Grapevine Santa’s North Pole Express (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips

Last revised: August 24, 2026

Dallas–Fort Worth’s highest-volume Christmas train is Santa’s North Pole Express® on the city-owned Grapevine Vintage Railroad. The ride is about 45 minutes from the Cotton Belt depot at 705 S. Main Street, pajamas are encouraged, and tickets are sold by the bench. This is Grapevine’s own North Pole Express—not a licensed Polar Express event. Texas Polar Express rides are at Palestine and Galveston.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad's North Pole Express is one of the state's great holiday trains. Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau photo.

About the Grapevine Vintage Railroad

GVRR is owned by the City of Grapevine and runs the former Cotton Belt between Grapevine–Main Street and the Fort Worth Stockyards. Regular-season power is diesel (GP7 “Vinny” and a pair of FL9s). Steam locomotive Puffy (1896) is under restoration and is not the Christmas-train guarantee. Grapevine markets itself as the Christmas Capital of Texas®; Santa’s North Pole Express is the railroad’s busiest product of the year.

2026 Santa’s North Pole Express — At a Glance

Item	Detail
Product	Santa’s North Pole Express®
Location	Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District / Grapevine Christmas Market, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, Texas 76051
2026 dates	Day after Thanksgiving through December 30, 2026 (most days; confirm the live grid)
Duration	About 45 minutes on the train
Route	Out-and-back from Grapevine toward “Reindeer Ridge,” then return (not the full Stockyards run)
Exception	December 3, 2026: trains leave from and return to Historic Stockyards Station in Fort Worth
Typical fares	Benches (two seats) $90, $96, or $100 by day and time
Ticket sales	Thursday, October 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m. online only (Grapevine TicketLine)
Official site	grapevinetexasusa.com (North Pole Express FAQ)

Schedules and fares change. Confirm on Grapevine’s site before booking. Information compiled August 24, 2026. This is a Christmas train—not a licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ event.

What the Ride Is Like

Arrive at the Grapevine Christmas Market at least an hour early on weekdays and earlier on weekends—Historic Main Street is closed to cars Fridays through Sundays in season. Check-in opens 20 minutes before your listed boarding time. Doors close five minutes before departure and do not reopen.

On board, elves serve a chocolate drink in a souvenir mug. The train runs a short out-and-back. Mrs. Claus typically boards at the turn. Children receive a “We Believe” bell on the return. After detraining, guests walk a North Pole path to Santa’s Workshop for a short show and photos. Pajamas are encouraged. Coaches are enclosed and climate-controlled; the boarding area is outdoors, so dress for Texas December weather.

Everyone who has had a first birthday needs a ticket. Lap-child tickets are required for infants under one and are an add-on at checkout. Strollers, car seats, and carriers are not allowed on the train; Grapevine offers a complimentary stroller valet.

Classes of Service & Onboard

Seats are sold by the bench (two guests) so families stay together
Odd-numbered parties must buy an even number of seats (a family of three buys two benches)
Maximum 10 benches per order
ADA seating is available—call to book those seats; they are not sold on the public web flow
Hometown Christmas and other add-ons are a separate cost

Tickets & Practical Information

Booking: Official Grapevine TicketLine only, starting October 1 at 10 a.m. No in-person sales. Do not buy Facebook Marketplace or third-party listings.
Refunds: Non-refundable. Missed trains are not honored on another date.
Parking: Use Grapevine’s Christmas parking guide. Weekend Main Street closures add walk time.
Lodging: Grapevine hotels fill for the Christmas Capital season; book the room when you get the bench.
Polar Express: Texas Polar Express is on the Texas State Railroad (Palestine) and at the Galveston Railroad Museum—Texas Polar hub.

Tips for the Best Experience

Be online at 10 a.m. on October 1 with several date/time backups. This event sells out.
If December 3 is your date, go to the Fort Worth Stockyards—not Grapevine Main Street.
Buy the whole family on one order so benches face each other.
Bring a coat for the outdoor North Pole walk after the train.
Do not mix this up with Texas State Railroad Polar tickets. Different railroad, different license, different city.