decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Experience the Real Polar Express: Holiday Train Rides & Ticket Guide

Experience the Real Polar Express: Holiday Train Rides & Ticket Guide

Looking for holiday magic? Hop aboard a real Polar Express train that brings Chris Van Allsburg's story to life. Think hot chocolate, cookies, and everything else you love about Christmas. Here's where you can still buy tickets for a holiday train ride on the Polar Express.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad 

Experience the Real Polar Express: Holiday Train Rides & Ticket Guide

Arrive in your favorite pajamas as you indulge in a magical night of hot cocoa, cookies, and storytelling aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad's Polar Express. Meet the cocoa chefs and listen to Liam Neeson's reading of Van Allsburg's classic. These tickets sell out fast so book your reservation here! 

Catskill Mountain Railroad

Experience the magic this season with the Catskills Mountain Polar Express as the officially licensed Warner Bros. train departs from Kingston to the north. A perfect replication of the movie, conductors punch tickets just as Tom Hanks' character did and passengers enjoy hot chocolate as they listen to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's famous book. Find available December dates here.

North Fork Trolley Co.

Bring cozy pajamas and a camera when you board this Polar Express as it departs from Riverhead toward Santa's workshop. Hot cocoa, cookies, and characters from the movie are just a few of the magical things you'll find on board. When your train arrives at the North Pole, Santa Claus greets travelers and his elves will give kids their first present of the season!

Medina Railroad Museum

Travel through time on an enchanted train where you'll visit with Saint Nick while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. Plus, you'll gain special access to Medina Railroad Museum. When the Polar Express arrives at the North Pole, dancing elves, Christmas music, and a knowledgeable museum staff will take you through history on this magical holiday journey.

Share New York State adventures with us on Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook! 


Travel Notes
  • -

    As the holiday season approaches, millions of travelers will navigate the nations 5,000+ public airports amid surging passenger volumes. While delays are often expected, a CompareCards analysis of the past decades USDOT holiday flight data reveals surprising variations in performance. From Chicagos challenging hubs to Hawaiis reliable gateways, explore the top best and worst airports for holiday travel—and practical tips to make the most of your time at each. Worst Airports for Holiday Travel 1

  • Top Spring Equinox Destinations: Celebrate Ancient Traditions Worldwide

    The spring equinox marks the arrival of warmer days and vibrant celebrations worldwide. From Japans ancestral visits to Bosnias massive scrambled egg festival in Zenica—featuring kid-sized swimming pools of eggs, marching bands, and riverside dips—discover six extraordinary spots embracing the seasons magic. Stonehenge, England For centuries, pagans and druids have gathered at Stonehenge, the iconic Neolithic stone circle constructed in phases from 3000 BC to 1600 BC. Though access was restricte

  • -

    It’s a perfect win-win—or should we say wine-wine—opportunity. Discover your new favorite holiday wines amid stunning scenery while supporting Northern California’s wine country in its recovery from devastating wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties. The vast majority of the region is fully open for business, offering joyful and delectable ways to toast the season. Meet Santa on the Napa Valley Wine Train Nov. 18 - Dec. 29 The iconic Napa Valley Wine Train transforms into a family-friend