This Maine Christmas Train Takes Families On A Magical Journey To The North Pole

Santa climbs aboard this train and greets every single passenger, then hands each child a silver sleigh bell. That bell is called the first gift of Christmas, and kids get to keep it.

The whole ride brings a beloved holiday book to life. Chefs pour hot chocolate, cookies get passed around, and the story is read aloud as the train rolls along the water.

Kids are encouraged to show up in their pajamas. I love the thought of that, a whole train full of tiny travelers in flannel and fuzzy slippers. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

This cozy tradition happens right on the coast of Maine every holiday season. Thousands of families climb aboard each year.

All Aboard A Storybook Ride That Kids Never Forget

Golden tickets, steaming cocoa, and a visit from Santa all fit inside one short train ride. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum hosts THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride every holiday season in Portland.

The experience brings Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and the famous film to life. Families ride to the North Pole, and the story unfolds around them as they travel.

Each trip runs roughly 50 minutes round trip. That timing is pretty perfect for little ones with wiggly legs and short attention spans.

The ride covers about 1.5 miles of track. It’s short enough to keep everyone happy, yet packed with enough moments to feel like a real adventure.

Dates usually stretch from late November through late December. For 2026, trains are scheduled on select dates from November 20 through December 28.

No trains run on December 24 or 25. Santa has a pretty busy schedule those nights, so that seems fair.

This ride has become a true holiday tradition across Maine. In 2025, about 29,000 passengers climbed aboard, which tells you how much families love it.

Your Adventure Starts Inside A Festive Waterfront Terminal

Here’s a detail that trips people up. The museum sits at 65 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101, but the holiday train leaves from somewhere else nearby.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride departs from the Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal on Portland’s waterfront. Plug that into your map before you leave home, and you’ll save yourself a scramble.

The terminal building gets decked out for the season. That means the magic kicks in before anyone even sees the train.

Live actors help set the scene at the station. Kids get pulled into the story right away, which is a lot more fun than standing around waiting.

You can also browse holiday and train-themed souvenirs inside the terminal. Little railroad fans may find something they simply cannot live without.

A smart move is to arrive early and soak it in. Let the kids explore the decorations and watch the actors while you get your bearings.

Starting the night calm and relaxed makes a big difference. Nobody enjoys a magical journey after a frantic sprint from the parking lot.

Golden Tickets And A Conductor Who Means Business

Few things make a kid’s eyes light up like holding a real golden ticket. On this ride, children receive authentic golden tickets as they board.

A Conductor guides everyone onto the train. It feels just like the moment from the story, which is exactly the point.

The train includes nine historic passenger coaches. Every one gets dressed up in festive holiday style for the season.

Now for the practical part, and it matters. Passengers need to be ready to board at least 20 minutes before their scheduled departure.

The train leaves promptly and can’t wait for latecomers. Think of it as the North Pole’s version of a strict bedtime.

Tickets are also non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Double-check your date and time before you buy, and set a reminder on your phone.

Building in extra time helps in other ways too. Bathroom stops, coat zipping, and one last search for a missing mitten all take longer than planned.

Get there early, and your crew can board with smiles. That calm start sets the tone for everything that follows.

Hot, Hot Chocolate Is Basically Mandatory

Anyone who remembers the movie knows the hot chocolate scene. Good news, because that moment comes to life on this train.

Costumed chefs and stewards serve hot chocolate to every passenger. Cookies come along too, so nobody has to choose between treats.

Some seasons have featured snickerdoodles from Two Fat Cats Bakery, a Portland favorite. That’s a sweet local touch on a ride already full of sugar and sparkle.

Christmas music fills the train cars while everyone sips and munches. It’s the kind of cozy setup that makes grown-ups relax a little too.

A quick tip for parents of small kids. Hot drinks and bouncy excitement don’t always mix well, so keep some napkins handy.

Pajamas are encouraged anyway, and a cocoa splash on flannel is basically part of the tradition. Still, a spare shirt in your bag never hurts.

The snacks also help on a practical level. Kids stay busy and happy during the ride, and that makes the whole trip smoother for everyone.

Honestly, it might be the tastiest train ride in Maine.

