Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in and Near New York
One of the most fun things to do during the holiday season is to take a ride on a holiday train or a Polar Express train. Inspired by the famous movie, The Polar Express, these rides offer a magical Christmas experience, typically featuring a cheerful conductor, a golden ticket, warm hot cocoa, and, of course, a visit from Santa himself!
Before you go, be sure to call or check each train’s website for specific boarding instructions.
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New York City
North Pole Express
Where: 2 East 42 Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Manhattan
When: Nov. 11-Jan. 1, various times
Price: Book online for $99, walk-ins are $139
212-664-0300
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Ready for a festive NYC holiday adventure? Top View Sightseeing is back with a festive spin on its sightseeing tours. Take the North Pole Express to re-live a magical childhood Christmas experience.
This double-decker trolley travels through the city (which is great fun if you have guests from out of town). Passengers can listen to caroling, meet Santa, and hear holiday stories. There are also holiday-themed activities for kids. The ride through the city will showcase beautiful light displays that are the signature of the season. Standard and enhanced packages are available.
Upstate New York
Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express
When: 55 Kingston Plaza Rd., Kingston, NY
When: Nov. 14-Dec. 30, various times
Price: Tickets start at $47 for adults; $37 for children
845-332-4854
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Passengers get to read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Then they are served hot chocolate and a cookie by a singing chef while conductors punch your golden ticket. Each passenger will get a keepsake sleigh bell to take home.
Long Island
The Polar Express Trolley Ride
Where: 5835 Middle Country Road, Calverton, NY
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 23 on select dates. Hours vary. Check the website for the full schedule.
Price: Vary, check the website.
631-369-3031
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You’ll relive the enchanting tale of The Polar Express aboard this trolley. Santa and his helpers greet passengers. Then, passengers are treated to a theatrical reproduction of the Polar Express. Afterward, they visit Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas.
There are a lot of activities for kids that are part of the fun, and each child will receive a keepsake sleigh bell to take home (reminiscent of the classic tale). You can purchase items in the online gift shop after booking your tickets, and staff will have the gifts ready for you when boarding.
New Jersey
Polar Express Whippany
Where: 1 Railroad Plaza Whippany, NJ
When: Nov. 1-Dec. 30; various times.
Price: Tickets start at $65 for adults; $57 for children ages 2-11
973-419-6255
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The fun begins as soon as you board on this one-hour train ride to the North Pole. Car hosts work their way through the cars to punch your golden ticket before serving delicious hot chocolate and shortbread cookies. Passengers enjoy a reading of the classic story, caroling, and other onboard entertainment. Kids take home a keepsake sleigh bell just like in the story. Tickets have sold out, but some single seats are still available on select departures. Contact our reservation center to learn more.
The Santa Train
Where: Route 23 Transit Center, Wayne, NJ
When: Saturday, Dec. 13 (times vary)
Price: Call for more information
973-656-0707
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The Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Inc., returns this year with its annual Ride with Santa in Wayne, NJ. Set in a modern, climate-controlled train, the excursion is an hour-long holiday-themed ride where passengers are treated to on-board entertainment that includes caroling, music, a cast of costumed characters, and more holiday fun. Tickets are currently sold out, but you can add your name to their waiting list.
The Polar Express In Phillipsburg
Where: 38 Market St., Phillipsburg, NJ
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 21
Price: $48 for adults; $38 for children
877-872-4674
The Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions is set to the music of the motion picture version of The Polar Express. Passengers are served hot chocolate and cookies. Live entertainment on the ride, and of course, Santa will make his appearance before the end. Each child takes home a special bell.
North Pole Express
Where: 80 Stangl Rd., Flemington
When: Nov. 23-Dec. 28, various times
Price: Tickets start at $42.99 for adults; $39.99 for children
908-782-6622
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The Santa Express features lots of holiday fun. Passengers can take a photo with a 6-foot-tall wreath at North Pole Station. Passengers will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on board the train. Kids receive a sleigh bell gift to take home. Various ticket packages are available.
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