Located at: North Carolina Transportation Museum | 1 Samuel Spencer Drive – Spencer, N.C.
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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
The Magic Returns!
N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, NC
November 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and December 5-7, & 11-23, 2025
Have a question? Contact us at the museum for general information at 704-636-2889 or info@nctransportationmuseum.org.
Beginning June 3, 2025 for tickets please book online or contact the call center at 704-469-5231.
Please note that the call center will not be active to take calls or questions until June 3.
Tickets Coming Soon!
Sales Begin 9 a.m. Eastern Time on the following dates:
Lifetime, Family Platinum & Family Premium Level Museum Members only
June 3
All N.C. Transportation Museum Members
June 4
General Public
June 5
If becoming a member: To be guaranteed this early buying opportunity, new, renewing or lapsed members must join by Sunday, May 18, 2025. If current membership expires on May 31, 2025, please renew by May 18 to assist with processing.
Note: ASTC reciprocal benefits do not apply to this event. To receive member benefits, your membership must be directly with the N.C. Transportation Museum.
What’s the difference between Train A and Train B?
Train A has our only Parlor Class car. Train A and Train B have Standard Coach, Deluxe Coach, and First Class table seating. Trains run at different times, but the performance is the same on either train. More details about service classes can be found below or by clicking here: www.nctransportationmuseum.org/polar-express-faq
The above images are representative examples showing the types of seating available. Each train car and its decorations will vary. The NC Transportation Museum can make no guarantee regarding any specific train car used for each level of service.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ADA AND WHEELCHAIR SEATING
Passengers who require ADA-compatible seating and wheelchair accessibility should review our FAQ page before purchasing tickets. We cannot guarantee availability for wheelchairs over 30″ wide or motorized devices. Boarding and deboarding of trains requires climbing stairs and walking through rail cars to and from seating locations. Limited wheelchair-accessible seating and a wheelchair lift is available on Train A’s “Jingle” car (standard coach) and Train B’s “Noel” car (deluxe coach) for loading at the initial boarding location and at the final destination only. A wheelchair lift is not available at the North Pole scene, but passengers riding in the ADA car on each train can view and listen to the scene from inside the train. First Class, Parlor Class, and all other standard and deluxe coach cars are not wheelchair accessible due to the use of historic and antiquated rail passenger equipment, which is exempt from ADA regulations under US Code: Title 42: Section 12184. There is no lift available to load or unload any cars other than the “Jingle” car and the “Noel” car as noted above.
When buying tickets, don’t forget to add from our selection of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ merchandise that will make your trip to the North Pole even more memorable.
Choose from a variety of pre-sale items which can be picked up upon arrival, including a copy of “The Polar Express” book signed by Santa Claus himself, The Polar Express™ lanyard, the snow globe spinning light wand, the cuddly Caribou Plush, Sherpa Throw, and the bell display ornament complete with a special hook to display your silver sleigh bell from Santa. Your children will want to take these special items along on their magical journey!
The Polar Express™ Book
$21.99 plus tax
Reading 1986’s Caldecott Medal winner, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, by Chris Van Allsburg has become a beloved holiday tradition for generations of families. In 2004, this holiday classic came to life on screen when the animated feature film starring Tom Hanks was produced. This sturdy, oversized hardcover special edition features the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg, highlighted with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes an author’s note and downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson. This special pre-sale edition comes signed by Santa Claus himself!
The Polar Express™ Book
$21.99 plus tax
Caribou Plush – New for 2025!
$26.99 plus tax
This soft and cuddly caribou plush measures 12 inches long and has a woven THE POLAR EXPRESS™ logo on the bottom of one hoof.
Caribou Plush – New for 2025!
$26.99 plus tax
Snow Globe Spinning Light Wand
$16.99 plus tax
One of our most popular items, this spinning light wand has swirling foam balls that mimic a snow globe along with a center ticket that spins. 8.5” tall. AA batteries included.
