I'm excited for Christmas. I love creating new traditions with my children and passing down the ones from our families. One thing that didn't exist when I was a kid (and by the time they became mainstream, I was too old to go solo/without kids), is the Polar Express train ride. Polar Express rides are really fun, cute experiences (I promise, they're nothing like the weird, horrific movie). Often kids go dressed in their PJs, enjoy hot chocolate, sing songs and meet Santa, all while enjoying a fun, scenic train ride. And, they're happening everywhere!
Below is a guide to all the Polar Express train rides (both moving and stationary) that I 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.
Recurring Rides (Run Frequently During the Holiday Season)
Edaville Family Theme Park, Carver MA
Edaville will be running the Christmas Festival of Lights, with a train ride through many light displays, amusement park rides, and other entertainment, from November 8 to December 31. The North Pole Limited, a train ride to meet Santa and see thousands of Christmas lights runs November 14, 21, December 4, 11, 18.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Buzzards Bay MA
Cape Cod Central Railroad is running an official Polar Express train again ride this year! It includes golden tickets, dancing chefs and waiters, a reading of The Polar Express, a gift from Santa, and cocoa and cookies. The rides begin in November, starting on the 22nd, available on Friday-Sunday with more tickets available in Dec. with rides Thursday-Sunday, and even more during the week of Dec. 15!
Journey to the North Pole™, North Conway NH
Departs from North Conway or Lincoln, NH weekends beginning November 29 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.
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.
Santa Express Train, Lincoln NH
Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa and his elves on this 60-minute train ride. Train runs on weekends November 24-26, December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 &17; 23. Tickets are now on sale.
North Pole Express, Essex CT (Sold Out!)
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.
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 train ride will take place on December 15th.
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. It will run Saturday December 9th from out of Anderson Woburn Station, running at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm (sold out) and 6pm (almost sold out).
North Pole Express, Newburyport MA (Sold Out already)
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. 11:20 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:20 PM & 5:20 PM
H/T to Lowell's Macaroni KID publisher, Barbara Evangelista, for compiling this yearly!
