All aboard!
Starting tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 13, the Catskill Mountain Railroad is bringing the classic children’s book to life with its annual Polar Express train ride in Kingston, just two hours north of NYC.
Running through Wednesday, Dec. 30, the hour-long ride loads families, many of them in their pajamas, into 1950s vintage coaches for a trip to the “North Pole” and back.
Tickets have sold out quickly in past years, so if you’ve got your heart set on a December date, now’s the time to book!
Here’s what you can expect on the once-of-a-lifetime journey!
What happens on board
The ride follows the story beat for beat:
- Golden tickets: the conductor walks through each car punching your golden ticket.
- Hot chocolate and cookies, served by dancing chefs.
- Story time: passengers read along with Chris Van Allsburg’s book, “The Polar Express”.
- Santa at the North Pole: Santa and his elves board the train, and every rider gets a silver sleigh bell, the “first gift of Christmas”, to take home.
- Carols on the way back, led by characters in every car.
The round trip covers less than 10 miles and lasts about 70 minutes, and you’ll ride forward one way and backward the other.
Plan on about an hour and a half for the whole experience.
Tickets and prices
Prices depend on how busy the train is:
- Off-peak: $48 adults, $38 kids
- Peak: $58 adults, $48 kids
- Under 2: free on a lap, but you’ll need to add a free infant ticket at checkout
Ulster County and Kingston residents get $10 off per person, and military members and first responders get $5 off, with proof of eligibility by email.
You’ll pick your exact seats when you book, airline-style, and they can’t be changed or combined later.
Tickets are non-refundable, but the railroad will try to move you to another date with at least 48 hours’ notice.
🎅 Tickets are available here, or by calling 845-332-4854.
Getting there from NYC
Trains depart from Westbrook Station at 55 Kingston Plaza Road in Kingston, where parking is free in the Kingston Plaza lot.
It’s about a two-hour drive from Manhattan, and Trailways buses also run from Port Authority to Kingston.
Arrive about 45 minutes before your departure to check in. Boarding starts about 20 minutes before, and the train leaves right on time, so don’t cut it close.
Good to know before you go
- Dress warm: pajamas are encouraged, but bring winter layers, since you may wait on an unheated platform, and trains run in any weather.
- Restrooms: there are none on board, only portable restrooms at the station.
- Food: the cookies are nut-free but may come from a facility that processes nuts, and the hot chocolate contains dairy. You’re welcome to bring your own treat.
- No alcohol is allowed.
- Accessibility: the station and train are wheelchair accessible, but space is limited, so call ahead. There are also sensory-friendly seats with softer audio and lighting, plus a special Hudson car with staff trained to support guests with autism, hearing impairments and other needs.