Polar Express Christmas Train Ride Events UK 2023

Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Suzy McCullough

One of the best Christmas experiences we ever had with our son was the Polar Express Christmas Train Ride. It is a franchise and there are a few railways that run these events around the UK. We have compiled a list of the Polar Express Train Rides to help you find an event near you.

The Polar Express is certainly one of our all-time favourite movies and the train ride experiences take you as close to the experiences in the film as possible. This is mostly through a theatrical performance of the 2004 Motion Picture which famously featured the voice of Tom Hanks. The Polar Express train rides dive into the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale.

Everyone, including adults, is encouraged to wear their pyjamas for this experience and when we went around 90% of people had done just that. You can expect singing and dancing chefs, plenty of hot hot chocolate and you will hear the classic Christmas tale of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg told in its entirety.

Plus the main man will also join you in your carriage and you are each given a souvenir bell that only rings for the true believers.

Find out below just where you can experience all of this wonderment.

Table of Contents

Wensleydale Polar Express – North Yorkshire

Your journey begins just like the 2004 motion picture when THE POLAR EXPRESS™ will pick you up at Leeming Bar station to take you to the North Pole. You will get to meet the characters from the film including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo and of course the main man himself Father Christmas. You and your family, hopefully, dressed in PJs, will experience a fun-filled theatrical adventure as you make your way to the North Pole.

Don’t forget to have a bite of your cookie and authentic hot chocolate before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Santa will join you on board and, if you are on the nice list, hand you your first gift of Christmas, a Silver Sleigh Bell just as in the motion picture we all love. You will get to speak with Santa.

Address: Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, DL7 9AR

When? Various dates from 10th November until 23rd December.

How much? Tickets from £31.95 to £44.95.

Polar Express Christmas Train Ride Events UK 2023

Swanage Railway – Polar Express – Dorset

The experience consists of approximately an hour-long return train journey leaving from the Swanage Railway Station, Railway Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB. The train cannot be boarded at any other station. The nearest long-stay car park (Pay and Display) is on Victoria Avenue, BH19 1AP. We regret there is no parking available at the station.

On board, each train will be actors appearing as characters from the book and film THE POLAR EXPRESS™. There will be singing, dancing and interaction with our customers. All customers will receive a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on the journey, and a special present on the return journey from the North Pole.

Address: Swanage BH19 1HB

When? Selected dates from 17th November – 30th December

How much? Prices Online

South Devon Railway – Polar Express – Devon

The most iconic feature of The Polar Express is its sleek black steam engine. It’s even inscribed with the ‘1225’ signage to identify it as Santa’s own train. Your children will gasp with amazement as the Polar Express train pulls into the station. Billowing steam all the way, your authentic steam train ride will last around an hour.

Throughout your train ride you’ll be entertained, meeting the Conductor and his crew. All the while the train steams towards the North Pole. ! Here you’ll meet Santa and one of his friendly elves. He will climb on board the train to meet you all. The Conductor will even clip your Polar Express tickets just like in the film.

Address: Buckfastleigh station, TQ11 0DZ

When? Selected dates from 24th November until 23rd December

How much? Standard tickets from £33.95 per person. More expensive premium tickets are also on offer.

Churnet Valley Railway – The Polar Express – Staffordshire

Your journey begins at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire, where we invite you to hop on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride which takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole.

Do you Believe? Well, if you don’t by the end of your journey you will! Join our enthusiastic cast in telling the story whilst singing along with your favourite characters from the hit film.

All our passengers are encouraged to join in the fun by attending in your PJs (Don’t forget your dressing gown in case it’s cold at the North Pole!).

Address: Churnet Valley Railway, Kingsley & Froghall Station, Froghall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST10 2HA

When? Selected dates in November and December

How much? Prices from £38.95 per person.

Mid Norfolk Railway – Polar Express – Norfolk

Do you believe? We do at the Mid-Norfolk Railway and that is why we are proud to be again hosting an exciting magical experience like no other. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is returning to the Mid-Norfolk Railway this December with the magic of the 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™ being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale.

Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season!

As you and your family take in the festive decorations at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride station, you can almost hear the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance and the fun begins.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is waiting for you at the platform. Wait for the train Conductor to invite you and the other passengers to climb aboard, shouting “All aboooooard!”. Anticipation builds as you step onto the Train to be escorted to your seat by the Chefs from the film.

