THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — St. Louis Union Station

St. Louis Union Station hosts THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in its Train Park. The operator describes beautifully decorated trains that take guests on a journey to the North Pole, with the Polar Express characters, Santa Claus and his elves, set to the motion picture soundtrack.

Guests meet the Conductor at the Train Park and board the train. On board they enjoy a reading of the classic book, freshly brewed hot chocolate from the chefs and a cookie. The operator places the North Pole just north of the St. Louis Arch grounds: at the North Pole Santa Claus boards the train and visits every child, and the train then returns to Union Station.

Several kinds of seating are sold: a discounted Holiday Saver car, Coach cars with forward-facing seats, First Class cars with a tabletop between four seats, a souvenir mug and a digital photo download, and Premium Upper Dome and Lower Lounge cars. The Upper Dome cars have an all-glass roof. The operator also schedules sensory-friendly departures, with lowered lights and music and quieter character interaction, on selected dates.

About 45 minutes on the train, not counting the activities before and after it. The operator suggests arriving 45 minutes before departure for check-in, a family photo and the activities in the depot tent. On board: a reading of the classic book, hot chocolate and a cookie, the Polar Express characters and a visit from Santa. Families are encouraged to wear their warmest pajamas, though this is not required.

Boards at St. Louis Union Station, 201 S. 18th Street, St. Louis, Missouri; the ticket office is at the entrance to the depot and tent area and guests check in before entering. Train doors close 10 minutes before departure and late arrivals cannot board. Event parking is in the main Union Station lot off 18th Street: guests prepay at the entrance, no cash is accepted, and a parking fee applies. ADA seating is available on specific cars; the operator asks guests to call the venue to book, because not every historic car is fully accessible. A limited number of restrooms are on board and a certified EMT travels on the train. Children aged two and under ride free on a lap without a ticket; strollers are left in the designated area at the entrance. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The operator says it is rain or shine.