THE POLAR EXPRESS™ offers a unique, three-part theatrical extravaganza of Holiday Magic. Holiday Caroling and the “Hot Chocolate” song and dance kick things off each evening, performed in our newly renovated, heatedPOLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion. A ride to the North Pole aboard vintage coaches, pulled by an authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive, is next. And finally, visiting with Santa tops off the experience!
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Tuesday, October 3. Museum Members will have an exclusive pre-purchase opportunity beginning one week earlier. Not a Member? Click Here to learn about the benefits of Museum Membership, including advance purchase opportunities for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride!
Watch for further updates right here on our website. All Aboard for Holiday Magic!
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
The experience begins in our newly renovated THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion. Here you, your family and friends will gather around tables, sing carols, and watch a cabaret-style show as the “Hot Chocolate” song and dance unfolds before your eyes. Nibble on a tasty cookie, and sip your hot chocolate as the story ofThe Polar Expressis dramatically re-enacted before your eyes.
The experience continues, as you step outside to witness the dramatic arrival of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. This symphony of smoke and steam emerges from the darkness, and the Conductor loudly asks if anyone would like climb aboard. Soon, you’re on your way to—the North Pole? Well yes, of course! There, you watch eagerly as the elves sing and dance, and Santa gives out The First Gift of Christmas.
Once the train with its sleepy passengers returns from the North Pole, you’ll have the opportunity to visit with Santa—and pick up your very own First Gift of Christmas, a Silver Bell! THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride remains an experience that you won’t want to miss. The entire, multi-part show is updated each year to feature several new twists!
TICKETING OPTIONS
For 2023, two ticketing levels are available:Standard SeatingandFirst Class. For Standard Seating, guests may purchase tickets for the specific number in your party. First Class seating remains available for purchase only in tables of four.
We’re pleased to offer Discounted Pricing on all performances before Thanksgiving!In past years (including 2020-2022) this event has sold out quickly. For 2023, you won’t want to wait to purchase your tickets!
Standard Seating
$80/person ages 2-15, $100/person ages 16 and older (Lap Riders under age 2 Free)
Performances prior to Thanksgiving, 10% off rates listed above
Your group will be seated together in THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion for the cabaret-style show, and then you’ll board one of three coaches for your ride to the North Pole! Hot cocoa, cookie, and—of course—a Silver Bell is included with each ticket. Lap Riders do not have access to individual seating. NOTE: Groups wishing to be seated together must purchase all tickets in a single transaction.
First Class
$475/table of four (plus up to two Lap Riders under age 2 free)
Performances prior to Thanksgiving, 10% off rate listed above
First Class groups are seated together right in front of the stage in our THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion. Then, you’ll board our parlor car to share your own table for your ride to the North Pole! First Class seating is available only as a complete table; your group can be up to four in size per table (plus up to two lap riders). Each table receives four commemorative Polar Express cocoa mugs, a copy ofThe Polar Expressillustrated hardbound book, plus two special, added gifts. Hot cocoa, cookies, and—of course—First Class Silver Bells are included!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For 2023, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride performances are scheduled three times each evening. The season launches with performances various evenings each week, increasing to daily after Thanksgiving. Opening Night is November 10, and the final performances take place on December 23.
Arrival time is very important for 2023 due to our Polar Express Pavilion seating arrangements. Please make sure you’re on time so you don’t miss any of the cabaret-style pre-show, Hot Chocolate song and dance performance, and dramatic reading and re-enactment ofThe Polar Expressstory. Suggested arrival times are 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 7:30 p.m. to enjoy the pre-show; the Main Show begins promptly at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., or 8 p.m. Your magical train ride to the North Pole follows, but it’s only one chapter in a multi-part theatrical experience!
COVID PRECAUTIONS
Should masking or other precautions be mandated by local, state and/or federal authorities aboard trains or indoors, we’ll follow their guidance and let you know right away.Updated Information will be posted at this same site as it becomes available.
