This 'Polar Express' Train Is One of the Most Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holidays — and It Goes Through a Stunning Mountain Town
It all goes down in Colorado.
Courtesy of Anthony D'Amato
Exterior of the PEX Durango Train's Polar Express as it travels through snowy ColoradoDeep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado a train rumbles down a mountain valley. A steam engine leads the way, pulling train cars filled with children anxious to see Santa and get “the first gift of Christmas” first popularized by The Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg.
There is perhaps no better setting for a recreation of The Polar Express story than Durango, Colorado, a mountain town home to a vintage steam train. The steam locomotive, which was built in the early 1920s, makes the journey over the mountains between Durango and Silverton year-round but adds a special Polar Express-themed trip to the “North Pole” during the holidays. This year, it's running on most days between Nov. 22 and Jan. 4, 2025.
The magical journey begins at nightfall at the Durango Depot, where travelers anxiously wait for the powerful steam engine to chug around the corner. Tickets are collected, train cars are boarded, and the fun begins.
Courtesy of Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
A chef handing out hot cocoa the Polar Express passengers
Courtesy of Jerry Day
A chef on board reading from Polar Express bookAs the train departs the depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa, onboard chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, while dancing and acting out a reading from The Polar Express book. Upon arrival at the North Pole, a village of lights welcomes the train, with glimpses of Santa and Mrs. Claus and dancing elves. On the return trip, holiday music sets the mood for Santa’s visit to each train car where he gives the first gift of Christmas to each passenger.
After returning to the depot with Santa, everyone makes their way to the adjacent railroad museum where Santa listens to Christmas wishes and takes photos.
The experience, while aimed at children, is really for anyone looking for a bit of magic and theatrics. It is an experience that’s so loved that it has become the railroad’s most popular event of the year and an annual holiday tradition for many.
Courtesy of Austin White
Santa walking around and passing out silver bells to the children on boardThe Polar Express train journey takes roughly 65 minutes, but the entire experience, including photos with Santa, takes around two hours. The train cars are all heated and have bathrooms, and every guest is treated to hot chocolate, cookies, and a small gift from Santa.
The Polar Express’ three seating tiers — coach, deluxe, and first-class — are mainly distinguished by seat type. The standard coach class fare includes padded, forward-facing seating, while the deluxe class cars have roomy, overstuffed seats and face-to-face seating. Travelers booking a seat in the first-class car enjoy padded seating surrounding a table and specialty-themed Christmas decor. Those traveling in deluxe or first-class get a souvenir mug and tote.
Rates for the winter journey to the North Pole start at $39 for adults (and kids ages 12+) and $29 for children ages 2–11.
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