Snow Globe Spinning Light Wand
$16.99 plus tax
Bell Display Ornament
$16.95 plus tax
Display your bell from Santa! This ornament is made of metal with a velvet backing and includes a special hook in the center to easily attach your silver sleigh bell from your ride on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. The ornament is 3.5” diameter and features a ribbon and string to hang from the Christmas tree. (Bell not included.)
Bell Display Ornament
$16.95 plus tax
Sherpa Throw – New for 2025!
$31.99 plus tax
This two layer throw features scenes from THE POLAR EXPRESS™, a blue fuzzy sherpa fleece fabric on the underside and a velvet-like fabric on the top. Keep yourself warm on the train, or all winter long. Measures 55”x40.”
Sherpa Throw – New for 2025!
$31.99 plus tax
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Lanyard – New for 2025!
$8.99 plus tax
Relive your experience on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride with this two-sided lanyard, which has a red background with a bell on one side and movie scene on the other side and holds a 6” x 2.4” ticket. To ensure safety, this lanyard has a breakaway portion.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Lanyard – New for 2025!
$8.99 plus tax
Prices Starting At*:
Note: All prices and handling fees remain the same as 2024. Prices shown now include handling fees. NC tax applied at time of purchase.
In all seating classes, children under 2 do not require a ticket and ride free on the lap of a paying adult. Limit one child under age 2 per paying adult. Children under age 2 without a paid ticket cannot occupy a separate seat.
*Prices shown include ticket fees. Peak performance times may have higher pricing. N.C. sales tax will be added to your order.
Peak Pricing (times and dates identified with ** on schedule below)
*All prices shown include ticket fees. N.C. sales tax will be added to your order.
Class Descriptions
Standard Class (Train A and B)
Passengers receive hot cocoa (served in a quality paper cup), a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, and a golden ticket. Standard Class is coach seating in padded seats without a table. Each person aged 2 and up requires a seat.
Deluxe Class (Train A and B)
Passengers receive hot cocoa served in a keepsake tumbler, a special treat, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, and a golden ticket. Deluxe Class is coach seating in padded seats without a table. Each person aged 2 and up requires a seat.
First Class (Train A and B)
Passengers are seated at 2-top, 4-top and 6-top tables. Passengers receive hot cocoa served in a keepsake ceramic mug, a special treat, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, and a golden ticket. All seats at a table must be purchased regardless of if they are used, and no additional people can be seated at a table. One lap-child under age two is allowed to ride on the lap per paying adult. When additional seating is required for anyone aged 2 and up, an additional table must be purchased.
Parlor Class (Train A)
Passengers are seated at 4-top tables. Passengers receive hot cocoa served in a keepsake ceramic mug, a special treat, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, a golden ticket, and a hard-bound copy of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express signed by Santa Claus (one per table). All seats at a table must be purchased regardless of if they are used, and no additional people can be seated at a table. One lap-child under age two is allowed to ride on the lap per paying adult. When additional seating is required for anyone aged 2 and up, an additional table must be purchased.
Train Descriptions
Two trains run simultaneously, departing at different times. Both trains offer the same quality of performances, with amenities being different in each seating class as noted in the Class Descriptions section above.
Train A Service Classes
Parlor (most exclusive class): Parlor car
First Class: Holly, Clarice and Comet cars
Deluxe: Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph cars
Standard: Jingle car*
*Jingle is the only car on Train A that is able to accommodate wheelchairs or ADA needs.
Train B Service Classes
First Class: Cupid and Mistletoe car
Deluxe: To Be Announced*
Standard: To Be Announced*
*Only one car on Train B (the “Noel” Deluxe Coach) can accommodate wheelchairs or ADA needs.
This magical holiday event takes place at the N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, N.C. The museum is located approximately halfway between Charlotte and Greensboro just off Interstate 85 in Rowan County, N.C.
Seating Charts Coming Soon!
