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Illustration: A festive steam train with a wreath on a frosty winter morning near a village
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ChristmasTHE POLAR EXPRESS™

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Caledonian Railway Brechin

  • Run by Caledonian Railway Brechin
  • Brechin Station — Brechin, Scotland, United Kingdom

Next: Nov 28 – Dec 20, 2026

A theatrical train ride from Brechin Station in Angus, inspired by the film The Polar Express, with a freshly baked cookie, hot chocolate and a silver sleigh bell from Santa, held on weekends before Christmas.

Updated

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Next edition

Nov 28 – Dec 20, 2026

Nov 28 and Dec 5, 12, 19: 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00. Nov 29 and Dec 6, 13, 20: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00. Minimum 2 Standard or 4 Premium tickets.

From £30.95 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

The Caledonian Railway Brechin hosts THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at its station in Brechin, Angus. The operator says the magic of the 2004 motion picture is theatrically re-created so that families can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of the classic children's tale.

Every passenger receives a Silver Sleigh Bell from Santa, described as the first gift of Christmas, and passengers in both classes are given a freshly baked cookie and a cup of hot chocolate. Standard seating is arranged in tables of four, while Premium tickets give a private compartment for groups of up to eight, with a Polar Express mug to take home and a bag to carry it; the operator says these limited-edition mugs are not available in its shop.

The operator stresses that, unlike many other Polar Express rides, it does not mix different groups within the same compartment or at the same table. As a result there is a minimum order of 2 for Standard tickets and 4 for Premium tickets.

The railway has been run entirely by volunteers for over 40 years.

What to expect

A theatrical Polar Express journey with a freshly baked cookie and a cup of hot chocolate, and a Silver Sleigh Bell from Santa for every passenger. Groups are not mixed: each booking has its own table or compartment. Babies on lap do not receive a Golden Ticket, Silver Bells, hot chocolate or cookies.

Practical info

The station is at Park Road, Brechin, Angus DD9 7AF. Free parking is available next door in the Haulier's Yard of Steel and Murdoch, with on-street and council parking nearby; Premium ticket holders have free parking on site at Brechin Station (one car per compartment booked). A disabled-accessible section is on the train (Coach C): the operator asks you to email it first, at the address on its event page, to book it, with free parking from the Whistle Stop car park. Standard tickets have a minimum order of 2 and Premium tickets a minimum of 4. Departures run at set times on Saturdays and Sundays; questions go to the same email address.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

What does every passenger receive?▾
All passengers receive a Silver Sleigh Bell from Santa, the first gift of Christmas, and a freshly baked cookie and a cup of hot chocolate. Babies on lap do not receive a Golden Ticket, Silver Bells, hot chocolate or cookies.
Will we be seated with other groups?▾
No. The operator says it does not mix different groups within the same compartment or at the same table, so there is a minimum order of 2 for Standard tickets and 4 for Premium tickets.
What is the difference between Standard and Premium?▾
Standard seating is arranged in tables of four. Premium tickets give a private compartment for up to eight people, with a Polar Express mug to take home and a bag to carry it.
Where is the station and where can we park?▾
The station is at Park Road, Brechin, Angus DD9 7AF. Free parking is available next door in the Haulier's Yard of Steel and Murdoch, plus on-street and council parking; Premium ticket holders have free parking on site.
Is there wheelchair access?▾
A disabled-accessible section is available on the train in Coach C. The operator asks you to email it first, at the address on its event page, to book it.
Are Standard and Premium tickets in the same coach?▾
No. Standard tickets are in coaches C, D, E and F, and Premium tickets are in coaches A and B.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 8, 2026 from the official site: caledonianrailway.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: caledonianrailway.com

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is a trademark of its owner. Spotatrain is an independent guide and is not affiliated with it or with the operator.

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