The Polar Express Train Ride
Passengers board vintage coaches for a round-trip journey to the North Pole set to the sounds of the motion picture. During the ride, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies while guests read along with the classic book. Santa and his elves board at the North Pole to greet families and hand out keepsake silver sleigh bells alongside festive caroling.
Nov 13 – Dec 30, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Off-peak: Adult $48, Child $38. Peak: Adult $55, Child $48. Children under 2 may ride free if they do not occupy a seat and ride on an adult’s lap; a free infant ticket must be selected at checkout and the child’s name provided on the reservation. Ulster County and Kingston residents can get $10 off the regular ticket price per person by contacting the event; proof of residence is required. Military and first responders can get $5 off the regular ticket price by contacting the event; proof of service is required.
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate containing dairy and cookies that do not contain nuts but may come from a facility that processes nuts are served; guests with dietary needs may bring an alternative treat or drink and should notify staff.
Parking
Parking is free in the Kingston Plaza lot adjacent to the train station. Designated spaces for visitors with disabilities or mobility issues are directly adjacent to the station; notify parking attendants if a reserved space is needed.
Accessibility
The station and train are wheelchair accessible with limited seating, but there are no restrooms on the train.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book as soon as you know your date and train, because tickets have sold out quickly in past years.
- Arrive about 45 minutes before departure to park and check in at will call, because trains leave on schedule without exception.
- Look over the seating chart carefully when you check out, because assigned seats can't be changed or combined once you're on board.
- Use the portable restrooms at the station before boarding, since there are no restrooms on the train.
- Wear warm pajamas with a winter coat over them, because you may spend time on an unheated platform when boarding and getting off.
Special Events & Promotions
- Limited sensory-friendly seats with softer audio and lighting; call reservations to book them.
- Ulster County and Kingston residents get a discount off regular tickets with proof of residence, by contacting the railroad.
- Military and first responders get a discount off regular tickets with proof of service, by contacting the railroad.
- Off-peak trains are sold at a discounted rate.
- Discount hotel rates at the Best Western Plus for Polar Express customers.
Links & Contact
Run by Catskill Mountain Railroad
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
What should we wear?
Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas like the passengers in the book and film. Bring winter clothing too, since you may wait on an unheated platform when boarding and getting off.
How long does the whole thing take?
Allow about an hour and a half for the whole visit. The train ride itself is just over an hour, a round trip of less than ten miles.
What if someone has a food allergy?
Hot chocolate and cookies are served on board. The cookies have no nuts but may come from a facility that processes nuts, and the hot chocolate contains dairy. Tell reservations and your car's onboard staff, and feel free to bring an alternate treat or drink.
Are there restrooms on the train?
No. There are no restrooms on board, but portable restrooms are available at the station.
Does the train run in snow?
Yes. Trains run regardless of the weather.
Browse Christmas in Kingston
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.