THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Branson Scenic Railway

The Branson Scenic Railway offers THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from its depot in downtown Branson, Missouri. The railway describes a magical re-creation of the classic children's story led by its staff on board a real train, and asks guests to have their golden tickets ready for the conductor.

Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the first gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train. Performers lead caroling and holiday activities on the trip back to the station.

The railway says the entire experience at the depot and on the train takes roughly two hours, with the train ride itself lasting one hour and fifteen minutes.

Seating is sold in classes including Deluxe Coach, First Class, Coach Class Dome and First Class Dome, with pricing that varies by class and by whether the departure is Value, Standard or Peak. Each class includes a silver sleigh bell from Santa; First Class and First Class Dome also include a collectible ceramic mug.

The train ride lasts one hour and fifteen minutes and the whole experience at the depot and on the train is roughly two hours. Staff lead a re-creation of the story on board a real train: hot chocolate and a treat are served by dancing chefs, the classic book is read, Santa boards, and performers lead caroling on the way back. Each class includes a silver sleigh bell from Santa; First Class and First Class Dome also include a collectible ceramic mug.

The train departs from the depot in downtown Branson, 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616. Guests are required to arrive about 40 minutes before their listed showtime; trains begin boarding at showtime and the boarding platform closes 10 minutes after showtime, with no boarding after that. The railway has a designated parking lot across the street from the depot, next to the Starbucks at 201 E Main Street; it is limited and tickets are checked before entry, and additional paid parking is available nearby. First Class, First Class Dome and Coach Class Dome seats must be purchased in sets of two and table tops are shared unless all seats at the table are booked; Deluxe Coach tables range from one to four seats. Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas and to dress for an unheated boarding platform. Prices shown by the railway exclude tax.