All aboard! The Polar Express isn’t just on your screen this holiday season, but rather coming to you IRL with The Polar Express Train Ride experience in Whippany, New Jersey. But as you know, seeing is believing, so we’ll just have to show you more!
The experience offers different seating options including first class and coach. Once passengers climb aboard, they’ll get their golden ticket punched as dancing chefs serve up steaming cups of hot cocoa and Walker’s Shortbread.
Follow along Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book The Polar Express as characters sing carols and entertain the guests onboard.
Upon arrival, Santa will come to give out the first gift of Christmas—your very own silver sleigh bell! The whole journey will last one hour, as the train weaves through woods and neighborhoods surrounding Whippany, NJ.
Pajamas are strongly encouraged to wear. Beware that riders will have to wait on an unheated platform while boarding and disembarking the train, so bring appropriate winter garments.
Unsure which seat to book? The coach seating fits passengers into restored commuter coaches all dolled up for the holidays. The seats are set up in a theatre-in-the-round style so all seats face the center of the car to give everyone the best view. Prices for coach begin at $55 for adults and $48 for children.
Prefer first class? This seating selection will take you inside restored 1940’s era coaches. The cars are festively decorated and complete with overstuffed reclining chairs, large windows and plenty of legroom. Moreover, first class passengers will get to take home THE POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic mug. First class pricing begins at $85 for adults and $78 for children.
It’s important to note that this season’s experience has already sold out. Keep an eye on the website if any additional slots happen to open up, otherwise you’ll have to bookmark this fun experience for next year!