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Polar Express & Holiday Train Ride Guide for MA, NH & Beyond

Updated for 2023!!!

By Tessa D'Ippolito, Publisher August 17, 2023

Christmas and the holiday season is all about making memories and holiday magic.  I remember only a few of the gifts I received as a child (the big ones, like a mountain bike and my very own video camera to make home movies) but I have so many memories of fragrances, baking, picking out and decorating the tree, christmas music filling the house, driving around to see Christmas lights, and building gingerbread houses. It's these experiences that make Christmas magical.

A special Polar Express train ride is one experience that many families enjoy at Christmas now.  Below is our guide to all the Polar Express train rides (both moving and stationary) that we could find in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and beyond, plus other holiday train options that aren't specifically about the Polar Express story.    

Please note that many of these rides cannot use the term "Polar Express" so keep this in mind when telling your children, to avoid disappointment.  Be prepared for a fantastic holiday experience with Santa, elves, hot chocolate, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and even silver bells, but the train staff may not specifically perform Polar Express songs.

Note, most of the single date rides sell out quickly.  If they're already sold out, sign up for their email list and be sure to jump quickly when you receive the email next year. 


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Recurring Rides (Run Frequently During the Holiday Season)


Edaville Family Theme Park, Carver MA

Edaville will be running the Christmas Festival of Lights, with a train ride through many light displays, amusement park rides, and other entertainment, from November 9 to December 31. The North Pole Limited, a train ride to meet Santa and see thousands of Christmas lights runs November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20. 


THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Buzzards Bay MA

Cape Cod Central Railroad is running an official Polar Express train ride this year!  The fun includes golden tickets, dancing chefs and waiters, a reading of The Polar Express, a gift from Santa, and cocoa and cookies.  Available Fridays to Sundays starting November 24 through December 23, with rides additionally on December 20 and 21.


Journey to the North Pole™, North Conway NH

Departs from North Conway or Lincoln NH weekends beginning November 24 through December 23.  This two-hour Conway Scenic Railroad adventure includes a train ride with treats and hot chocolate plus a theater visit to meet Santa, hear The Night Before Christmas, and sing Christmas songs. Trains depart at 4:15pm and 7:15pm from both locations. 


Santa's Holiday Express, North Conway NH

Journey on the Conway Scenic Railroad with Santa and his elves!  Weekends in late November and December and daily the week before Christmas at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM.  This is a shorter holiday train ride than the Journey to the North Pole and does not include the theater visit.  


Santa Express Train, Lincoln NH

Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa and his elves on this 60-minute train ride.  Train runs on weekends November 24-26, December 2 & 3, 9 &10, 16 &17; 23.  Tickets go on sale online only on Tuesday, November 1.


THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Blackstone Valley, Woonsocket RI

An official Polar Express™ train ride, this ride includes a reading of The Polar Express,  sing-a-longs, cookies, hot chocolate, games, and a golden ticket.  Children will also receive a silver bell personally delivered by Santa.  Weekends from November 10 to December 17 & Monday December 18 with shows at 3:30 PM & 6:30 PM.


North Pole Express, Essex CT

Enjoy a live musical performance of The Night Before Christmas and hot chocolate and cookies, see Santa and Mrs. Claus, and join in festive sing-a-longs during this 90-minute train ride. Children receive a small gift from Santa.  Operating Dates: Friday- Sunday November 17 - 26; Wednesday - Sunday November 30 - December 17; Wednesday - Friday December 20 - 23.


Single-Event Rides (Sell Out Quickly!)


Jolly Jingle Express, Woburn MA 

The Jolly Jingle Express is presented by the Wakefield Music Boosters as a fundraiser. Join Santa and his elves for a fun-filled on a 70-minute train ride from Anderson Station in Woburn on an MBTA commuter rail train! Trains depart at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Cookies and milk will be served.  The train ride will take place on December 10th. 


North Pole Express, Woburn MA 

Presented by St. Augustine School.  Santa and his elves will be on the train, handing out milk and cookies.  Enjoy a Christmas story reading, sing Christmas carols, and receive a special gift from Santa.  Children age 2 and under are free if they sit on their parent's lap. It will run Saturday December 9th from out of Anderson Woburn Station, running at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm (sold out) and 6pm (almost sold out).


North Pole Express, Newburyport MA - 

Presented by the Immaculate Conception School, this 50-minute ride includes a reading of The Night Before Christmas, Santa, elves, cookies, songs, holiday characters and more. The show runs on December 2, 2023 at 9;30 AM. 11:20 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:20 PM & 5:20 PM 


Not an Actual Train Ride But Still Fun!


Holly Jolly Trolley. Lowell MA 

The City of Lights celebration will take place in Lowell on Saturday, November 25th. Jump on the Lowell National Historical Park's "Holly Jolly Trolley," complete with Ranger Elves, music, and holiday decorations! The trolley will run continuously from the Boott Cotton Mills. The last run will leave at 3 p.m. 


The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience at Jordan's Furniture, Avon MA 

Jordan's Furnature offers a viewing of a short version of The Polar Express in 4-D, with special effects, at the Jordan's Furniture MOM Theater in Avon. Customers are offered the chance to book tickets in advance.


The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience at the Museum of Science, Boston MA - 2023 INFORMATION TBA

The Museum of Science offers a viewing of a short version of The Polar Express in 4-D, with special effects, at the Museum of Science's 4-D Theater.  Attendance required purchase of a ticket to the Museum's exhibit halls and a separate timed ticket for the movie. 


The Polar Express Guide is one of the most-visited articles on our site, year after year.  If your business would like to sponsor this guide, with your business information prominently featured, please email us!


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