If you’re anything like me, you grew up reading the classic Christmas story The Polar Express. Thoughtful, heartfelt and full of Christmas spirit, this book does not disappoint! All ages, whether young or young at heart, can relate to this sentimental story about believing in the magic of Christmas long after other kids give up on it. Which is why I was so excited to find out there is a historic steam train in Durango, Colorado which fully recreates the experience from start to finish. A real live Polar Express train!
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad located in Durango, Colorado
From the moment you arrive on the platform, you can feel the excitement! Families everywhere dressed in the pajamas, adults in ugly Christmas sweaters and a delightful gift shop playing Christmas tunes. Once you’ve collected your tickets, it’s off to eagerly await the arrival of the Polar Express.
Once on the platform, the train is waiting out of sight to make a grand entrance timed perfectly with the music and story being played over the speakers. It is a magnificent arrival! As the Polar Express rounds the corner, you can see smiling staff (dressed exactly like the characters in the book!) waving from the train. The conductor gives a wink and smile to the cheering crowd. Two actors appear playing the role of the young boy and the conductor, after a short scene- the conductor invites us all aboard for a trip to the North Pole! So with a warm welcome we board the train, here we go!
All aboard the Polar Express!
There are 3 options for pricing on the Polar Express. We opted for standard-class seating in Coach because First Class had already sold out.
COACH: Standard-class seating: Seats face forward; two people per seat; up to 40 passengers in each car.
DELUXE: ‘Flip-over’ seating enables parties to face each other. Upgraded amenities include your own take-home souvenir ceramic THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride mug.
FIRST CLASS: Table and chair seating in historic, first-class style as the whole family enjoys the upgraded amenities including your own take-home souvenir ceramic THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride mug. Special ‘themed’ Christmas decor in each First-class car!
Carriages Decorated For Christmas
Initially we were anticipating a lesser experience in coach but we were THRILLED with the attention to detail for all train cars! Our car was very festive, all decorated with lights and garlands. Our Polar Express crew member was a delight- dancing through the aisles, making the kids laugh, serving us hot chocolate and flipping the pages of a giant Polar Express book. In addition to the hot cocoa, we were served great big Polar Express sugar cookies which were surprisingly soft and delicious!
Hot cocoa + cookies + the story read out loud
Arrive at the North Pole
Open up the windows and peek out your head because after you’ve been chugging along for awhile- you might seem some lights up ahead! That’s right- the North Pole 🙂 (Or at least the little ones will believe that’s where you are!) I can’t deny, even as an adult this was a wonderful surprise! We were beaming ear to ear. As the train pulls in, keep an eye out for Santa. He’ll be giving the first gift of Christmas.
Santa’s Visit
With a final wave from Santa and the elves, the train pulls away from the North Pole. (You’ll remain on the train this whole time, don’t worry-there is no venturing out into the cold!) But as the train departs, Santa will come aboard to make sure each and everyone gets a bell from the reindeer’s harness. Just like in the book! Soon each and every train car is filled with the sound of tinkling bells, Christmas music and Santa’s laugh! “Ho, ho, ho!”
Watch our journey on the Polar Express
The journey home
As Santa passes from car to car, people were singing along with the music, chatting and having a wonderful time. All too soon we found ourselves back from the North Pole. All said and done, we were back in less than two hours. It was the perfect length of time.
Photos with Santa & Live Reindeer
Once you’ve disembarked, you can explore the lively set up they have at the end of the line. There are Christmas trees, photo ops and even live reindeer! If you don’t mind a bit of a line, you can get a formal picture taken with Santa as well.
The Polar Express runs nightly until January 2nd in Durango, Colorado. Book tickets here. Or call 1-888-872-4607.
The Polar Express is a not-to-be-missed holiday event. Excellent value for the price (even the most expensive tickets are under $90). And if you buy coach tickets early on they will only cost you $40-$50! The train runs multiple times per night but get your tickets quickly because it does sell out!
Did you know this historic steam train runs year round?
When it’s not running nighttime trips as the Polar Express, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gage is running day trips year round to nearby mountain towns. Read my full article on it here: THE MOST SCENIC TRAIN IN THE USA.
Thank you to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gage for my trip on the Polar Express, as always, the views express are entirely my own.
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