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ChristmasTHE POLAR EXPRESS™

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

  • Run by Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
  • Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal — Portland, Maine, United States

Next: Nov 20 – Dec 28, 2026

A theatrical holiday train ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum in Portland, Maine, and the museum's largest annual fundraiser.

Updated

Next edition

Nov 20 – Dec 28, 2026

Nov 20–22, 27–29; Dec 4–6, 10–13, 17–20; daily Dec 21–23 and 26–28. No trains Dec 24–25. Departures about 1:30 to 7:45 pm.

From $35 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is staged by the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum on its waterfront line in Portland, Maine. The operator says the theatrically driven Christmas train is its largest annual fundraiser and is staffed by volunteers.

The experience begins at Portland's Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal, where live actors set the scene before passengers board nine historic coaches decked out for the holidays. Children receive golden tickets from the conductor, costumed chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, and a round trip to the "North Pole" follows behind a locomotive that, according to the operator, may be steam powered. At the North Pole a special guest boards and hands out the first gift of Christmas.

The operator sells Coach, First and Presidential classes; First Class passengers get a limited-edition ceramic mug.

What to expect

Live actors at the station, golden tickets from the conductor, hot chocolate and a cookie, Christmas music, a brief visit from Santa and the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, all on a round trip behind a locomotive that may be steam powered. Be ready to board at least 20 minutes before departure: the train leaves exactly on time.

Practical info

The experience begins at the Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal, Portland, Maine, with the museum at 65 Thames Street (operator's contact address). Be on board and seated at the listed departure time; the operator cannot hold the train for latecomers. Ticket line: (800) 514-3849. Volunteers can contact the railroad to take part.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

Where does the Maine Polar Express start?▾
The operator says the experience begins at Portland's Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal.
What classes of service are there?▾
Coach, First Class and Presidential Class. First Class passengers ride in restored turn-of-the-century cars with individual padded seats and receive a limited-edition ceramic mug; Presidential Class adds premium cushioned seating and a signed copy of the book on loan.
What does every passenger receive?▾
Hot chocolate, a cookie, a brief visit from Santa and the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell.
How early should we be on board?▾
Be ready to board at least 20 minutes before departure. The operator says the train leaves exactly on time and cannot hold the train for any latecomers.
Is the train steam powered?▾
The operator says the brilliantly decorated train may be powered by an authentic steam engine.
Who runs the event?▾
It is staffed by volunteers and is the largest annual fundraiser for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 2, 2026 from the official site: mainenarrowgauge.org. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: mainenarrowgauge.org

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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