What to Expect
What to Expect
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious Walker’s Shortbread are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. First Class passengers also receive a collectible THE POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic mug to take home.
Please Note: Based on feedback from our guests and a continued emphasis on improving the show inside the train, this year’s event will not feature an outdoor North Pole set. Santa will still board the train to greet passengers and present The First Gift of Christmas at the appropriate time during the show as he does at our other major market locations.
Further event information is available in Frequently Asked Questions.
Classes of Service
Coach Class
Coach Class cars seat approximately 100 passengers inside of restored commuter coaches adorned in festive holiday decor. Seating is arranged in a 3-2 configuration with three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other. Designated wheelchair spaces are located in select coaches and can be booked online by selecting the wheelchair space icon and adjacent companion seats as needed. Please Note: Seating in Coach Class is arranged so all seats face the center of the car. This theatre-in-the-round style arrangement gives passengers the best possible view of our wonderful entertainers. Please review the Seating Chart carefully before booking. All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own seats during checkout.
2023 Coach Class Pricing
Value Departures: $55 Adult, $48 Child (2-11) │ Standard Departures: $68 Adult, $59 Child (2-11) │ Premium Departures: $79 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply. An $11 parking pass is required for each vehicle and your ticket confirmation will serve as your parking pass.
First Class
First Class
First Class cars seat 48 or 54 passengers inside beautifully restored 1940’s era coaches from the golden age of rail travel. First Class cars feature festive holiday decor, ample legroom, overstuffed reclining chairs in a 2-2 seating arrangement, and large windows. In addition to more comfortable accommodations, First Class passengers receive a collectible THE POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic mug which is theirs to take home. All First Class seats face the same direction. Please review the Seating Chart carefully before booking. All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own seats during checkout.
2023 First Class Pricing
Value Departures: $85 Adult, $78 Child (2-11)* │ Standard Departures: $85 Adult, $78 Child (2-11) │ Premium Departures: $93 Adult, $86 Child (2-11)
*Value Pricing only applies to Coach Class tickets.
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply. An $11 parking pass is required for each vehicle and your ticket confirmation will serve as your parking pass.
