Journey to the land of Christmas: where to find and where the polar express trains go near New York

The magic of the popular Christmas picture book comes alive again this winter with the festive Polar Express and Christmas trains within one whistle of the New York City Subway. These Christmas trains spark imagination and holiday spirit with seasonal snacks, stories and even gifts. Not to mention the visit of Santa himself, reports Mommy poppins.

The old-style trailers, some of which date back to the 1920s, create a classic holiday atmosphere. No matter which Polar Express train ride you choose, your family can combine their annual Santa Claus photo shoot with unforgettable memories of a holiday adventure.

These Christmas train rides sell out fast, so book now if you want to go.

Polar Express and New York Christmas Trains

1. The Catskill Christmas Express – Kingston

Select dates from Friday, November 18 to Wednesday, December 28.
1 hour 40 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

Bring a classic children's book to life on this Polar Express train courtesy of the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Once you reach the North Pole in your vintage 1950s bus, Santa and his elves will give you your first Christmas present. The price includes cookies, hot chocolate and lots of entertaining songs.

2. Polar Express Airstream - Long Island

Sold out for 2022

Therefore, we include it in this list as a useful option for 2023! The idea is simple: Instead of taking your family for a ride on the rails, the Long Island Airstream Experience comes to you by parking its modified Airstream trailer at your doorstep. Then, everyone can enjoy songs and dances from Broadway-level actors who bring the story to life. The price is not cheap. But given that each event can accommodate up to 30 guests, it's easy to share the fun and the cost with your entire team!

Polar Express and New Jersey Christmas Trains

3. The Polar Express – Vippany

Select dates from Wednesday, November 4th to Friday, December 30th.
1 hour drive from downtown Manhattan.

Dress the kids in pajamas for the most magical journey on the Morristown and Erie Railroad. Your ticket gives you live entertainment and holiday treats like hot chocolate and shortbread cookies. Children receive their own sleigh bell as a keepsake.

4. The Polar Express – Phillipsburg

Select dates from Friday, November 25 to Sunday, December 18.
1 hour 20 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

The New York Susquehann and Western Technical and Historical Society invites visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Polar Express. Indeed, this Christmas train ride is set to the soundtrack of a movie. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as you listen to the story being told before the kids meet Santa and receive sleigh bells. Pajamas are welcome.

5. The Santa Express – Flemington

Closed Sunday 20 November to Sunday 4 December.
1 hour 10 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

All aboard the Black & Western Railroad for this North Pole excursion. Children receive a traditional silver bell as their first Christmas present. Enjoy photo sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus and a golden ticket for every child. As well as lots of fun photo shoots when you get to the station at the North Pole.

6. The North Pole Express – Flemington

Closed from Saturday, December 10th to Saturday, December 24th.
1 hour 10 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

Another favorite Black & Western Railroad Polar Express train ride, the North Pole Express has all the fun of the Santa Express with a few more bells and whistles. Guests are treated to cookies and hot cocoa, as well as free photo booth photography in addition to photo sessions with Santa's sleigh, wreath and Christmas tree. Enjoy your ride in Bus Class, Premium Class, First Class or Private Carriage!

7. The Santa Express – Cape May

Select dates from Friday, November 25 to Friday, December 23.
3 hours by car from downtown Manhattan.

The extra travel time to Cape May for the sea lines trip is well worth it if you take this Christmas train. All Santa Express trains feature Santa himself, his loyal elves and live entertainment. Book one of the first class carriages and you will also receive a snack service. There are several departure locations in New Jersey; check the website when choosing tickets.

Polar Express and Pennsylvania Christmas Trains

8. North Pole Express – New Hope

Select dates from Saturday, November 12th to Saturday, December 24th.
2 hours 15 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

Enjoy a one-hour ride through picturesque Bucks County on a carefully restored, beautifully decorated vintage diesel locomotive train. Families eat warm cookies and cocoa, carol and spend a lot of time face to face with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their elves in his workshop next to the train station.

9. Santa's Paradise Express – Strasbourg

Closed from Saturday 19 November to Saturday 24 December.
2 hours 40 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

Nestled in the cozy countryside of Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, the Strasbourg Railroad offers a 45-minute stroll with Santa and his friends, telling stories, buying delicious treats and the first gift of the season. The Strasbourg Railway also offers Christmas tree trains and the Night Before Christmas train, which offers a variety of festive entertainment.

10. Santa's Express – West Chester

Closed from Saturday, November 19 to Sunday, December 18.
2 hours by car from downtown Manhattan.

Grab your holiday wish list and join Santa on a festively decorated (and heated!) train through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa greets everyone at the Market Street Station and visits passengers on their trip to and from Glen Mills. Enjoy live entertainment along the way.

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Trolley and Christmas Train Rides in Connecticut

11. The Essex North Pole Express – Essex

From Friday to Sunday, from November 18 to December 23.
2 hours 40 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

The hugely popular North Pole Express in Essex, Connecticut, sells out regularly, and 2022 is no exception. Bookmark the site and plan your trip in September 2023 if you want to purchase tickets for this special adventure. It will allow guests to enjoy a locomotive-powered sleigh for a special evening ride straight to the North Pole. Passengers enjoy live musical performances on the night before Christmas, visits from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and holiday treats. In addition, each child receives a small gift from Santa.

12. Trolley Museum Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights – East Windsor

From Friday to Sunday, from November 25 to December 30.
2 hours by car from downtown Manhattan.

For a holiday trip of a different kind, head to the Connecticut Trolley Museum and ride an indoor or outdoor "electric sleigh" where you'll sing Christmas carols and enjoy the twinkling lights overhead. The visitor center is decorated with seasonal decorations. And during the walks, festive music sounds. Be sure to sneak in on a visit to Santa and pick up your gift.

13. Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited – Thomaston

From Friday to Sunday, from November 25 to December 23.
2 hours by car from downtown Manhattan.

Travel through the cold wilderness on the Naugatuck Railroad with either the daytime Santa Express or the evening Northern Lights Limited. Both train trips include visits to Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. And depending on which package you choose, other treats are available, including hot chocolate, gift bags, and caroling with the elves.