Watson's Christmas Express
Guests board a train to journey to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus. The experience features campfire gatherings with holiday singing, s'mores, and unlimited hot chocolate. Visitors opting for the VIP program also take part in a craft session and listen to a reading of The Polar Express.
Nov 28 – Dec 20, 2026 2+
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
VIP package: residents $20 per person; non-residents $25 per person. General admission activities are priced per person: $15 for the train ride to the North Pole to see Santa; $5 for s'mores (1 per person) and unlimited hot chocolate.
Hours
Available time slots each day: 5 to 6:15 pm; 5:30 to 6:45 pm; 6 to 7:15 pm; 6:30 to 7:45 pm; 7 to 8:15 pm; 7:30 to 8:45 pm. General admission is available from 5 to 6:30 pm.
Food & Drink
VIP admission includes s’mores and unlimited hot chocolate; general admission offers s’mores (one per person) and unlimited hot chocolate à la carte.
Parking
Paved parking at O.J. Watson Park.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book VIP in advance to secure your preferred day and time; include every attendee individually in your household registration.
- An adult must attend and register for VIP, so add the accompanying adult to the household booking too.
- Choose walk-in general admission only if its 5–6:30 p.m. window works; it is first-come, first-served and has no advance registration.
- Encourage children in the VIP program to wear pajamas, as the event specifically invites young guests to dress for the story.
- Bring warm layers for the evening train ride and campfire, since the event includes campfire activities.
Special Events & Promotions
- VIP package (advance registration): a Polar Express reading and craft, the train to meet Santa with a special gift, and s'mores, hot chocolate and carols at the campfire.
- General admission is walk-in and first-come, first-served, with the train ride and the s'mores and hot chocolate sold separately, during the early part of each evening only.
- Wichita residents pay a lower VIP rate than non-residents.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Wichita Parks & Recreation
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's the difference between VIP and general admission?
VIP is booked ahead and covers everything: a reading of The Polar Express, a craft, the train to the North Pole to meet Santa and get a gift, then s'mores and unlimited hot chocolate at the campfire. General admission is walk-in only. You pick activities from an à la carte menu, and it runs only during the early part of each evening.
What ages is it for?
It's for ages 2 and older. For the VIP package, an adult must also attend and register.
Do I have to register each family member?
For VIP, yes. Each person must be added to your household account and registered individually. To add someone, go to My Account, choose "Household and Member," then "Add Family Member."
What should the kids wear?
Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas for the VIP program.
Is there food and drink?
There are s'mores and unlimited hot chocolate at the campfire circle. They're included with VIP. Walk-in guests can buy them separately, with one s'more per person.
Browse Christmas in Wichita
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.