The Best Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in the NYC Area

The Best Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in the NYC Area

Everyone aboard for a magical holiday train travel experience!

This holiday season, experience the magic of a real Polar Express train ride or enjoy the beautiful Christmas view on a holiday train ride. Holiday train rides are usually inspired by the famous movie 'The Polar Express'. They offer a magical Christmas experience, usually with a cheerful conductor, a shiny gold card, warm hot chocolate and of course a visit from Santa Claus himself.

If you think you're on the naughty list this year, there are train rides that focus solely on the winter wonderlands of the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of glistening snow, soaring mountains and fresh pines as you travel to your destination.

So get your Christmas bells ready and get a ticket for the best holiday train rides this year!

Before you depart, be sure to call or consult each train's website for specific boarding instructions.

Psst… Look Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024 in New York – A sneak peek at what families can expect

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in NYC

North Pole Express 2024

Where: 42 Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Manhattan
When: November 11 – January 1, various times
Price: Tickets start at $80; $60, kid
212-664-0300
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Ready for a festive holiday adventure in New York? Top View Sightseeing is back with a festive twist on its sightseeing tours. Take the North Pole Express and relive a magical Christmas experience from your childhood.

This double-decker car travels through the city as passengers enjoy Christmas carols, meeting Santa Claus, storytelling and plenty of holiday-themed activities for children. Drive through the city and see beautiful light shows that characterize the season. Standard and extended packages are available. (A Holiday Lights Tour is also available starting November 12.)

Polar Express and holiday train rides across the state

Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express

When: 55 Kingston Plaza Rd., Kingston, NY
When: November 15 – December 29, various times
Price: Tickets start at $46; $36, child
845-332-4854

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Passengers will relive this classic story as they enjoy a magical journey to the North Pole. You will be served hot chocolate and a cookie. Each passenger receives a sleigh bell as a souvenir to take home.

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides on Long Island

The Polar Express Trolley Ride

Where: 96 Main Rd., Riverhead, NY
When: November 24 – December 23 on selected dates. Hours vary. Check the website for the full programme.
Price: Check the website.
631-369-3031
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Hop on a trolley and enjoy the magic and beauty of Christmas as you relive the enchanting story of The Polar Express. Santa Claus and his helpers are on board throughout to greet passengers and give them their first Christmas gift before characters lead the festive entertainment on board.

Many activities for children are part of the fun, and each child receives a souvenir sleigh bell to take home (reminiscent of the classic story). Visit the online gift shop where you can purchase gifts after booking your tickets. The staff will ensure that the gifts are ready for you when you board.

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in New Jersey

Polar Express Whippany

Where: 1 Railroad Plaza Whippany, NJ
When: November 1 – December 30; several times.
Price: Tickets start at $55; $48, children ages 2-11
973-419-6255
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Be transported to a magical land on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. The fun starts as soon as you board. Car hosts will weave their way through the cars to score your golden ticket before serving up delicious hot chocolate and shortbread cookies. Throughout the journey, the classic story is read aloud, Christmas carols are sung and other festive entertainment is offered on board. Passengers take home a sleigh bell reminiscent of the story. Value, Standard and Premium packages are available.

The Sinterklaas train

Where: Route 23 Transit Center, Wayne, NJ
When: Saturday, December 14 (times vary)
Price: sold out
973-656-0707
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The Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Inc. returns this year with its annual Ride with Santa in Wayne, NJ. Set on a modern, climate-controlled train, the excursion is an hour-long holiday-themed ride where passengers are treated to onboard entertainment including Christmas carols, music, a cast of costumed characters and much more holiday fun. Tickets are currently sold out, but you can add your name to them waiting list.

The Polar Express in Phillipsburg

Where: 38 Market St., Phillipsburg, NJ
When: November 29 – December 22
Price: $48; $38, child
877-872-4674
Board the Polar Express during the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. The experience is set to the music of the film version of The Polar Express. Passengers will be treated to hot chocolate, cookies, live entertainment and more. Santa Claus also gets on the train. Every child gets a bell.

North Pole Express

Where: 80 Stangl Rd., Flemington
When: November 19 – December 30, various times
Price: Tickets start at $43; $40, kid
908-782-6622
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The Santa Express offers lots of holiday fun. Passengers can take a photo with a 6-foot-tall wreath at the North Pole Station. Passengers meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on board the train. Children receive a gift of a sleigh bell to take home. Various ticket packages are available.

Psst…Check out the Disney Store Times Square Holiday Transformation