Illustration of a toy train with a waving engineer crossing a snowy hillside past pines and a village (THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride)

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

All aboard for a magical journey on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride! Families can relive the beloved holiday classic as they embark on a festive one-hour train adventure to meet Santa Claus. Enjoy hot chocolate and treats served by dancing chefs, listen to the classic story read aloud, and receive the First Gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell – directly from Santa himself. This enchanting experience promises cherished memories for all.

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Plan Your Visit

Last year

Tickets

$$

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread served on board.

Parking

Event parking is available at the Southern California Railway Museum for $6 per vehicle. Parking passes are included with ticket confirmation. Designated accessible parking spaces are available.

Accessibility

The Southern California Railway Museum and the train are wheelchair accessible, with limited wheelchair seating available in Car 4. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are on the event grounds but not on the train. Designated accessible parking is available.

Going?

Location

Southern California Railway Museum · 2201 South A St, Perris, CA 92570 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Magical, festive, whimsical

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive at least 60 minutes prior to your scheduled showtime to allow ample time for parking and checking in at the Box Office.
  • Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially for premium dates, as they are expected to sell out quickly.
  • Dress in warm pajamas and layers, as you will spend time on an unheated platform while boarding and disembarking.
  • Lap infants under two ride for free but must have a ticket selected at checkout and do not receive a treat or bell.
  • Explore the gift shop for exclusive merchandise, including matching family pajamas, before or after your train ride.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Sensory Friendly Train departures available.
  • Active-duty military and first responders receive a $5 discount per ticket (up to 10 tickets) with promo code HERO5.
  • Groups of 20+ are eligible for early booking.

Links & Contact

Run by Rail Events Inc.

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 is the difference between Value, Standard, and Premium pricing?

The only differences are the dates and times of the rides. Lower demand departures are priced lower, while higher demand departures are priced accordingly. The event experience remains the same for all departures.

Are there restrooms on board the train?

A limited number of restrooms are available on board. Staff can escort passengers to the nearest restroom in another car. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on the event grounds, but not on the train.

Can I change my reservation to a different date or time?

Changes can be requested but are subject to availability and potential pricing differences. Contact the reservation agents to inquire about date or time changes. Name changes on tickets are allowed.

What should my family wear?

Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas, similar to the book and film. Dressing in layers is also recommended due to time spent on unheated platforms.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum and train are wheelchair accessible with limited designated spaces. Accessible parking and restrooms are available on the event grounds. Please book wheelchair spaces in advance.

Featured Video

Browse Christmas in Perris

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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