Illustration of a red toy train with small snowmen riders rolling through a snowy miniature village with pine trees (THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride)

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Passengers board a moving train where characters bring the classic Christmas story to life through live music, storytelling, and interactive performances. Singing and dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies at your seats while the Conductor checks and punches Golden Tickets. Santa Claus visits each carriage during the journey to greet families and present believers with their own silver sleigh bell.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Classic and First Class tickets. November 22, 28 and 29, and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22 and 23: Classic £63.00; First Class £78.00. December 18: Classic £56.00; First Class £71.00, except the 3:20 PM First Class ticket is £78.00. December 19: at 11:00 AM Classic is £63.00 and First Class is £73.00; at 1:00 PM, 3:20 PM, 5:20 PM and 7:15 PM Classic is £63.00 and First Class is £78.00. Prices are for adults and children and include all fees. Under 2s sitting on an adult's lap cost £5. Carers discount available. Classic and First Class tickets cannot be mixed within the same order; all tickets in an order must be the same class.

Hours

11:00 AM; 1:00 PM; 3:20 PM; 5:20 PM; 7:15 PM.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Tyseley

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and a cookie are served at passengers’ seats; alternative hot chocolate and a vegan, gluten-free and nut-free cookie are available on request.

Parking

No on-site parking is offered; guests must arrange their own parking.

Accessibility

Due to space constraints on heritage carriages, pushchairs and car seats cannot be brought on board and must be left on the platform.

Pets

Assistance animals are welcome; contact Customer Services about bringing one.

Going?

Location

Birmingham Moor Street · Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7UL, Tyseley B11 2HL Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Immersive and festive

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book ahead, since some departures show limited availability and seats can sell out.
  • Arrive in time for your ticketed start; boarding has strict cut-offs, and the ticket time is not the train’s departure time.
  • Wear warm layers and sturdy shoes, and bring a coat and umbrella; the event runs in rain or snow, and slippers are not suitable.
  • Arrange parking separately because there is no on-site parking.
  • Keep everyone in your booking in the same ticket class, since Classic and First Class tickets cannot be mixed in one order.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Eligible carers can get a ticket discount.
  • First Class tickets are sold separately from Classic tickets and include the full immersive onboard performance, hot chocolate and a cookie, a bag per group, and a souvenir mug per person.
  • This year offers two ticket types: Classic and First Class.
  • Evening departures are listed, including a later departure on event days.

Links & Contact

Run by Vintage Trains

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the train ride designed for?

It welcomes adults and children. Children under two may sit on an adult’s lap.

What happens during the journey?

Characters bring the Christmas story to life with live music, storytelling, and interactive performances. Chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, the Conductor punches Golden Tickets, and Santa visits each carriage with silver sleigh bells for believers.

What is included with a First Class ticket?

First Class includes the full immersive onboard performance, hot chocolate and a cookie, a souvenir bag per group, and a souvenir mug for each person on the booking.

Can I bring food for someone with allergies?

An alternative hot chocolate and snack free from many allergens is offered, but not all dietary requirements can be accommodated. You may bring an alternative for party members with allergies.

How long should I allow for the visit?

The train journey lasts about an hour, and most guests spend around an hour and a half to two hours at the venue overall.

Browse Christmas in Acocks Green

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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