THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Galveston Railroad Museum

The Galveston Railroad Museum runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride as a holiday experience at its historic 1932 Union Depot on Galveston Island. The museum says it received a Polar Bell Award, announced by Rail Events, Inc. and Warner Bros., as the 2023 Best Prologue recipient.

Guests board for a 60-minute round-trip journey to the "North Pole". The story is read aloud as the train travels, hot chocolate and a cookie are served by chefs, Santa boards for the return trip and every child receives a silver bell, the first gift of Christmas. The museum says you do not need to know the book or film to enjoy it.

The full experience takes about two hours including arrival, food, letters to Santa and a performance before boarding. Seating is in First Class (tables of four, souvenir mug) or Coach (reserved rows).

A 60-minute round-trip ride with a story experience inside the depot before boarding. Passengers stay on the train: chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie, Santa boards on the way back and gives each child a silver bell, and everyone sings carols on the return. The museum encourages pajamas. Plan about two hours for the whole visit.

Boards at the Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX 77550. The museum suggests arriving about 30 minutes before departure (its event page also suggests an hour early to enjoy food, letters to Santa and a performance); final boarding is 10 minutes before departure and trains leave on time. All children need a ticket, either a lap ticket or a full seat. Strollers and baby carriers are not allowed on board. First Class passengers sit at tables for four and receive a souvenir mug; Coach seats are reserved rows. Special event parking fees apply. Events are held regardless of weather; sales are final, with a change fee per ticket. Tickets are emailed with a QR code.