THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Mt. Hood Railroad

The Mount Hood Railroad, a century-old short line in Oregon's Hood River Valley, runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in the weeks around Christmas. The operator describes the story of a child's Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole brought to life with interactive storytelling for all ages, with the conductor and train stewards welcoming pajama-clad passengers.

Before boarding, guests enjoy a festive welcome inside the depot, and the operator asks everyone to arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for parking, shuttles, will-call pickup and the pre-show. The round trip takes approximately 90 minutes, and everyone gets the chance to meet Santa on the train during the return trip. Complimentary hot cocoa and a cookie are served to everyone on board.

Seats are sold individually in four tiers: VIP and Parlor include a table that seats up to four, Premium has a tabletop and Standard is booth seating without a table. VIP passengers receive a ceramic mug and Premium passengers a tumbler. Prices depend on the day, in three tiers: value, regular and peak.

The railroad also runs scenic excursions and railbike rides in the Columbia River Gorge area near the base of Mount Hood; this page covers only the Polar Express event.

The operator describes a festive welcome in the depot, then an interactive storytelling ride of about 90 minutes round trip, with complimentary hot cocoa and a cookie for everyone and a chance to meet Santa on the return trip. Everyone is encouraged to wear cozy festive clothing, even pajamas. VIP and Premium seats include a souvenir mug or tumbler.

The depot is at 110 Railroad Avenue, Hood River, Oregon, but because of the event's popularity the operator directs all guests to its overflow lot at 113 Portway Avenue, Hood River, where shuttle service runs to the depot; it strongly encourages paying for parking when making the reservation. Arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Seats are sold individually and assigned by the railroad according to ticket type; groups smaller than four may be seated with others unless they book in multiples of four. Infants aged 0 to 2 may ride as a lap child with a paying adult. Parlor seating is the only option that accommodates wheelchairs (maximum width 27 inches, lift available; electric wheelchairs cannot be loaded or stored), and wheelchair access to restrooms is not available. Pets are not allowed on board. Weapons are not permitted. The operator states there are no refunds or cancellations, with an optional Cancellation+ add-on at checkout; if the train cannot operate, passengers are notified and offered a refund or reschedule.