All aboard the most magical holiday adventure on rails! Nothing screams “Christmas is HERE” like slipping into pajamas, clutching a golden ticket, and climbing onto a real steam (or vintage diesel) train that’s been transformed into THE Polar Express™. Across the USA, dozens of historic railroads light up the night with twinkling cars, dancing chefs serving bottomless hot chocolate and cookies, conductors punching tickets to the North Pole, and Santa himself handing out the first gift of Christmas: a shiny silver sleigh bell for everyone who still believes. From snowy mountain passes to desert starlit skies, these officially licensed Polar Express train rides are pure storybook joy on wheels — the ultimate family tradition that sells out faster than fruitcake disappears at a holiday party. Grab your cocoa, cue the soundtrack, and get ready to hear those bells ring… here are the best Polar Express experiences steaming across America!
Top 10 Express Train Excursions in the U.S.
Grand Canyon Railway – Williams, AZ
All aboard the most iconic Polar Express in America! Twilight rides through the high desert, twinkling lights, dancing chefs, and a magical trip to the “North Pole” make this the #1 bucket-list ride (especially for its 25th anniversary season!). The train actually stops at a glowing North Pole village where you can see Santa’s workshop from your window, and the return trip under a blanket of stars feels like pure movie magic.
Address: 280 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046
Website: https://www.thetrain.com/
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – Bryson City, NC
Chug through misty mountains on a real steam locomotive while elves serve hot cocoa and the Smoky Mountain views steal the show – pure Appalachian Christmas magic! The chefs literally dance down the aisle with trays of cookies, and on clear nights the sky is so dark you’ll spot the Milky Way on the way back.
Address: 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Website: https://www.gsmr.com/
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat – Essex, CT
New England at its coziest! Vintage 1920s coaches, steaming along the Connecticut River, caroling with Mrs. Claus, and that classic Northeast snow-globe vibe. The train passes twinkling riverside homes and often has real snowfall drifting in through the open windows for that ultimate Currier & Ives moment.
Address: 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
Website: https://essexsteamtrain.com/
Colorado Railroad Museum – Golden, CO
Coal-fired steam, Rocky Mountain backdrop, and elves who break into full song-and-dance numbers before you even leave the station – Colorado holiday perfection! The museum’s roundhouse is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Denver skyline glowing in the distance.
Address: 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403
Website: https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/polar-express
Mount Hood Railroad – Hood River, OR
Snow-dusted evergreens, Cascade Mountain views, and a Pacific Northwest winter wonderland that looks straight out of the movie – PNW families go crazy for this one! The route crosses towering trestles over rushing rivers, and the orchard valley lights up like a fairy tale when the train heads back after dark.
Address: 110 Railroad St, Hood River, OR 97031
Website: https://www.mthoodrr.com/polar-express
Strasburg Rail Road – Ronks (Lancaster County), PA
America’s oldest operating railroad takes you through Amish farmland on a ride so charming you’ll think you time-traveled to a Hallmark Christmas card. Lantern-lit buggies wave as you pass, and the steam whistle echoing across the fields is pure nostalgia overload.
Address: 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
Website: https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/rides-events/the-polar-express
St. Louis Union Station – St. Louis, MO
Grand historic station turned holiday spectacular – think glowing lights, massive Christmas tree, and a Polar Express ride that’s perfect for Midwest families! The station’s 3D light show projected on the ceiling before boarding is jaw-dropping, and the aquarium next door makes it an easy full-day adventure.
Address: 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Website: https://www.stlpolarexpressride.com
French Lick Scenic Railway – French Lick, IN
Tunnel adventures, neighborhood light displays, and 80 minutes of pure joy with the jolliest elves in the Midwest – a hidden gem that sells out fast! The train plunges through a 2,500-foot tunnel that goes pitch-black except for the Christmas lights inside the cars – kids lose their minds every single time.
Address: 8594 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432
Website: https://www.indianarailwaymuseum.org
Adirondack Scenic Railroad – Utica, NY
Snowy Adirondack wilderness, cozy heated cars, and that Upstate NY community spirit – plus every kid gets the famous first-gift-of-Christmas silver bell! On many nights the route is lined with bonfires and locals waving from the woods, making it feel like the whole region is in on the magic.
Address: Union Station, 321 Main St, Utica, NY 13501
Website: https://www.adirondackrr.com/
California State Railroad Museum – Sacramento, CA
West Coast flair meets classic trains! Historic railcars, Sacramento River views, and a dash of museum magic – California’s official Polar Express experience. After the ride, step right into the museum’s dazzling holiday exhibits and life-size train displays that stay open late just for Polar guests.