Story Time Rolls Along Casco Bay

Reading a bedtime story is lovely. Hearing one read aloud on a moving train beside the ocean is next-level.

During the journey, The Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg is read aloud to passengers. Kids can follow along with the very adventure they’re living.

The route itself adds plenty of charm. The tracks run along Casco Bay and the Eastern Promenade, offering scenic views of Portland’s waterfront.

That shoreline setting makes this ride feel different from a standard holiday event. You’re not just in a decorated room, you’re actually traveling somewhere.

Want a good tip for seating? Encourage kids to grab a window view when they can, so they can peek outside between pages.

Little ones might also enjoy reading the book at home before the trip. Knowing the story ahead of time makes each scene on board feel extra exciting.

Some families even bring their own copy along for the ride. It turns into a keepsake that brings back memories every December after.

Books, bay views, and a moving train make a pretty great combination.

Santa Hops On With A Very Special Bell

The North Pole arrives, and the excitement level jumps about a thousand percent. Santa Claus and his helpers board the train to greet every passenger.

Yes, every passenger. Nobody gets skipped, which is a big deal when you’re seven and very worried about the nice list.

Each child receives the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell. It’s a direct nod to the book, and it’s a keepsake kids can hold onto for years.

Here’s a helpful idea for parents. Have your camera or phone ready before Santa reaches your row, because the moment goes quickly.

Some kids get shy around the big guy, and that’s totally normal. A gentle wave or a simple hello still counts as a memorable meeting.

Back home, many families hang the bell on the tree each year. It becomes a little reminder of the night they rode to the North Pole.

Listen closely. Can you still hear it ring?

Pick Your Seat, From Cozy Benches To Fancy Armchairs

Three ticket classes give families options. Each one includes hot chocolate, a cookie, and a silver sleigh bell for children.

Coach Class offers general admission on bench seating. It’s the simple, classic way to ride, and the magic still shows up in full force.

First Class takes things up a notch. Passengers ride in restored turn-of-the-century train cars with individual padded seats.

That class also includes a limited-edition ceramic mug souvenir. Collectors and cocoa lovers will appreciate that bonus.

Then there’s Presidential Class, the most deluxe choice. It puts you in a beautifully restored 1880s-era train car with premium cushioned armchairs.

Presidential guests get a commemorative ceramic mug too. Each group of four or fewer also receives a copy of The Polar Express book signed by Santa.

So which class should you pick? Think about your budget, your group size, and how much your kids care about keepsakes.

Any seat delivers the same story, the same Santa, and the same jingling bells. The fancier cars simply add extra comfort and souvenirs.

Set An Alarm For September Ticket Sales

Christmas shopping in September sounds silly. For this train ride, though, it’s the smartest move you can make.

Tickets typically go on sale in August or September and often sell out quickly. Families across Maine plan ahead, so waiting until December usually means missing out.

Mark the calendar and watch for announcements from the railroad. Having your preferred dates picked out ahead of time speeds things up.

Weekend evenings tend to be the dates many families want. Staying flexible with your choices can help you land a spot.

Remember that tickets can’t be refunded or exchanged. Check school events, work schedules, and family plans before you click that buy button.

It’s also smart to count your whole group carefully. Grandparents, cousins, and that one aunt who loves trains all need seats.

Planning early has another perk too. Kids get months of happy anticipation, and counting down can be half the fun.

A little organization now means a calm, cocoa-filled evening later. Your December self will be very thankful.

Every Jingle Helps Keep Maine Rail History Rolling

Behind all the cocoa and carols is a real piece of history. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the state’s historic two-foot narrow gauge railroad equipment.

Trains like these regularly carried passengers in Maine from the 1870s to the 1940s. The museum, founded in 1992, keeps that tradition alive for public enjoyment and education.

Here’s the heartwarming part. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser.

That means every holiday ticket helps support historic railroad preservation. Your family’s fun night actually helps keep old trains running for future riders.

On the return trip, chefs and stewards lead passengers in singing holiday carols. It’s a cheerful way to wrap up the night and head back to the station.

Families who catch the train bug can come back in warmer months. The railroad offers regular coastal rides along the Portland waterfront outside the holiday season.

So the sleigh bell might be the first gift of Christmas. Supporting a slice of Maine history feels like a pretty nice second one.