Children of all ages can now experience the same Christmas spirit as the children in the animated masterpiece “The Polar Express.” The movie that was inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book has now come to life! These trains offer a lot more than just cocoa, cookies, and Christmas carols, they offer Christmas cheer for the whole family. Across New York, there are many places where this is possible!
All of these locations are accessible via Amtrak and Enterprise!
Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express
Children enjoy cookies and a sit with Santa aboard Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express. | Photo Courtesy of Catskill Mountain Railroad Events
The Polar Express is back in Kingston! With the officially licensed Warner Bros™. train, this winter spectacular is a perfect replication of the movie. The conductors punch tickets in the same fashion as Tom Hanks’ “The Polar Express” character, hot chocolate is served to passengers and there is a sing-along! During the ride, there will also be a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s book that inspired it all!
Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express Ride Dates & Times
November 15-17, 22- 24, 29-30
December 1, 6-8, 12-15, 18-23, 26-28
Departure Times: Varies Daily
Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express Ride Ticket Prices
Off-Peak: Adults: $40; Children (Ages 2-12): $32; Toddler (Under 2, In Lap): Free
Peak: Adults: $50; Children (Ages 2-12): $40; Toddler (Under 2, In Lap): Free
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable.
Take Amtrak to the Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express Ride
Experience the Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express via Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station in the Hudson Valley—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! The Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express Ride is 13.8 miles from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak Station.
Get picked up from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Yonkers office today at 845-336-4700.
Catskill Mountain Railroad Parking: Westbrook Lane Station- 149 Aaron Court, Kingston, NY 12401
Parking is free for all and adjacent the train station in the Kingston Plaza lot. Guests are required to arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to their departure time. This allows time to park and check in at the Westbrook Station. Boarding will begin approximately 20 minutes prior to listed departure times.
Adirondack Scenic Railway’s Polar Express
The conductor entertains passengers aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railway’s Polar Express train. | Photo Courtesy of Adirondack Scenic Railway
Travel north from Utica’s Union Station and become engulfed in the Christmas magic! Passengers will enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and they will even get to meet the cocoa chefs. Families are encouraged to show up in their pajamas for this magical ride. For an even greater experience, try the First Class Cocoa Car! Mrs. Claus and the Chefs will be there for a meet and greet. All passengers will get to listen to Liam Neeson’s reading of Van Allsburg’s classic!
Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride Dates & Times
November 15-17, 20-24, 29-30
December 1, 4- 8, 11-15, 18-23
Departure Times: 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride Tickets
Coach Seating: Adults: $46; Youth (Ages 2-12): $38
First Class Seating: Adults: $67.50; Youth (Ages 2-12): $57.50; Children Under 2: Free*
Cancellation Policy: The Adirondack Scenic Railroad does not offer refunds. Reservations may only be switched to a different day, subject to availability.
*Children under two ride for free and must be seated on a parent’s lap. Online sales reflect actual inventory.
Take Amtrak to the Adirondack Scenic Railway Polar Express Train
Experience the Adirondack Scenic Railway Polar Express via Amtrak to Utica Station in the Central New York—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! The Adirondack Scenic Railway Polar Express is located at the Utica Amtrak Station.
Looking for a getaway? Explore the area with an Enterprise rental. Get picked up from the Utica Amtrak Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at 315-736-0002.
Adirondack Scenic Railway Parking: Utica Train Station, 321 Main St, Utica, NY 15301
Medina Railroad Museum’s Polar Express
A conductor checks each passenger’s Golden Ticket, as kids enjoy hot cocoa aboard the Medina Railroad Museum’s Polar Express | Photo Courtesy of Joed Viera
Not only will you and the family have a chance to view the educational and historic Medina Railroad Museum, but you will also get a chance to ride the Polar Express train! Halfway through the trip, children can expect a visit from Santa! Each child will get to sit on Santa’s lap and enjoy his company. When the train arrives at the North Pole, the children will be greeted by dancing elves and Christmas music. The friendly staff of the Medina Railroad Museum makes this experiences a bit more enjoyable for parents are families, as well.
Medina Railroad Polar Express Dates & Train Times
November 30
December 1, 7-8, 14-15
Departure Times: 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Medina Railroad Polar Express Tickets
Coach Seating
Passengers receive hot cocoa and a cookie. Children under two will receive a bell from Santa, but hot chocolate and cookies are not included.
All Tickets: $36*; Children Under Two: Free**
First-Class Seating
First Class passengers receive their own Polar Express ceramic souvenir cocoa mug, hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a cookie. Children under two will receive a bell from Santa, but hot chocolate, cookie and souvenir mug are not included.
All Tickets: $51*; Children Under Two: Free**
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are not refundable and can not be exchanged. All sales are final.
*Admission to the museum is included in your ticket fare.
**Children under two ride for free and must be seated on a parent’s lap. Online sales reflect actual inventory.
Take Amtrak to the Medina Railroad Museum’s Polar Express
Experience the Medina Railroad Museum’s Polar Express via Amtrak to Buffalo-Depew Station in Buffalo, NY—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! The Medina Railroad Museum’s Polar Express is located 35.2 miles from the Buffalo-Depew Amtrak Station.
Get picked up from the Buffalo-Depew Amtrak Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at 716-565-5400.