Address: 125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Website: https://www.californiarailroad.museum/
Honorable Mention: Whitewater Valley Railroad – Connersville, IN
Hop on for a cozy Midwest jaunt that’s just an hour from Indy or Cincy – dancing chefs whip up hot cocoa, Santa boards with sleigh bells for every rider, and the whole fam can PJ-up for 90 minutes of storybook bliss along historic tracks. It’s the ultimate easy-access holiday escape that feels like a secret!
Address: 455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331
Website: https://whitewatervalleyrr.org
All Aboard for Holiday Magic: More Polar Express Train Rides Across the US!
B&O Railroad Museum – Baltimore, MD
Hop into a two-hour wonderland where the Hot Chocolate song kicks off with live song-and-dance, steam whisks you through twinkly roundhouse magic, and Santa hands out silver sleigh bells amid s’mores fire pits and elf crafts – a Baltimore holiday kickoff that turns history into pure jingle joy!
Address: 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223
Website: https://www.borail.org
Big South Fork Scenic Railway – Stearns, KY
Dive into Appalachian enchantment on a steamy chug through misty gorges, where elves whip up cocoa and treats, Santa boards at the North Pole with bells for every believer, and the Blue Ridge whispers holiday secrets – a coal-country classic that warms your whistle!
Address: 100 Henderson St, Stearns, KY 42647
Website: https://stearnsthepolarexpressride.com
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council – Woonsocket, RI
Celebrate 25 years of Yankee cheer with a 90-minute jaunt past frosted rivers, golden tickets punched amid sing-alongs and games, hot cocoa flowing like the Blackstone itself, and Santa’s bell drop-off – the longest-running Polar Express, wrapped in New England tinsel!
Address: 1 Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Website: https://blackstonevalleypolarexpress.com
Branson Scenic Railway – Branson, MO
Ozark sparkle meets movie magic on a dome-topped dash through twinkling neighborhoods, with elf antics, cocoa toasts, and Santa’s sleigh-bell surprise – Branson’s holiday heart-pumper that’s equal parts showbiz and storybook whimsy!
Address: 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616
Website: https://bransontrain.com
Cape Cod Central Railroad – Hyannis, MA
Cape windswept wonder awaits on a canal-crossing cruise past cranberry bogs and frosty dunes, where the Conductor punches tickets to “Hot Chocolate” cheers, Santa sneaks aboard with bells, and the saltwater air adds salty-sweet Yuletide fizz!
Address: 252 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Website: https://www.capetrain.com
Catskill Mountain Railroad – Kingston, NY
Hudson Valley haze turns holiday haze as vintage coaches rumble through frosted fields, golden tickets get their punch, dancing chefs serve cocoa dreams, and Santa’s North Pole stopover rings with bells and carols – a Catskills curl-up-and-believe delight!
Address: 149 Aaron Ct, Kingston, NY 12401
Website: https://catskillmountainrailroad.com
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Association – Chehalis, WA
Evergreen State steam powers a 75-minute trek through river valleys, where elf-led cocoa dances heat up the chill, Santa boards with bells for all, and the Pacific Northwest pines whisper “Believe” – a cozy coal-camp Christmas on rails!
Address: 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532
Website: https://steamtrainride.com/
Delaware River Railroad Excursions – Phillipsburg, NJ
Delaware dazzle flows as the train hugs the river’s edge, tickets get their festive punch, chefs twirl in with cocoa and cookies, and Santa’s sleigh-bell spree caps a 90-minute jaunt – Jersey’s riverside ribbon of red-nosed rail romance!
Address: 99 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Website: https://www.877trainride.com
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum – Dennison, OH
WWII-era rails rewind to storybook steam, where pajama parades meet elf antics and cocoa cheers, Santa’s bell drop echoes through historic cars, and the roundhouse glows like a gingerbread depot – Ohio’s heartfelt homefront holiday hug!
Address: 400 Center St, Dennison, OH 44621
Website: https://dennisondepot.org
Galveston Railroad Museum – Galveston, TX
Gulf Coast glow lights up a steamy seaside sprint, golden tickets punched amid chef dances and cocoa waves, Santa’s North Pole village twinkles with elves, and bells ring like ship bells – Texas-sized yuletide with a salty twist!
Address: 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550
Website: https://galvestonrrmuseum.org
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. – Portland, ME
Lobster-land legends meet North Pole lore on a tiny-gauge glide past icy bays, where cocoa steams in mugs, Santa’s bell brigade boards amid carols, and Portland’s portside pines add piney perfume – Maine’s mini-rail merrymaker!
Address: 65 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: https://mainenarrowgauge.org
Medina Railroad Museum – Medina, NY
Niagara’s neighborly rails roll through Erie Canal echoes, with ticket punches to cocoa tunes, elf-led sing-alongs, and Santa’s sleigh-bell finale – a Western NY whisper of winter wonder that’s short, sweet, and storybook-sweet!
Address: 530 West Ave, Medina, NY 14103
Website: https://medinarailroadmuseum.org
Monticello Railway Museum – Monticello, IL
Prairie paths turn polar as restored diners serve cocoa feasts, golden tickets get their stamps, Santa’s bell drop follows a story read-aloud, and the heartland hums with holiday harmony – Illinois’ iron-horse invitation to believe!
Address: 992 Iron Horse Pl, Monticello, IL 61856
Website: https://www.mrym.org
Morristown & Erie Railway – Whippany, NJ
Jersey juggernauts chug through wooded whispers, where chefs whirl cocoa wonders, carols cascade like confetti, and Santa’s bells ring in the North Pole glow – a Morristown merry-go-rail that’s pure Pinelands pixie dust!
Address: 1 Railroad Plz, Whippany, NJ 07981
Website: https://whippanythepolarexpressride.com
National Railroad Museum – Green Bay, WI
Packers-country rails roar to Rudolph rhythms, with elf dances dishing cocoa delights, storytime spotlights, and Santa’s sleigh-bell spectacle amid Titletown trees – Wisconsin’s whistle-stop winter warmer-upper!
Address: 2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
Website: https://nationalrrmuseum.org
North Carolina Transportation Museum – Spencer, NC
Piedmont pines frame a storybook steam dash, golden tickets punched to chef choruses, Santa’s bell bash at Candy Cane Lane, and carol cascades through the roundhouse – NC’s nostalgic nod to rail-roaring Yuletide!
Address: 411 Salisbury Ave, Spencer, NC 28159
Website: https://www.nctransportationmuseum.org
Oklahoma Railway Museum – Oklahoma City, OK
Sooner State steam surges through Adventure District dreams, with cocoa cascades from dancing elves, ticket punches to tale time, and Santa’s bell bonanza – OKC’s oil-patch ode to off-the-rails holiday hootenanny!
Address: 3400 NE Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Website: https://oklahomarailwaymuseum.org/polar-express
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park – Jamestown, CA
Gold Rush rails rewind to red-nosed romance, where cocoa cheers chase chef dances, story sings along the Sierra tracks, and Santa’s sleigh bells sparkle in the roundhouse glow – California’s cinematic Christmas chug!
Address: 18115 5th Ave, Jamestown, CA 95327
Website: https://www.railtown1897.org
Southern California Railway Museum – Perris, CA
Inland Empire iron horses huff through desert dusk, golden tickets gilded by elf glee, cocoa and cookies from twirling troupes, and Santa’s bell drop amid commuter-car carols – SoCal’s sunny-side-up yuletide yarn!
Address: 2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570
Website: https://socalthepolarexpressride.com
Texas State Railroad – Palestine, TX
Lone Star lines lasso North Pole lore, with pajama parades to cocoa cantatas, ticket punches under Texas stars, and Santa’s bell brigade bounding through Piney Woods pines – the official railroad’s rootin’-tootin’ revelry!
Address: 789 Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801
Website: https://texasstaterailroad.net
V&T Railway Commission – Carson City, NV
Comstock Country choo-choos chase sagebrush snow, golden tickets galloped by Conductor calls, elf-led cocoa hoedowns, and Santa’s sleigh-bell stampede over mountain passes – Nevada’s neon-lit nod to noggin’-numbing nice!
Address: Eastgate Siding Rd, Carson City, NV 89701
Website: https://vtrailway.com/
Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation – Burlington, VT
Lake Champlain chills turn to cocoa thrills on a 20-minute waterfront whirl, with elf seas at Union Station’s North Pole, story screens, and Santa’s bell giveaway amid Green Mountain greenery – Vermont’s village-voiced vignette of virtue!
Address: 95 St Paul St, Burlington, VT 05401
Website: https://vtchildrenstrust.org/
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad – Cumberland, MD
Appalachian arches arc to aurora antics, where diesel dreams deliver dancing chefs and cocoa cascades, golden tickets get their gouge, and Santa’s bells boom through mountain mists – Maryland’s merry mountaineer muster!
Address: 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502
Website: https://wmsr.com/
These rides join the ranks of America’s chattiest choo-choos, blending rail romance with red-nosed revelry – perfect for pint-sized passengers or grown-up grinches needing a Grinch-up! Check sites for exact 2025 dates (most Nov-Dec), as they puff off fast. Which one’s calling your whistle?