THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Churnet Valley Railway

Churnet Valley Railway runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Line in Staffordshire. The operator describes a train that heads directly towards the "Frozen North" to pick Santa Claus up for the return journey, with the trip told true to the book and the movie.

On board there is immersive, interactive, panto-style live entertainment, singing and dancing chefs, the story told by the characters who lived it, hot chocolate with a Christmas cookie, and Santa, who may have a gift for passengers, perhaps a silver bell. The operator says its locomotive is dressed as a festive version of the Pere Marquette 1225, the engine that inspired the story, and that it is the only operator in the UK offering this experience behind an authentic American-built steam locomotive.

Two classes are sold, Standard and Premium. Premium adds a limited-edition POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic mug, redesigned each year, and a bag for each booking. The operator suggests the ride for families, groups of friends with children, and care and retirement homes.

The train ride lasts around an hour; the operator suggests allowing about an hour and a half for the whole experience. Expect live panto-style entertainment, singing and dancing chefs, the story told by its characters, hot chocolate and a cookie, and a visit from Santa. Pyjamas are optional but encouraged. The train is heated, but the platform can be chilly, so bring a coat and gloves.

Departs from Froghall Station (Kingsley & Froghall), Froghall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 2HA. There is ample on-site parking, with an overflow car park beside the bridge over the railway when needed; wear footwear suitable for the walk from the car park to the station. Tickets are sold online only, not by phone or in person, and the operator asks guests to show their order confirmation on a smartphone or printed. The 1950s coaches have fixed tables, so a party may share a table with other guests. Alcohol is not permitted on board. Children aged under 2 travel on a parent's lap without a seat, hot chocolate or cookie, and receive a silver bell. Allergens are selected when booking; guests may bring an alternative drink and cookie.