THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Telford Steam Railway

Telford Steam Railway at Horsehay runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride each Christmas, described by the operator as an immersive re-creation inspired by the 2004 film. Before the ride, pre-show activities include seeing inside Hero Boy's bedroom, with a chance to get a bite to eat or a drink.

On board, the Conductor punches Golden Tickets, and the Chefs entertain passengers and present the story of The Polar Express with a giant book while elements of the story come to life. Passengers are served a cookie and hot chocolate in a Polar Express cup. At the North Pole, Santa climbs aboard with his Elves to give every passenger the first gift of Christmas, a Silver Sleigh Bell.

There are two classes of travel, standard and premium. Premium passengers also receive a limited edition ceramic mug and a bag for each pair of seats. The operator encourages passengers to wear pyjamas. The event is operated and managed by TSRE21 Limited on behalf of the Telford Horsehay Steam Trust.

A theatrical ride with the Conductor, singing Chefs, hot chocolate and a cookie, and Santa handing out Silver Sleigh Bells. All passengers receive the same performance in standard and premium class; the two classes are usually in different carriages.

Guests are asked to arrive at the free Park and Ride from one hour before boarding and are taken to the railway by free shuttle bus; there is no parking on site. The railway is at The Old Loco Shed, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford, Shropshire TF4 2NF. Tickets are sold per person but only in multiples of two (a party of 3 needs four tickets). Passengers aged 2 and under travel free on an adult's lap, one child per adult, and do not need a ticket. The ride itself is around one hour; expect to be on site for over two hours.