The Polar Express Train Ride

All Aboard! The Polar Express™ comes to life this holiday season as the Saratoga & North Creek Railway rolls out of the Saratoga Springs station bound for the “North Pole!” Climb aboard with your family to cozy up and enjoy our festively-decorated vintage train cars! Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from the Polar Express™ movie plays en route to the North Pole. Passengers in dome cars and first class drink from special, official Polar Express mugs (limited edition and not available elsewhere) which become theirs to keep. Make sure to have your tickets handy, because your conductor will be by shortly to punch each child’s ticket. Don’t be alarmed if the Hobo slides by at some point; he’s been known to appear – even though he has no ticket!

Before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express™ is read by the voice of author Chris Van Allsburg, as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book. If your children prefer to read along from their seats, books are available at the time of your ticket purchase and will be waiting gift-wrapped for you at the station!

With Saratoga Springs far, far away, only 30 minutes will have passed since the train left the station as The Polar Express™ magically arrives at the outskirts of Santa’s North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train! As you stay comfortably settled and warm in your seat Santa, and his helper elf, board the train! During the return trip, Santa will greet each child with his signature holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring. Join in the singing as your Chef or Conductor lead Christmas caroling on the 30-minute return trip.

For those wanting the magic to last or to do a little Christmas shopping, visit our gift shop in the station for special Polar Express™ gifts and merchandise. Oh, one last thing, children are encouraged to wear their PJ’s; adults who still believe have been known to wear them, too! So, are you coming? All Aboard!