*Note – 2:30 and 3:15 trains are NOT peak pricing
**Peak performance time with peak pricing. Pricing will be adjusted when selecting this time.
*Note – 2:30 and 3:15 trains are NOT peak pricing
**Peak performance time with peak pricing. Pricing will be adjusted when selecting this time.
2024 Show Dates/Times
*Note – 2:30 and 3:15 trains are NOT peak pricing
**Peak performance time with peak pricing. Pricing will be adjusted when selecting this time.
*Note – 2:30 and 3:15 trains are NOT peak pricing
**Peak performance time with peak pricing. Pricing will be adjusted when selecting this time.
Professional pictures with Santa will be available in Candy Cane Lane before and after THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides. Carolina Portrait Designs will provide photography and several different photo packages to choose from.
For information about THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride for School Groups,
please contact Meghan DeLapp calling 980-305-6298 or emailing meghan.delapp@dncr.nc.gov. School group daytime trains are planned for Monday, November 24, and Monday, December 8, 2025.
Please call or email Meghan DeLapp ONLY for those two school day events, NOT for THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride on any other day or night. Delays may result by calling the wrong number. For all other ticketing for THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride, please either book online or call 704-469-5231. You can also email info@nctransportationmuseum.org with questions.
Overnight Stay & Play Package
You can earn complimentary tickets by booking your overnight stay in a participating Rowan County Lodging property. Pay careful attention to the new process, as well as the terms and conditions prior to booking your lodging. Polar Express Package sales begin June 5, 2025 at 9 a.m. Each event weekend has a different deadline, please visit the Rowan County Tourism website for deadlines.
MEMBER PRESALE: Lifetime, Family Platinum, and Family Premium members of the N.C. Transportation Museum will be able to book tickets beginning June 3 at 9 a.m. All other N.C. Transportation Museum members will be able to book tickets beginning June 4 at 9 a.m. For those who are not members as of the May 18, 2025 deadline, tickets will be available beginning June 5 at 9 a.m. There will NOT be an option to select the special offer for members on 6/3 or 6/4 when booking your hotel. Please book your hotel using the booking widget below, then call the ticketing center at 704-469-5231. Once they verify your membership, they will add the special offer to your reservation and provide you with your code or gift certificate. Please have your hotel reservation information ready.
THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride Packages will be available to members of the N.C. Transportation Museum on June 3 & 4, 2025 and to the public on June 5, 2025. Each event weekend has a different deadline, please see the chart below for deadlines.
| EVENT DATES | PROMOTION BOOKING DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| November 7-9, 2025 | Wednesday, November 5 at 4 p.m. |
| November 14-16, 2025 | Wednesday, November 12 at 4 p.m. |
| November 21-23, 2025 | Wednesday, November 19 at 4 p.m. |
| November 28-30, 2025 | Monday, November 24 at 4 p.m. |
| December 5-7, 2025 | Wednesday, December 3 at 4 p.m. |
| December 11-23, 2025 | Monday, December 8 at 12 p.m. |
Book your overnight stay in Rowan County during the date you are attending THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum and receive:
1 Night Stay |
1 free standard adult and 1 free standard child ticket (while supplies last) OR a $50 VISA e-gift card |
2 Night Stay |
2 free standard adult and 2 free standard child tickets (while supplies last) OR a $125 VISA e-gift card |
**Free tickets are STANDARD CLASS tickets. They cannot be exchanged or utilized towards higher level tickets. VISA e-gift cards will be issued at hotel check-in. **
Questions regarding Overnight Stay & Play Package? Contact the Rowan County Tourism office at 1-800-332-2343, 704-638-3100, or visit their website. These packages are offered exclusively by Rowan County Tourism and all arrangements must be made per Rowan County Tourism procedures, terms, and conditions.
Enjoy the magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at N.C. Transportation Museum 1 Samuel Spencer Dr. Spencer, NC 28159