THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns once again to the Colorado Railroad Museum for another season of unforgettable holiday magic! Experience a three-part theatrical extravaganza that combines live performance, immersive storytelling, and a journey aboard an authentic steam-powered train.

Your evening begins in our dazzling, heated THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion, where you’ll enjoy holiday caroling, a lively performance of the “Hot Chocolate” song and dance—served with cocoa and cookies, of course!—and a dramatic re-enactment of The Polar Express story to cap off the first part of your journey.  Next, climb aboard vintage coaches pulled by an authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive for a ride to the North Pole. The night concludes with a personal opportunity to visit with Santa himself, capping off an experience filled with wonder and Christmas spirit.

Tickets go on sale to the public September 30, 2025, with Museum Members enjoying an exclusive pre-purchase window starting September 23, 2025. Not a Member? Click Here to discover the benefits, including early (and discounted!) access to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride—our most popular holiday event!

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

The theatrical experience begins in our dazzling THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion. Here you, your family and friends will gather around tables, sing carols, and watch a cabaret-style show as the “Hot Chocolate” song and dance unfolds before your eyes. Nibble on a tasty cookie, and sip your hot chocolate as the story of The Polar Express is dramatically re-enacted before your eyes.

The experience continues, as you step outside to witness the dramatic arrival of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. This symphony of smoke and steam emerges from the darkness, and the Conductor loudly asks if anyone would like to climb aboard. Soon, you’re on your way to—the North Pole? Well yes, of course! There, you’ll watch eagerly as the elves sing and dance, and Santa gives out “The First Gift of Christmas.”

Premium Class guests will then meet Santa on board during the return trip, where they’ll receive their own First Gift of Christmas, a Silver Bell. Once the train with its sleepy passengers returns from the North Pole, Standard Class passengers will have the opportunity to visit with Santa—and pick up their very own First Gift of Christmas, a Silver Bell! THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride remains an experience that you won’t want to miss. The entire, multi-part show is updated each year to feature several new twists!

TICKETING OPTIONS

For 2025, two ticketing levels are available: Standard Seating and Premium Class. For Standard Seating, guests may purchase tickets for the specific number in your party. Premium Class seating remains available for purchase only in tables of four.

We’re pleased to offer Discounted Pricing on all performances before Thanksgiving! In past years (including 2020-2024) this event has sold out quickly. For 2025, you won’t want to wait to purchase your tickets!

Standard Seating

$80/person ages 2-15, $100/person ages 16 and older (Lap Riders under age 2 Free)

Performances prior to Thanksgiving, 10% off rates listed above

Your group will be seated together in THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion for the cabaret-style show, and then you’ll board one of two coaches for your ride to the North Pole! Hot cocoa, cookie, and—of course—a Silver Bell is included with each ticket, plus time to visit with Santa following the train ride. Lap Riders do not have access to individual seating. NOTE: Groups wishing to be seated together must purchase all tickets in a single transaction.

Premium Class

$475/table of four (plus up to two Lap Riders under age 2 free)

Performances prior to Thanksgiving, 10% off rate listed above

Premium Class groups get preferred seating in front of the stage in THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion. Then, you’ll board one of two parlor cars to share your own table for your ride to the North Pole! Santa will join you aboard Premium Class cars on your ride back from the North Pole, too! Premium Class seating is available only as a complete table; your group can be up to four in size per table (plus up to two lap riders). Each table receives four commemorative THE POLAR EXPRESS™ tumblers, a Premium Class Silver Bell, an ornament, plus a little something extra. And of course, hot cocoa and a cookie are included!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For 2025, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride performances are scheduled three times each evening. The season launches with performances several evenings each week, increasing to daily after Thanksgiving. Opening Night is November 7, and the final performances take place on December 23.

Arrival time is very important for 2025 due to our THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion seating arrangements. Please make sure you’re on time so you don’t miss any of the cabaret-style pre-show, Hot Chocolate song and dance performance, and dramatic reading and re-enactment of The Polar Express story. Suggested arrival times are 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 7:30 p.m. to enjoy the pre-show; the Main Show begins promptly at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., or 8 p.m. Your magical train ride to the North Pole follows, but it’s only one chapter in this magical, multi-part theatrical experience!