Riding The Polar Express Train in Colorado
Updated October 2020
One of our favorite holiday excursions is riding the The Polar Express Train in Colorado. The magic of Christmas totally comes alive at the Polar Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, CO – particularly if there is a fresh dusting of snow!
And hooray! The train is back for the 2020 season! Tickets go on sale October 1st, so make sure to grab a spot early since capacity is reduced this year!
If you are unfamiliar, the Polar Express is a Christmas children’s book and movie about a boy who takes a train to the North Pole.
The Colorado Railroad Museum always goes above and beyond for the Polar Express ride with actors playing all of the major characters and creating a really wonderful atmosphere.
2020 Covid Measures
This year, the Polar Express Train in Golden, CO, will look a little different.
- Masks are required for all guests 3 years and up. The only exceptions are while seated and eating as long as you are socially distanced.
- Capacity has been limited to allow for more spacing between groups.
- The trains will be sanitized between each ride and groups will be arranged in staggered seating.
- Advanced tickets required!
Getting Tickets to the Polar Express Train in Colorado
We bought our tickets way back in August and the event sells out every year! For 2020 tickets, purchase tickets here. When you get to museum you get to exchange your printed ticket confirmation for gold railroad tickets, just like in the book and movie!
Dining and Story Telling on the Polar Express in Colorado
The evening started in the dining car in a small intimate group. The dining car portion occurred in several dining cars spread out throughout the museum based on a pay grade scale.
This year, to allow for social distancing, the evening is going to look a bit different. All patrons will enjoy the dining and storytelling portion in a pavilion setting before the train ride. This allows for more spacing between groups and a safer overall experience.
From there, those who purchase standard seating will board assigned coach cars on the Polar Express. First class tickets are available this year as a “table of four” purchase. Those who decide to ride first class get to sit at a table as a group and receive commemorative mugs and first class silver bells!
The evening starts with a retelling of the classic children’s book by the conductor of the train! Followed by musical numbers and many of the tale’s characters making an appearance!
Of course, the chefs performed the iconic Hot Chocolate song from the movie with Tom Hanks and then handed out the cookies and hot chocolate. Yum!
Once everyone was done with their hot chocolate, we de-boarded the dining car and followed the conductor over to the station to board the actual ride. Along the way, you see performances by the “ghost” from the storyline and Mrs. Clauss who gets you ready for the Christmas magic!
The Polar Express Train Ride in Golden, Colorado
As you wait for the train to arrive, listen to Christmas carols that “power” the train with Christmas spirit! From the dark, you will see the steam of the train first and then hear it’s whistle while the Polar Express ballad plays over the loud speakers. It gave me chills.
For more Christmas fun, check out how we celebrated Chilean-style in this post.
About the Train Cars
The engine that pulled our Polar Express was No. 491, which was part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. It was built in Colorado in 1928 and has been restored to working order to pull all of the Museum’s special events, such as A Day out with Thomas, the Polar Express. The passenger car we rode in was an 1880s era passenger car with many original features, including the wood paneling.
The boys were wearing special Christmas pajamas that I made for them just for the event because the characters in the book are all picked up during the night and wear their pajamas.
It was really fun to see lots of children all warm and cozy!
For more things to do in Denver with kids, check out our favorites here.
Onboard Experience
As you loop around the museum’s rail yard, different scenes light up along the way each time and the characters from the book come through the train acting out the storylines. It’s so much fun! The ride lasts about 45 minutes.
The conductor even comes through and punches the first letter of each child’s name into his or her ticket. What a special keepsake!
The last scene is when the train actually stops in front of the North Pole. When you first arrive you see Elves celebrating then the characters you have been meeting all evening jump off the train! You watch as the young boy meets Santa and get the sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas.
Santa boards the train and gives each passenger their own sleigh bell as the conductor explains that you can only hear it ringing if you truly believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas! For kids who are timid around Santa, this is a really great, non-confrontational way for them to meet him.
To see how candy canes are made, check out our visit to the Hammond’s Candies factory.
Seeing Santa
After that, the Polar Express returns home to the station and everyone de-boards. At that point, you could either head home or visit Santa for pictures in another train car on the museum grounds. We decided to visit Mr. & Mrs. Clauss in the kitchen car and have our picture taken.
Spencer was timid but told Santa what he wanted for Christmas (Candyland game) and Connor was not happy about it one bit!
My boys have not stopped talking about the Polar Express since we got home!
To Purchase tickets for 2020 click here.
Not able to go this year? Make sure and Pin this so you have the info ready when you need it!
