The Polar Express Train Ride

Tickets for the 2025 Polar Express Train Ride go on sale July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. through Ticket Star online or over the phone.

November 21-December 14, 2025

The National Railroad Museum is excited to host the Polar Express on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 21 through December 14, 2025, and we’re inviting you to be a part of the magic! The Polar Express has become a time-honored holiday tradition for people throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

Tickets for 2025 shows will go on sale July 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Tickets can only be purchased through Ticket Star either online or over the phone. In 2024, tickets for all 40 shows (12,400+ seats) sold out in less than 3 hours. View Our 2024 Polar Express FAQ’s Here!

The Polar Express is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story. 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 guests outside to ride The Polar Express to the North Pole. 

Onboard a real, moving 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 – instead, 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 onboard the train. 

Once we arrive at the North Pole, those who did not visit with Santa on the train will have time to see him before he heads around the world on Christmas Eve.

By visiting the National Railroad Museum (or participating in one of our Museum programs/events) you understand that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped, and you hereby give permission and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, or photo (collectively, “image”), without compensation, for broadcast, or exhibition in any medium, and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation. To learn more, or plan your visit, please visit this page.