Located at: North Carolina Transportation Museum | 1 Samuel Spencer Drive – Spencer, N.C.
November 27 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
December 4 at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Group Rate Pricing:
$26.75* for Students
(Pre-K through 12th grade)
$26.75* for Teachers
$32.10* for Adult Chaperones
*Prices include N.C. Sales Tax*
Bus driver receives a complimentary ticket
Homeschool Groups: 1 teacher per 5 paying students may ride at the $26.75 rate. Additional adult chaperons will receive the $32.10 rate.
Group ticket rates are for standard coach seats only. Only one car (“Dasher”) is wheelchair accessible with space for two wheelchair riders.
Groups needing to book a wheelchair space should contact June Hall at 980-305-6274 or june.hall@ncdcr.gov or Will Tate at 980-305-6271 to confirm availability. All other cars of the train require climbing steps and walking through rail cars to seats.
Add-On Options:
Pre-purchase a souvenir hardbound copy of The Polar Express book, signed by Santa Claus himself! Available as an add-on during the ticket purchase process, these books will be picked up at Will Call during your visit to the museum. $21.40/each (includes N.C. sales tax).
Teacher edition of The Polar Express book can be pre-purchased and signed by Santa Claus. This oversized edition of The Polar Express allows the entire classroom to see as they read along. It’s a great addition to the classroom library! $32.09/each (includes N.C. sales tax).
The Polar Express book will also be available in The Gift Station, but only pre-purchased books will be signed by Santa Claus.
Refunds and Exchanges:
Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged, so please check the date, time, and location carefully before purchasing. No rainchecks will be offered. All rides continue rain or shine.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride offers the unique experience of a live theater performance and train ride in one. Our performances begin with the train’s arrival in the station at the Barber Junction Visitor Center. After watching a short production, taken from Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express, all guests are invited aboard. During THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, passengers are served hot chocolate and a sweet treat, and delight in lively songs, dance and the reading of the holiday classic The Polar Express book. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas. Santa then joins passengers on the train and provides each believer with a silver sleigh bell before exiting the train.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event will offer two stage performances and the train ride. The experience lasts about 60 minutes and will take place entirely on the grounds of the N.C. Transportation Museum.
To book a visit and receive a discount:
Must have a preformed group of at least 15 paying participants, pre-register, and pay in advance.
A non-refundable deposit of $350 is required to create a group reservation. Final payment may be made in 2 additional installments. The second payment may be made by October 20, 2023 and the final count and balance must be paid in full by November 17, 2023. If payment is not received by November 17, 2023 the group reservation will be lost.
Group Rate Pricing:
$26.75* for Students
(Pre-K through 12th grade)
$26.75* for Teachers
$32.10* for Adult Chaperones
*Prices include N.C. Sales Tax*
Bus driver receives a complimentary ticket
Homeschool Groups: 1 teacher per 5 paying students may ride at the $26.75 rate. Additional adult chaperons will receive the $32.10 rate.
Group ticket rates are for standard coach seats only. Only one car (“Dasher”) is wheelchair accessible with space for two wheelchair riders.
Groups needing to book a wheelchair space should contact June Hall at 980-305-6274 or june.hall@ncdcr.gov or Will Tate at 980-305-6271 to confirm availability. All other cars of the train require climbing steps and walking through rail cars to seats.
Add-On Options:
Pre-purchase a souvenir hardbound copy of The Polar Express book, signed by Santa Claus himself! Available as an add-on during the ticket purchase process, these books will be picked up at Will Call during your visit to the museum. $21.40/each (includes N.C. sales tax).
Teacher edition of The Polar Express book can be pre-purchased and signed by Santa Claus. This oversized edition of The Polar Express allows the entire classroom to see as they read along. It’s a great addition to the classroom library! $32.09/each (includes N.C. sales tax).
The Polar Express book will also be available in The Gift Station, but only pre-purchased books will be signed by Santa Claus.
Booking Your Group:
To make reservations, please contact June Hall at 980-305-6274 or june.hall@ncdcr.gov or Will Tate at 980-305-6271.
Inquiries and adjustments on existing reservations can be made by group leader only. Seating is limited. Please be sure to have an accurate headcount of students, teachers, bus drivers, and chaperons. Walk-up tickets will not be available the day of the event. Adult chaperons cannot make their own reservations.
Payment:
Credit card payment can be made over the phone by calling 980-305-6274 or 980-305-6271. Checks with a registration form should be mailed to:
N.C. Transportation Museum
Attn: Polar Express School Groups
411 S. Salisbury Ave
Spencer, N.C. 28159
Please make checks payable to: N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation. Reference on checks: Polar Express School Group
Refunds and Exchanges:
Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged, so please check the date, time, and location carefully before purchasing. No rainchecks will be offered. All rides continue rain or shine.
Additional Information:
Groups must be checked-in at Barber Junction Visitors Center by the group leader 30 minutes before departure. Please have group assembled and ready to board 15 minutes before departure.
Please allow adequate travel time. The train departs as scheduled and cannot be held for late arrivals.
Exhibit buildings will be closed on November 27 and December 4.
Please contact 980-305-6274 or 980-305-6274 with any special needs such as mobility issues or requests.
We encourage the whole class to dress in their warmest pajamas and bring The Polar Express book to read along, if you wish. Do be sure to dress warmly enough to walk comfortably to and from your bus or car, to wait for boarding and to watch the two outdoor performances. We suggest you wear closed-toe shoes with non-slick bottoms. Please do not come in bare feet or stocking feet. Please make sure you (and your students) are dressed appropriately for the weather.
Crafts, postcards to Santa and coloring sheets will be packaged for you to take back to school.
Our Gift Station will be open and welcomes groups with adult supervision.
Enjoy the magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at N.C. Transportation Museum 1 Samuel Spencer Dr. Spencer, NC 28159