THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride RETURNS
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical family holiday event at the Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston, Texas, held annually during the holiday season.
Families are invited to put on their favorite pajamas and climb aboard for an immersive train ride inspired by the beloved holiday story.
Discover THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride dates, explore ticket options, and plan a memorable holiday experience filled with Christmas magic for all ages.
Date(s): Nov 13 – Dec 23, 2026
Board at the historic 1932 Union Depot for a 60-minute round-trip journey to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, a cookie, and the first gift of Christmas from Santa.
Allow approximately two hours for the full experience and arrive one hour before departure to enjoy food, letters to Santa, and a special performance. Final boarding is 10 minutes before departure. After the ride, explore photo opportunities, entertainment, and museum store.
Each ticket includes a round-trip ride to the North Pole, with Hot Chocolate and a Cookie served by our Chefs along the way. As the train heads back to the depot, Santa boards and walks through each car to give every child the first gift of Christmas: a Silver Bell. We all join in singing Christmas carols as we return to the station.
Reservations are required and tickets are available online at www.GalvestonRRMuseum.org or by calling (409) 765-5700.
Early ticket purchase is advised as the event sells out. Several ticket levels are available, ranging from coach ($35) to presidential class ($125).
The museum recently laid new railroad tracks to accommodate the train rides that depart the depot for the 1 ½ mile trip to the North Pole. While onboard, passengers are entertained by dancing chefs, Santa’s helpers, and actors who make the characters from the book come to life.
Hot chocolate and cookies are served onboard, and Santa gifts each passenger with the first gift of Christmas.
A family tradition for some, travelers dress in pajamas to be part of the immersive experience. Upon arrival back at the depot, dancing elves greet visitors at Santa Land to entertain and for photo ops with Santa Claus.
