THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Texas State Railroad

The Texas State Railroad offers THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from its Palestine Depot each holiday season. The railroad says the story comes to life the minute the train leaves the depot for the journey to the North Pole, and invites families to show up in their pajamas.

Onboard, cocoa chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies and recite the classic Chris Van Allsburg book, with the motion picture soundtrack playing. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves greet passengers and then board the train; Santa gives everyone the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell. The railroad says the season is operated with a diesel locomotive and that the round-trip ride lasts approximately 60 minutes.

Seating ranges from Coach (with a value rate tier) through First Class, Deluxe First Class, Dome and Presidential cars, with standard and premium rate tiers. The railroad is explicit that this event departs from Palestine and is not affiliated with, or located in, Grapevine, Texas, and is not the Grapevine Santa North Pole Express.

The train leaves the Palestine Depot for a round trip of approximately 60 minutes to the North Pole while the story is read by cocoa chefs and the film soundtrack plays. Hot chocolate and cookies are served on board. Santa and his elves greet passengers at the North Pole, Santa boards, and each passenger receives a silver sleigh bell. First Class, Deluxe First Class, Dome and Presidential passengers also receive a keepsake mug; Coach does not. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas.

All rides depart from the Texas State Railroad Palestine depot, 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, TX 75801. Check in at least 45 minutes before the ticketed departure; boarding passes must be picked up at least 15 minutes before departure, and the boarding platform closes 10 minutes before departure. Passengers who miss their train may reschedule in person at the Palestine Depot within two hours of the original departure, subject to availability and a $20 per-ticket fee. Tickets cancelled more than 30 days before departure carry a $20 per-ticket fee; within 30 days the purchase is not refunded. First Class, Dome and Presidential seats are sold in even numbers, and parties not divisible by four may be seated with others at a table. A $3 historical preservation fee is added to each ticket at checkout. An ADA-compliant car is available; call the reservations desk at 855-632-7729. The railroad also sells the book so children can read along.