North Pole Express™ at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

The Valley Railroad Company, operator of the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, runs its North Pole Express™ from Essex Station in Essex, Connecticut. The operator invites passengers to board its locomotive-powered sleigh for a nighttime journey to the North Pole, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies. Each child receives a small gift from Santa, and children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas.

Each departure is approximately 90 minutes round-trip. The railroad sells Coach (padded bench seat), First Class (individual seat with the option of purchasing beverages) and Premium First Class (upgraded bar options and a gift for each passenger) seats, and sells full, half and quarter cars and sections of four seats to groups. Seating is assigned by car, so all tickets for a party must be bought on one order.

A nighttime round trip of about 90 minutes behind a locomotive: Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-alongs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and a small gift for each child. Pajamas are welcome; the operator warns that it is cold at the North Pole.

Essex Station, 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, Connecticut, which is also where to park. Boarding begins about 10 minutes before the excursion time; arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Trains depart on time and cannot be held for late arrivals. The operator sells tickets online only: there are no phone or walk-up sales, all sales are final and there are no refunds, exchanges or credits. Questions: northpole@essexsteamtrain.com. Seating is assigned by car, so buy all tickets for your party on one order.