THE EXPERIENCE
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Spa Valley Railway
Do you believe? We do here at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Spa Valley Railway. That is why we are proud to be hosting a thrilling theatrical extravaganza right here at the railway. This Christmas, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to Spa Valley Railway for 2026! We will magically recreate the 2004 blockbuster film for you and the whole family. Prepare to be immersed in the beautiful children’s classic THE POLAR EXPRESS™, once again receiving glowing reviews over on our Facebook page where we are rated 98%*
A highly rated experience
We all wore christmas pjs/ jumpers and really loved our carriage. The entertainers were so fantastic, very enthusiastic, singing, dancing and so good at making you want to join in.
We loved our hot chocolate and treat, it was delicious.
Santa was so good, really made every child feel special and got opportunity to take so many lovely pictures.
Afterwards we had some food (hot dogs and pancakes) to finish the whole experience.
Can't recommend it highly enough, it was the most magical train journey ever.
Thank you!
One suggestion - it would be lovely to see the train arrive at the station, as when you’re on it you don’t really get to enjoy the steam engine.
Only criticisms are that there is no parking for the station so parking in the town is very busy, difficult and stressful! The system to let people in could be improved too - we queued for so long that there was no time to have a real look at the station and take photos, enjoy the intro from the conductor or get anything to eat or drink from the stalls on site.
The train itself was beautifully decorated, and we were served hot chocolate and cookies while the soundtrack played in the background. The actors reenacted scenes from the film, and there were lots of interactive moments that kept the kids totally engaged.
The highlight, of course, was meeting Santa himself, who gave each child a lovely silver bell, just like in the story. My daughter was beaming the whole time.
Everything was well-organised, with plenty of parking and helpful volunteers making sure things ran smoothly.
My eldest had additional Needs, both children have dairy allergy’s, they both were accommodated with the alternative milk hot chocolates and biscuits without any issue (you give this information when booking).
The actual carriage cast members are incredible. The ‘chefs’ dance and prance up and down, the elf’s do the same, Father Christmas arrives and is so convincing, even as an adult. The ticket inspector is marvellous, again, in character entire time, answers questions from the children, doesn’t rush, and when checking the ticket, will ask your initial to mark the ticket!!
The lighting throughout the carriage creates magic by itself. Highly recommend a dusk>nighttime visit to really get the full lighting experience.
We had great attention from the cast, through the experience and each family all had equal attention. The dancing was planned so each section of the carriage could see a good portion on the routines.
I couldn’t fault any part of this experience. I have visited for several years, as well as Lapland UK and would HIGHLY recommend this experience. My children are always on a high (as are the adults) once the experience is finished.
And you can purchase some great Merch in the gift shop on the way out.
Rated 4.9 / 5 from 497 Facebook reviews.
All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™
Step into the magic of Christmas as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to Spa Valley Railway for another unforgettable festive season. Inspired by the much-loved Warner Bros. film, this immersive theatrical experience transports families straight into the enchanting world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™, where wonder, warmth and imagination take centre stage.
As your journey begins, you’ll be delighted as iconic moments from the story unfold all around you. Energetic singing and dancing chefs serve delicious cups of warming hot chocolate alongside a tasty festive treat, filling the carriages with laughter and excitement. From the youngest passengers to grandparents alike, everyone is invited to share in the joy, dreams and treasured Christmas memories created alongside the story’s most beloved characters.
Hot Chocolate & Singing Chefs
As Hot Chocolate fills the carriage with festive cheer, you’ll be entertained by lively performances while being served our much-loved THE POLAR EXPRESS™ hot chocolate. Settle back and enjoy a magical reading of the classic Christmas story The Polar Express™ by Chris Van Allsburg, bringing the heart of the tale to life for the whole family.
Beloved characters will share the beautifully illustrated pages of the book throughout the carriage, so everyone can follow the story together. Guests are welcome to bring along their own copy and join in, making the experience even more special. It’s a moment guaranteed to make you smile as you watch children, parents and grandparents alike become completely absorbed in the magic of the story.
Before you know it, the tale begins to unfold all around you, scene by scene, as storytelling, music and theatrical moments transform the steam train and surrounding railway into a living, breathing Christmas adventure.
Characters you know and love
As Santa and his cheerful elf assistant make their way through your carriage, every guest receives their very own silver sleigh bell, the cherished first gift of Christmas. Just as the story reminds us, be sure to keep it safe… after all, only those who truly believe can always hear its gentle ring.
With the sound of much-loved Christmas carols filling the air and warming hearts, the train begins its return journey to Spa Valley Railway. And when you arrive back at the station, the magic continues. Take time to visit the gift shop, where you’ll find festive keepsakes, gifts and treasures to remember your THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride experience long after the journey has ended.
The first gift of Christmas from Santa
We invite all our guests, children and the young at heart, to arrive in their cosiest pyjamas, just like in the film, when joining us on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway. Little ones especially love the extra festive treat, and with many families fully embracing the spirit of Christmas, often in matching family pyjamas, the atmosphere on board becomes even more magical.
As with all train journeys, our adventure must eventually come to an end as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to the station, ready for families to head home and continue their Christmas celebrations. We hope the magic you’ve experienced stays with you long after the journey ends, leaving you with cherished memories to treasure for many Christmases to come.
“Well – ya comin’?”
Book your THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Spa Valley Railway tickets today!
(Pictures are illustrative and may not be of the actual train.)
Official Merchandise
Official THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride merchandise is available to purchase from North Pole Trading.
