Journey to Christmasland: Where and Where the Polar Express Trains Go in New York

The magic of Chris Van Allsburg's popular Christmas picture book is back this winter with festive Polar Express and Christmas trains just outside of New York City. Mommy poppins tells the details.

These Christmas trains spark imagination and праздничный spirit with seasonal snacks, stories, and even gifts. Not to mention a visit from Santa himself!

You can find the North Pole Express bus right in the heart of Manhattan.

The old-style carriages (some dating back to the 1920s) create a classic atmosphere. recreation. No matter which Polar Express train ride you choose, your family can combine an annual photo op with Santa Claus with unforgettable memories of a holiday adventure.

On the subject: Glass Yurts, Gorgeous Views, and Christmas Wonders: Santa's City Opens in New York

These Christmas trips are selling out fast, so book now if you want to go too. You can see the full schedule here here.

Polar Express and New York Christmas Trains

The Polar Express - Port Jefferson

• Select dates from Thursday, November 14th to Sunday, December 22nd, 2024.

Take a magical ride on the Port Jefferson Railroad's Polar Express and enjoy popcorn, cookies, and hot cocoa. See more here.

North Pole Express – Manhattan

• Select dates from Saturday, November 16th to Sunday, January 5th, 2024.

Santa brings the North Pole to the heart of Manhattan. Take a tour of Midtown Manhattan's iconic holiday lights while listening to exciting Christmas stories told by one of the elves. The journey ends with a visit from Santa himself.

Polar Express Train Ride – Kingston

• Select dates from Friday, November 15th to Sunday, December 28th, 2024.

As the movie plays, passengers will relive the classic story as they embark on a magical journey to the North Pole on the Polar Express. Dancing chefs will serve hot chocolate and cookies while passengers read the classic children's book.

Polar Express Trolley Ride – Riverhead

• Select dates from Friday, November 29 to Monday, December 23, 2024.

All aboard the North Shore for a true seasonal treat! It's an hour-long trip to see Santa on the North Fork of Long Island. Hot chocolate and delicious cookies are served at the North Pole.

Polar Express and New Jersey Christmas Trains

The Polar Express – Whippany

• Select dates from Friday, November 1 to Monday, December 30, 2024.

Dress the kids in pajamas for the most magical ride on the Morristown & Erie Railroad. Your ticket includes live entertainment and holiday treats like hot chocolate and shortbread cookies. Kids get their own sleigh bell as a keepsake.

The Polar Express – Phillipsburg

• Select dates from Saturday, November 17th to Monday, December 30th, 2024.

Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while listening to a retelling of the story before kids meet Santa and receive bells for their sleigh. Pajamas are encouraged.

The Santa Express – Flemington

• Select dates from Sunday, November 24 to Saturday, December 29, 2024.

All aboard the Black & Western Railroad for this excursion to the North Pole. Kids will receive a traditional silver bell as their first gift on Christmas. Enjoy photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus a golden ticket for each child and lots of fun photo ops. This year, for the first time, they will have Santa’s giant mailbox.

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express – Tuckahoe

• Select dates from Friday, November 30th to Sunday, December 22th, 2024.

Take a ride on the Cape May Seashore Lines train with Santa this holiday season. Board the train at Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village for the 35-minute ride.

Tri-State Railway Historical Society's Ride with Santa - Wayne

• Saturday, December 14, 2024

Take a one-hour train ride with Santa, plus musicians, carolers, and costumed characters. Kids get a gift from Santa: a lollipop and a book with activities.

Polar Express and Pennsylvania Christmas Trains

North Pole Express - New Hope

• Select dates from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 29, 2024.

Enjoy an hour-long ride through picturesque Bucks County on a carefully restored, beautifully decorated vintage train with a diesel locomotive. Families enjoy warm cookies and cocoa, carol, and spend time with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves in his workshop near the train station.

Santa's Express - West Chester

• Select dates from Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, December 22, 2024.

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

Santa's Paradise Express - Ronks

• Select dates from Saturday, November 16th to Tuesday, December 24th, 2024.

A 45-minute round trip on the Strasburg Rail Road to Paradise, Pennsylvania. Santa meets families on the train and gives a special gift to all children 11 and under.

The Polar Express and Christmas Trains in Connecticut

The Essex North Pole Express – Essex

• Select dates from Thursday, November 14th to Monday, December 23rd, 2024.

Connecticut's favorite family tradition includes the musical Twas the Night Before Christmas, sing-alongs, hot chocolate, sugar cookies, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa. Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas! Tickets for this event always sell out quickly, so buy yours early.

Trolley Museum Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights – East Windsor

• Select dates from Friday, November 29 to Monday, December 30, 2024.

For a different kind of holiday experience, head to the Connecticut Trolley Museum and take a ride on an indoor or outdoor “electric sleigh.” You’ll sing carols and enjoy the twinkling lights overhead. The visitor center is decked out in seasonal decorations, and holiday music will play as you ride.

Be sure to sneak in to visit Santa and pick up your gift.

Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited - Thomaston

• Select dates from Saturday, November 23th to Monday, December 23th, 2024.

The Naugatuck Railroad offers two different Christmas trains: the daytime Santa Express and the evening Northern Lights Limited. Both train rides include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. And depending on which package you choose, other treats are available, including hot chocolate, gift baskets, and caroling with the elves.