Thank you to the STL Polar Express Train Ride for providing tickets in exchange for this post. 

All aboard the The Polar Express is back in St. Louis! The Polar Express brings all your favorite parts about the classic children’s book and family movie to life in an incredible experience perfect for your family. The Polar Express train ride is filled with magical moments of hot chocolate, a special cookie, Christmas carols, and of course, Santa Claus!

The STL Polar Express Train Ride begins before you even get on the train. When you grab your tickets, you can head over to watch the fire and light show at Union Station. I can never watch it enough! Once you finish there, you can head into the heated activity tent for all your pre-ride fun.

There are games to play, activities, and you can even write a letter and mail it to Santa. Something new this year is Build-A-Bear has joined in the fun with a special Polar Express bear that you can make right there! You’ll want to be sure to arrive early enough to leave time to make a special friend before the train begins boarding.

Before boarding the Polar Express you’ll have a chance to interact with some of the characters just like the movie! This part is always super exciting as it sets the tone for the magical night ahead. Once you board the train the experience of the Polar Express begins. You’ll be served hot chocolate from the dancing chefs and there is a special cookie waiting for you at your seat. It’s gluten, nut, and dairy free so everyone can enjoy it!

As you head to the North Pole, the chefs will read the story of the Polar Express. Once you reach the North Pole Santa comes aboard the train and gives every child their first gift of Christmas. It’s such a magical experience for the kids and so much fun!

This year is definitely unforgettable! Elyse seemed to be the perfect age to enjoy the entire experience. She spent the entire night wrapped up in the magic and you can see it in her face. She couldn’t wait to see Santa and the characters had her at the edge of her seat the entire night. Jase is all about being on a train, so he’s pretty much lost in that idea alone. I mean, riding on the Polar Express is a pretty big deal. I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part in such a magical experience with the kids that they’ll remember forever.

Tickets are on sale now for the Polar Express Train Ride. Tickets are available for train departures November 16- December 30. Trains depart at 4:30, 6:00, 7:15, 8:30. You can purchase your tickets for the Polar Express Train Ride here and view frequently asked questions here.