Polar Express Christmas Train Ride Events UK 2026

Last Updated on September 30, 2026 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. 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. 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. 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.

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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. Polar Express Wensleydale

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

When? Various dates from 13th November until 23rd December.

Polar Express Christmas Train Ride Events UK 2023

South Devon Railway – Polar Express – Devon

All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train at South Devon Railway, where Christmas magic comes alive in a whirlwind of wonder and delight. Step into a world of sparkling enchantment as you embark on an extraordinary journey that transforms the Christmas season into a legendary celebration. Secure your tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026 today and become part of the magic that’s been captivating hearts at South Devon Railway. With a dazzling 100% Facebook rating*, our festive fantasy awaits you; don’t miss the ride of a lifetime! South Devon Railway

Address: Buckfastleigh station, TQ11 0DZ

When? Selected dates from 27th November until 23rd December

Churnet Valley Railway – The Polar Express – Staffordshire

Churnet Valley Railway is once again bringing the spirit, magic, and joy of Christmas to all the good little boys and girls in 2026 with our THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 2026 Christmas Train Ride! Join us this festive season as we recreate the adventure and excitement of everyone’s favourite Christmas movie – The Polar Express.

This just-over-an-hour-long family-friendly adventure departs from Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Line in Staffordshire, from where it heads directly towards the Frozen North to pick Santa Claus up for the return journey. Onboard, guests are treated to a festive polar extravaganza true to the book and movie, down to the very last drop of hot chocolate. Churnet Valley Railway

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

When? Selected dates from 7th November to 23rd December

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 hosting yet again 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. Mid Norfolk Railway

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

When? Selected dates from 14th November to 23rd December

Telford Steam Railway – Polar Express – Shropshire

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. Telford Steam Railway

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

When? Selected dates from 21st November – 23rd December

BOOK Tickets

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

Do you believe? We certainly do, and that is why we are proud to be hosting an exciting, magical experience like no other. 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! Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway

Address: Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton, BD23 6AF

When? Selected dates from 13th November – 24th December

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Polar Express

Caledonian Railway – Polar Express – Scotland

Do you believe? We do at the Caledonian Railway, and that is why we are proud to be hosting an exciting magical experience like no other. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to the Caledonian Railway in BRECHIN this Christmas 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.

Come and join us for this fantastic event and immerse yourself in the magic and wonder of the Christmas season. We aim to provide all of our visitors with a high-quality and memorable experience on board the Polar Express. Unlike many other Polar Express Train Rides across the country, we do not mix different groups within the same compartment or at the same table. Caledonian Railway

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

When? Selected dates from 28th November – 20th December

Spa Valley Railway – Polar Express – Kent

Step aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway and experience the magic of Christmas brought to life in the most unforgettable way. From the moment golden tickets are handed out, families are swept into a heart-warming festive adventure filled with joyful music, dancing chefs, rich cups of hot chocolate and a very special visit from Santa himself. This enchanting journey is all about togetherness, wonder and creating cherished Christmas memories that will be talked about long after the festive season has ended. Spa Valley Railway

Address: West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY

When? Selected dates from 7th November to 30th December

Birmingham Vintage Trains – Polar Express – West Midlands

Get ready for a Christmas adventure like no other as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to Birmingham Moor Street Station for the 2026 festive season with a BRAND NEW show from the hugely successful PNP Events team, renowned for staging several events across the UK every Christmas. Step aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Birmingham and experience the magic of the beloved Christmas story brought to life. This officially licensed festive experience invites families to become part of an unforgettable journey filled with wonder, excitement and Christmas cheer. Birmingham Vintage Trains

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

When? Selected dates from 22nd November – 23rd December

Edinburgh – Polar Express – Scotland

This November and December, join us on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Edinburgh. Arriving 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. Polar Express Edinburgh

Address: Edinburgh Waverley Station. Edinburgh, EH1 3EG

When? Selected dates from 27th November – 30th December

London Euston Station – Polar Express – London

This December, step on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London as the magical Christmas experience returns to London Euston for another unforgettable season. After another sell-out year, this officially licensed experience is back, bringing the much-loved festive story to the heart of the capital once again. Enjoyed by thousands of families last year, the experience returns to one of England’s most iconic historic cities, transforming a simple train journey into a truly magical Christmas adventure. Polar Express London

Address: Edinburgh Waverley Station. Edinburgh, EH1 3EG

When? Selected dates from 5th – 23rd December