The Polar Express

“All Aboard” for this magical train ride to the North Pole! Embark on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with your children and delight in their joy while they watch live performances, listen to a reading of the beloved children’s book, sip on hot chocolate, and receive a special visit and gift from Santa.

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers listen to the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to the Depot.

General Reserved Seating

Enjoy the enthusiasm and excitement in the 1920’s coaches with table seating. Your friends and family will be entertained by cocoa dancers, and many of the characters you find in the storybook. Chef will serve cocoa and cookies to all passengers. On the return trip, Santa will visit each passenger and present the “first gift of Christmas” (sleigh bell). Everyone is a kid on THE POLAR EXPRESS™! The golden ticket is yours to keep and remember this popular holiday tradition.

Premier First Class Seating

This historic 1920s Business Car offers two (2) unique settings for groups and families. Tickets may be purchased as a unit ensuring that your party is seated together in a comfortable and safe situation for your memorable ride to pick up Santa at the North Pole. Here is what you can expect with the Premier Seating:

Every Passenger in the Premier Car, referred to as the #99 car of Seattle, Portland & Spokane Railway (SP&S) will find a collector’s cocoa mug and gift bag as they take their seats. Enjoy a reading of The Polar Express story and the magic that’s served with cocoa and cookies. Be prepared for imaginative delight when Caribou cross the tracks just before the train arrives at The North Pole. Upon arrival, the train is met by Santa and his elves and once they board, the train departs for home. During the return trip, Santa will greet and visit with each group and bestow the First Gift of Christmas to each passenger. Every area has windows to see the North Pole and watch while Santa boards the train appointed with 1950’s style furniture and details. We accommodate groups up to 6 or 8.

Note: this area is recommended for those with sensory processing concerns.

All Areas

We want everyone to be comfortable and have a wonderful experience. To manage your expectations we want to let you know that as in 1950’s standards, there is limited heating and an RV style restroom is provided in the general seating coach connected to the 99 car. Aisles are narrow, so wheelchair seating is not available.

Blankets, fuzzy jammies and cozy scarves are encouraged. Our Depot Gift Shop offers a variety of Polar Express blankets, socks and scarves along with ornaments, toys and gift items that are not available through any other source, except those of us who host THE POLAR EXPRESS™.

Dining Information

A delightful, freshly baked chocolate peppermint cookie will be served by our chefs. Hot chocolate is rich and creamy and perfectly hot for everyone's enjoyment on the way to the North Pole.

Snacks and water are available for purchase in the depot prior to boarding.