Dennison Railroad Depot Museum THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride (2026): Dates & Tips

Last revised: August 19, 2026

The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum hosts a licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from the restored Pennsylvania Railroad depot in downtown Dennison—a compact two-weekend December production that sells on a first-come calendar. For 2026, trains run December 3–6 and December 10–13 with 2 p.m. through 8 p.m. shows. Public tickets opened August 4, 2026 (members April 7).

The Polar Express awaiting departure from the Dennison Depot in December, 2025. Museum photo.

About the Dennison Depot

Dennison’s 1873 Pennsylvania Railroad depot is a National Historic Landmark and World War II “Dreamsville” canteen site. The museum stages Polar Express as a Warner Bros. / Rail Events sanctioned ride on vintage coaches. Elves and storytellers are local volunteers, not a touring professional cast—part of the small-town character of this Ohio Polar.

2026 Polar Express — At a Glance

Item	Detail
Product	THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Location	400 Center Street, Dennison, Ohio 44621
2026 dates	Dec. 3–6 and Dec. 10–13, 2026 (Thu–Sun both weeks)
Show times	Thu 6 & 8 p.m.; Fri 6 & 8 p.m.; Sat/Sun 2, 4, 6 & 8 p.m.
North Pole	Seen from the train; passengers do not get off. Santa boards with the sleigh bell
Classes	Coach, Deluxe, First Class; private compartments and whole-car rentals
Typical fares	Coach $55–$65; Deluxe $66–$74; First Class $75–$85 plus $4 ticket fee (Prime / Standard / Downtime bands)
Official site	dennisondepot.org · Eventbrite / 740-922-6776

Schedules and fares change. Confirm on Dennison Depot before booking. Information compiled August 19, 2026. Licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ event.

What the Ride Is Like

Storytellers read the book aboard decorated vintage coaches. Elves work songs, games, and activities while hot chocolate and cookies are served. At the North Pole you see Santa’s workshop from the windows; Santa then boards, visits children, and presents a jingle bell from the reindeer harness. Pajamas are the dress code; skip open-toed shoes, heels, slippers, and long scarves for boarding safety.

On Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 2 or 6 p.m., and Sunday 2 or 6 p.m. trains, watch for the Elf Parade about 45 minutes before departure.

Classes of Service

First Class: Indoor waiting room; first to board with the Conductor; tables or trays; children 1–12 get an engineer hat, wooden whistle, and a special treat
Deluxe: Same First Class amenities except tables and the extra onboard treat; children still get hat and whistle
Coach: Board from outside; dress for weather
Private First Class compartment: Up to 6, $595 + $10 fee
Whole-car rentals listed from about $3,000–$4,800 depending on car

Prime Time (Fri 6 p.m.; Sat 6 or 8 p.m.; Sun 6 p.m.) is the high band. Downtime is Thursday 8 p.m. and Sunday 8 p.m. First Class is sold by phone; Coach and Deluxe also via Eventbrite. Anyone age 1 and up needs a seat.

Tickets & Practical Information

Booking: Eventbrite or 740-922-6776. One order / one payment if you must sit together. No date/time changes after purchase
Arrival: One hour early. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. Gates close 5 minutes before
Tickets mailed beginning in October; late orders go to will-call
Weather: Operates as scheduled; dress for winter. Refunds only if the depot or railroad cancels
Not CVSR: Cuyahoga Valley’s North Pole Adventure is not Polar → Christmas hub
Licensing wall: Non-Polar Christmas trains → Christmas hub

Tips for the Best Experience

Call 740-922-6776 before buying if anyone uses a wheelchair; vintage cars have limited lift space
Eat in town (Dennison Yard, Pangrazio’s) and walk the outdoor rolling stock while you wait
Buy the Polar book with your order if you want the conductor autograph at will-call—pick it up before boarding
Tuscarawas County lodging is thin; book New Philadelphia / Dover / Uhrichsville with tickets