THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

What is the Polar Express Train Ride at the National Railroad Museum?

Following the original book and movie, you will be immersed in the Polar Express story. When you arrive at the Museum, you enter our Lenfestey Center. Before the show, you are welcome to stroll among the decorated trees in the Festival of Trees, explore the full-size trains or play Reindeer Games.

The show begins with the Hot Chocolate Dance, after which we all sip a cup of hot chocolate. Next we listen to a dramatic reading of the original Polar Express book.

Our conductor then calls “All Aboard”, inviting us to ride the Polar Express to the North Pole. On board the train, our adventure continues as you interact with the characters from the story. This is not a train ride where you will see holiday decorations every inch of the way.

We will travel through cold, dark forests, encounter a hobo, view the Northern Lights and see polar bears in the Arctic Circle. Santa will visit with some of the passengers on board the train. Once we arrive at the North Pole, those that did not visit with Santa on the train will have time to see him before he heads around the world on Christmas Eve.

How long is the program?

About two (2) hours.

Is this a Museum fund raising event?

Yes! You are not only sharing in a great holiday tradition and family experience, but your ticket fee helps support the educational programs and operations of the National Railroad Museum. Thank you very much for your support.

Ticket Prices by Train Car:

• Northern Lights: $19.75 all seats, all ages – 154 seats per show (Double-deck Coach)
• Glacier Gulch: $25.00 all seats, all ages – 66 seats per show (Single-level Coach)
• Arctic Circle – Table: $37 all seats, all ages – 36 seats per show (1920s Dining Car) –
  Tickets in this class must be purchased in blocks of four.
• Spirit of the Season – Table: $37 all seats, all ages – 24 seats per show (1939 Dinette/Observation Car) –
  Tickets in this class must be purchased in blocks of four.
• Spirit of the Season – Lounge: $45 all seats, all ages – 20 seats per show

Who needs a ticket to participate in the Polar Express?

Everyone, regardless of age, needs a ticket to attend a Polar Express show. Even if a child lap sits during the program they are required to have a ticket.

Where is the event held?

At the National Railroad Museum, 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304.

What are appropriate ages for the Polar Express?

Although everyone is welcome to participate in the Polar Express, it may be more meaningful for children if they understand who Santa Claus is.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets for the 2018 Polar Express will be available at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 July 2018.

How soon should I purchase my tickets?

For the past three years, 96 percent of all Polar Express tickets sold out in 90 minutes. Plan to purchase your tickets as soon as possible.

Once tickets are sold out they are gone. There is no waiting list as there are no returns, refunds or exchanges.

How do I purchase tickets online?

Please visit www.ticketstaronline.com – Please note, there will be a ticket service fee, which varies based on ticket price and number of tickets purchased.

Is there a phone number I can call to purchase tickets?

To purchase tickets over the phone, please call 1-800-895-0071. Please note, there will be a ticket service fee, which varies based on ticket price and number of tickets purchased.

Can I purchase tickets at the Museum?

NO! All ticket purchases must be completed online or 1-800-895-0071.

On the day of my Polar Express show what time should I arrive at the Museum?

Doors open 30 minutes before each show. Please do not arrive any earlier than this.

With my Polar Express ticket can I tour the Museum during regular hours on the day of my show?

No, sorry. Your Polar Express ticket is good for your specific show only. It will not be honored for Museum admission during regular hours on the day of your show. As part of the Polar Express program you will experience most of the Museum’s indoor exhibits.

Are there any ticket refunds or exchanges?

All ticket purchases are final. There are absolutely no refunds or exchanges.

Can I take photos with my camera during the show?

Please take all the photos with your camera that you would like. We ask that the photos be for your own personal use. Photos taken during the Polar Express or on the Museum grounds may not be used for commercial purposes unless prior permission has been granted by the Museum.

Should I wear my pajamas to ride the Polar Express?

Of course! Children and Adults should wear their pajamas when they ride the Polar Express!

Will we ride a real train?

Yes, you will be riding aboard real, full-size train cars.

Is the Polar Express handicap accessible?

Yes, Museum buildings are handicap accessible as well as the Santa Class car that will be used for the Polar Express. We do have a wheelchair lift available to assist passengers with train boarding. Please inform our staff of any special needs you may have when you arrive at the Museum to enjoy the show. Standard and Premium Class is not handicap accessible.

Please note — historic trains that are on exhibit within the Museum’s facilities may not be accessible due to the irreversible modifications that would be required to make them open for all. In such cases, additional interpretive materials have been provided at floor level so that everyone may experience the piece, albeit from a different perspective.

Is there lodging available in the area?

Yes, there are many hotels in the area around the National Railroad Museum. For a complete listing, please consult the Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau website — www.greenbay.com. From the home page click VISITOR INFORMATION > HOTELS & MOTELS. Next narrow your search to the STADIUM AREA. These hotels will all be within two miles of the Museum.

I lost my tickets. What should I do?

Don’t panic! We can help. Should you misplace your electronic or printed tickets, please come to the Museum for your show. When you arrive visit the ticket desk in the Lenfestey Center lobby. We will ask you to present a photo ID; and will then verify your tickets.