THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Chehalis-Centralia Railroad

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, a non-profit heritage railroad, runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from its depot in Chehalis, Washington. The operator invites guests to ride to the North Pole with their children, watch live performances, hear a reading of the children's book, sip hot chocolate and receive a visit and a gift from Santa.

The round trip to the North Pole takes 75 minutes, with a chocolate peppermint cookie and hot chocolate served by the train's chefs. At the North Pole Santa and his helpers greet passengers and board the train, and each child is given the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell. Passengers ride in the railroad's 1920s coaches, where tables seat four, or in a premier first class seating area in a historic 1920s business car, which includes a collector's mug and a gift bag.

The event is set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, and the depot gift shop sells themed items. All sales are online only.

The railroad also runs scenic train rides through the Chehalis River Valley and other seasonal trains; this page covers only the Polar Express event.

The operator describes a 75-minute round trip to the North Pole with live performances, a reading of the book, hot chocolate and a peppermint cookie from onboard chefs, and Santa boarding to give each child a silver sleigh bell. It notes the older equipment has limited heating, so blankets, jammies and scarves are encouraged.

Departures are from the depot at 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, Washington. The operator asks passengers to arrive half an hour before departure, check in at the ticket counter and receive a boarding pass with the Golden Ticket. Children aged two and under ride free but must sit on an adult's lap. Seats in the general coach are table seating for four, and parties of fewer than four may buy the empty seats; empty seats are otherwise filled by other parties. The older equipment has limited heating and an RV-style restroom in the general seating coach. Holiday trains have no wheelchair or walker accessibility because of narrow doors and aisles, although guests can leave a walker or wheelchair in the depot; pre-boarding is available, and there are ramps to the depot and train. Strollers and infant seats must be left at the depot. Dietary needs can be noted at booking (non-dairy, vegan and gluten-free options are available). All sales are final, online only, with no refunds, transfers or cancellations; tickets may be gifted.