Address: Station, North Norfolk Railway PLC, Station Approach, Sheringham NR26 8RA

When? Selected dates from 11th November – 23rd December

How Much? Standard tickets from £31.95

Telford Steam Railway – Polar Express – Shropshire

Brought to you by the Telford Steam Railway, The Polar Express™ Train Ride will be here for 2023!
Welcome to The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Telford Steam Railway, an immersive re-creation inspired by the iconic 2004 Polar Express™ film. Embrace the spirit of Christmas on your wonder-filled trip. Why not wear your PJs? Most passengers do!

Arriving at the North Pole in clouds of steam; spot the red-brick Elf factory, the clock tower, reindeer, the giant tree festooned with golden lights and…..the Big Man, Mr C, on his magnificent sleigh! Santa will climb aboard the Polar Express, with his mischievous Elves, to greet you and present “The First Gift of Christmas”, your Silver Sleigh Bell. Check your pockets for holes.

Address: The Old Loco Shed, Bridge Rd, Horsehay, Telford TF4 2NF

When? Selected dates from 24th November – 21st December

How much? Standard tickets from £61.99-75.99

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway – Polar Express – North Yorkshire

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway with the magic of the 2004 motion picture.

Chris Van Allsburg’s story will be theatrically recreated, so families can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season!

The anticipation amongst the passengers is incredible. With everyone wrapped up warm in their cosiest pyjamas, all guests will climb aboard with our friendly chefs helping you to find your seats. When you start on your journey, you’ll be astounded as iconic moments from the movie come to life around you. Singing, dancing chefs will serve everyone the most delicious warm hot chocolate, and glorious chocolatey cookies. From the newest to oldest family members, all are invited to share Christmas dreams and memories with the film’s most beloved characters.

Address: Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton, BD23 6AF

When? Selected dates from 18th November – 24th December

How Much? Standard tickets from £33.95 and premium tickets from £43.95.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Polar Express

Caledonian Railway – Polar Express – Scotland

As you and your family take in the festive decorations at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride station, you can almost hear the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance and the fun begins.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is waiting for you at the platform. Wait for the train Conductor to invite you and the other passengers to climb aboard, shouting “All aboooooard!”. Anticipation builds as you are served cookies and hot chocolate – step onto the Train to be escorted to your seat by the Chefs from the film.

Upon arrival at the North Pole, keep your eyes peeled for Santa’s sleigh, a bag of toys and a giant Christmas tree. Watch out for Santa waving and, when the train stops, listen out for the carriage door to slam as Santa gets on board. After the train departs the North Pole for the return voyage home, you soon notice that the adventure isn’t over. Santa appears in your midst to present each passenger with their very own “First Gift of Christmas”, a silver bell from his sleigh.

Address: Brechin Station, Caledonian Railway Brechin Ltd, Park Road, Brechin, DD9 7AF

When? Selected dates from 18th November – 17th December

How Much? Standard tickets from £28.95 and premium tickets from £40.95

Spa Valley Railway – Polar Express – Kent

Your adventure starts exactly like the film, with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ collecting your whole family from Spa Valley Railway to start your magical journey to the North Pole and back. You’ll meet your favourite icons from the beloved movie, including the Conductor, dancing chefs, a mysterious ghost, and of course the magical Santa Claus himself.

All of you (complete with your pyjamas for the authentic experience!) will experience gloriously immersive theatre on a train as you make your way slowly North.

Address: West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY

When? Selected dates in November and December

How much? Standard tickets from £33.95 up to £46.95

Birmingham Vintage Trains – Polar Express – West Midlands

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride leaves Birmingham Moor Street station and takes place on board heritage carriages hauled on the return journey by a real steam engine. The performance offers the magic and charm of the 2004 motion picture. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ theatrically re-created so that you and your guests can immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale.

Address: Moor St Station, Moor St, Holloway Circus, Birmingham B4 7UL

When? Selected dates from 25th November – 23rd December

How Much? Prices start at £98 for 2 people.

Edinburgh – Polar Express – Scotland

This November and December join us on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh. Arriving for the first time at Waverley station, from the team behind the hugely successful event at Wensleydale Railway, South Devon Railway and Spa Valley Railway. This officially licensed experience sees The Polar Express™ arrive in the Scottish capital!

The experience enjoyed by thousands across the UK now has a new home, bringing a magical Christmas tale to a beautiful historic city. Our fully immersive theatrical event lets you and your family, from little ones to Granny and Grandpa, experience what it would be like to journey on board The Polar Express.

Address: Edinburgh Waverley Station. Edinburgh, EH1 3EG

When? Selected dates from 30th November – 22nd December

How Much? Prices from £39.95.