Medina Railroad Museum Parking: 698 Gwinn St, Medina, NY 14103
Try to arrive one hour prior to your train departure to allow time for parking and to ticket pick-up in the museum. The Polar Express will start boarding 15 minutes prior to departure time and the train will leave promptly.
Morristown and Erie Canal Railway’s Polar Express
The conductor checks passenger’s Golden Tickets aboard the Morristown & Erie Railway Polar Express. | Photo Courtesy of Rail Events Productions
On this magical holiday ride, children will be greeted by Santa himself, and they will all receive a sleigh bell, just like in the movie. This trip included hot cocoa and cookies and has the sound effects of the actual film. Jill Hightower, logistics and event manager at Morristown and Erie Railways said, “Experience the joy of caroling and holiday entertainment that will surely encourage you to join in and take part of the whole experience. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas!”
Morristown and Erie Railway’s Polar Express Dates & Times
November 16-17, 20-24, 26-27, 29-30
December 1, 3-8, 10-24, 26-30
Departure Times: Varies Daily
Morristown and Erie Railway’s Polar Express Tickets
Coach Class
Value Departures: Adults: $46; Children (2-11): $41
Standard Departures: Adults: $56; Children (2-11): $51
Peak Departures: Adults: $66; Children (2-11): $61
First Class
Value Departures: Adults: $70; Children (2-11): $65
Standard Departures: Adults: $75; Children (2-11): $70
Peak Departures: Adults: $80; Children (2-11): $75
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non refundable. Reservation dates and times may be changed within 24 hours of purchase and are subject to pricing differences. However, no guarantees can be made that your reservation can be changed.
Take Amtrak to the Morristown and Erie Canal Railway’s Polar Express
Experience the Morristown and Erie Canal Railway’s Polar Express via Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
The Morristown and Erie Canal Railway’s Polar Express is located 34.2 miles from the New York-Penn Station and can be reached via the Morris & Essex Line toward Dover, or the Montclair-Boonton Line towards MSU with a transfer to Morris & Essex Line towards Mount Olive aboard New Jersey Transit.
If Renting a Car
Morristown and Erie Canal Railway Parking: 80s Jefferson Rd, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07981
Parking is availble at an off-site lot near the event for $7 per vehicle and shuttles will be provided to transport passengers to the station. Parking passes should be added to your order during checkout. Further parking information will be distributed via email prior to your departure date. Please arrive 90 minutes prior to your departure to allow time to park and ride the shuttle.
Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
Santa Claus & North Pole Express Rides
Mr. & Mrs. Claus greet passengers aboard the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Santa Claus Express. | Photo Courtesy of Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
Celebrate the Holiday Season on a train ride with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers while they entertain kids of all ages with Holiday music, goodies, and refreshments for everyone’s enjoyment! The train is decorated with lights strung along the outside to the garland and ornaments inside. Bring a small gift with your child’s name attached to be given as a surprise from Santa himself on the train. Sneak it behind the Depot to the Reindeer Shack the day of your ride.
Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad’s Santa Claus Express Dates, Times, & Tickets
November 29, 30
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22
Departure Time: 1 p.m.
All Tickets: Adults: $21; Seniors: $20; Children (3-12); $18; Children Under 3: Free
Reservations Required
Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express Dates, Times, & Tickets
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 2
Departure Time: 6:30 p.m.
All Tickets: Adults: $21; Seniors: $20; Children (3-12); $18; Children Under 3: Free
Reservations Required
Before You Go
All of our Holiday Trains will be bursting with colorful lights, displays, and Christmas Spirit. Trains will be heated if the weather warrants it, but passengers are advised to dress warmly.
Reservations and Prepayment are Required. Group discounts available. Most major credit cards are accepted. For more information call the LRHS office at 607-432-2429 (leave a message on the answering machine and we will return your call). Seating is limited on these very popular trains.
Take Amtrak to the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
Experience the Coopertown & Charlotte Valley Railroad via Amtrak to Utica’s Union Station in Central New York or Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany-Rensselaer—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
The Coopertown & Charlotte Valley Railroad is located 40.0 miles from Union Station.
Get picked up from Utica Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car! Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at: 315-736-0002.
The Coopertown & Charlotte Valley Railroad is located 74.4miles from the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station.
Pick up your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car at the Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany-Rensselaer office today at 518-427-3893.
Bonus: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train departing Montréal. | Photo Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Although you can’t get on board this Christmas train, you can’t miss this mobile light show. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will set out once again to entertain hundreds of thousands of people, celebrating more than 20 years of collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America—and stopping through several Amtrak stations throughout the Captial Region and Adirondacks.
Beginning in Montreal on Nov. 25, two trains will make the festive journey, traveling through both the U.S. and Canada to bring holiday cheer to dozens of communities along CP’s network. Each event is free, with CP encouraging attendees to open their cupboards and wallets to help address hunger needs in their communities. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop to ensure those less fortunate have enough healthy food this holiday season. At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a lineup of great musical talents, and a corporate contribution to the local food bank.
Attendees, in turn, are encouraged to donate food and funds, all of which stays in the community.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Dates & Times
November 26
Saratoga Springs – Amtrak Station at 7:20 p.m.
November 27
Fort Edward – Amtrak Station at 1:05 p.m.
Port Henry – Amtrak Station, west side stop at 4:30 p.m.
Plattsburgh – Amtrak Station at 7:00 p.m.
Rouses Point – Rouses Point Station at 8:45 p.m.
