Express storybook while scenes unfold before your very eyes. Weary traveller, this is not your average train ride.

Meet the conductor, the hobo and sing-along with the singing chefs this Winter. Your voyage to Santa Claus has never been so lively – and delicious. Choose from a selection of mouthwatering cookies and swig down a creamy cup of cocoa while you pass through Devon‘s scenic landscapes. 

Santa will join you on board, eager to give you a special present from his big red sleigh, or should we say ‘off’ his big red sleigh… Have you guessed what it could be? A silver sleigh bell of course! Have no fear, the end is nowhere near in sight!

The end of your magical excursion is not really the end, with a letter-writing activity waiting for you. After checking if you’ve made the nice list you can exchange your letter for your first Christmas gift of the season!

Did you know Seaton was the gateway town to the Jurassic Coast? This excellent location offers scenic views alongside the festive magic onboard. 

A round trip lasts approximately 2 – 2½ hours. There are only a limited number of seats on our snug single deck tramcars for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride.