THE POLAR EXRESS™
Train Ride
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to the Colorado Railroad Museum in November and December 2026 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 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 finally, a dramatic re-enactment of The Polar Express story. Next, step outdoors and gather around as Smokey and Steamer sign and dance “together” to prepare for the journey. Then, thrill to the arrival of the train and climb aboard vintage coaches pulled by an authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive for a ride to the North Pole. The night concludes with an opportunity for a personal visit with Santa himself, capping off an experience filled with wonder and Christmas spirit.
Tickets go on sale to the public beginning Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Museum Members enjoy an exclusive pre-purchase window starting September 22, 2026. Not a Member? Click Here to discover the benefits!
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
The 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 pre-show filled with caroling and fun. At the top of your official showtime, 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 for a short walk to the next part of the experience. Witness the dramatic arrival of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ as 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 watch eagerly as the elves sing and dance, and Santa gives out The First Gift of Christmas.
Santa passes through on board the train during the return trip, providing all guests with their First Gift of Christmas, a Silver Bell. Once the train with its sleepy passengers returns from the North Pole, passengers will have the opportunity to visit personally with Santa in a completely different setting—and capture those special memories and even a photo!
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 2026, two ticketing levels are available: Standard Seating and First Class. Within First Class, a NEW option is available for 2026: First Class – Preferred Viewing, which provides center stage, close-in viewing in the Pavilion and (once aboard the train) the best viewing of the North Pole!
For Standard Seating, guests may purchase the number of tickets needed for the specific number in your party. First Class and First Class - Preferred Viewing tickets are available for purchase only as tables of four.
We’re pleased to offer Discounted Pricing on all performances before Thanksgiving! In past years (including 2020-2025) this event has sold out quickly. For 2026, 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, a cookie, and—of course—a Silver Bell is included with each ticket. Lap Riders do not have access to individual seating. NOTE: Groups wishing to be seated together must purchase all tickets in a single transaction.
First Class
$475/table of four (plus up to two Lap Riders under age 2 free)
First Class - Preferred Viewing (NEW for 2026)
$505/table of four (plus up to two Lap Riders under age 2 free)
Performances prior to Thanksgiving, 10% off rate listed above
All First Class groups are seated in the Center Section of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion. First Class - Preferred Viewing groups enjoy seating closer to the stage. Then, you’ll board our parlor car to share your own table for your ride to the North Pole! First Class - Preferred Viewing tables are located aboard the train directly facing the North Pole, for best viewing of that part of the show!
All First 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). Hot cocoa, a cookie, and—of course—a Silver Bell is included for all ticketed passengers. Each table additionally receives four commemorative THE POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic mugs, an ornament, a copy of The Polar Express book, plus one First Class Silver Bell.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For 2026, 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 Friday, November 6, and the final performances take place on Wednesday, December 23.
Arrival time is very important for 2026 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!
