The Polar Express Train Ride

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 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.

For more information, please visit the National Railroad Museum FAQ.

Directions: From the North

Follow I-41 S to Exit 165. Take ramp for WI-172 East. Take ramp toward Ashland Ave./Oneida St. Turn left onto Vanderperren Way/CR-HH. Turn left onto WI-32 N / Ashland Ave. Turn right onto Cormier Road. Turn left on S. Broadway and then the Museum is on your right.

Directions: From the South

Take I-41 N to S. Ashland Ave. in De Pere. Take exit 163B and follow Ashland Ave. for 2.75 miles to Cormier Road. Turn right on Cormier Road, go 0.25 miles, turn left on S. Broadway and then the Museum is on your right.

Directions: From the East

Follow I-43 N to 172 W. Take the exit toward WI-32/Oneida St./Ashland Ave. from WI-172 W in Ashwaubenon. Turn right on Pilgrim Way, then turn left on S. Broadway to the Museum.

• National Railroad Museum