THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Birmingham Moor Street

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Birmingham departs from Birmingham Moor Street Station and returns guests to the same station. The event site says it is licensed by Rail Events International and operated and managed by PNP Events Ltd, the company behind several Polar Express events in the UK.

The operator describes an immersive theatrical experience inspired by the film. The Conductor calls "All aboard", chefs welcome guests and help them settle, and as the train leaves Moor Street performers bring scenes from the story to life with music and storytelling. Singing and dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie, and Santa visits each carriage in person to give believers the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, while the Conductor checks every Golden Ticket.

Two kinds of ticket are sold: Classic and First Class. First Class holders get comfier seating and an exclusive ceramic souvenir mug; the operator says Classic holders see the same performance. Because the event runs on the mainline, booked times can change by up to an hour either way. Carriages are from heritage stock and all differ, with seating around tables of four or in pairs.

About one hour on board, and usually 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours in total including the gift shop. The time on your ticket is when the experience starts, not when the train departs. The operator encourages cosy pyjamas and dressing gowns; as the event is partly outdoors it asks for a warm coat, a brolly and sturdy shoes, and no slippers.

Departs from Birmingham Moor Street Station, Queensway, Birmingham B4 7UL; guests return to Moor Street after the ride and follow the arrival and check-in instructions on their e-ticket. There is no on-site parking, so guests make their own arrangements, and the operator notes that the station is inside Birmingham's clean air zone. Timings are strict: doors are locked at set cut-offs and cannot be reopened for latecomers. Pushchairs and car seats are not allowed on board. Pets are not allowed (assistance animals welcome after contacting customer services). Classic and First Class tickets cannot be mixed in one order. Tickets are sold online only and e-tickets are emailed 14 days before the visit. The operator does not offer cancellations, refunds or reschedules (it refunds only if it cannot run the event), gives no refund to guests who miss the train, and says the event runs in rain or snow.