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Oklahoma "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Oklahoma City!

Published: November 9, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into Oklahoma City’s Adventure District—near the zoo and the science museum—the Oklahoma Railway Museum is a hands-on celebration of railroading that blends local history, big equipment, and family-friendly experiences.

Volunteers keep the museum’s vintage locomotives and cars alive, share stories from Oklahoma’s railroading past, and welcome thousands of visitors each year for regular train rides and special events.

Among those, the official THE POLAR EXPRESS rides have become a beloved holiday tradition, drawing families from across the region for a magical journey to the North Pole brought to life on real rails.

The museum at a glance

Founded by passionate rail enthusiasts and supported by an active volunteer base, the Oklahoma Railway Museum preserves and operates a collection that includes locomotives, passenger coaches, freight cars, cabooses, and track equipment. Exhibits rotate as restoration work progresses, so repeat visitors often notice new details—fresh paint on a caboose, an exhibit added to a coach, or a piece of machinery returned to operation. The grounds are set up for exploration: you can walk among the equipment, peer into cabs, and see how railroading evolved from the steam era into the diesel age. Interpretive signage, docents, and volunteers help connect the dots between the railroad and Oklahoma’s development—think settlement, agriculture, oil, and the growth of cities tied together by the rails.

Unlike a static museum, this is a place where things move. On select dates through much of the year, the museum operates short excursion trains on its own track. These rides give you a sense of the heft and rhythm of rail travel as you sit in restored passenger cars and watch the city slip by. Seasonal events—spring, fall, and especially winter—layer on themed activities, crafts, and character encounters to make the experience memorable for kids without losing the appeal for grown-ups who love history and classic machinery.

What makes the museum special

- It’s immersive. You can get close to the equipment, hear the horn, feel the rumble, and step aboard cars that once crisscrossed the country.
- It’s educational. School groups and families learn how railroads shaped commerce, culture, and the map of Oklahoma.
- It’s community-powered. Volunteers restore equipment, crew trains, and interpret exhibits. That passion shows in the details—and in the smiles.
- It’s accessible fun. The site is easy to reach and parking is free. Most special events are designed for all ages, and select cars accommodate mobility needs; check specifics before you go.

Spotlight on THE POLAR EXPRESS

From mid-November through December, the museum transforms for the officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, produced in partnership with Rail Events Productions. Inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and the Warner Bros. animated feature, the experience combines live theater, music, and a real train ride to create a storybook holiday adventure.

What to expect

- Festive arrival: The museum’s depot area is decked in lights and holiday décor. Costumed staff and volunteers set the tone with warm greetings, photo ops, and themed music from the film soundtrack. You’ll check in, get your tickets scanned, and mingle with fellow passengers as anticipation builds.
- Boarding call: Chefs and conductors in signature costumes welcome you aboard vintage passenger cars. Pajamas are encouraged—families often arrive in matching sets for photos and extra fun.
- Hot chocolate and cookies: Once the train departs, dancing chefs serve hot cocoa and cookies as the story begins. The performance unfolds in the aisle and over the PA, so no matter your seat, you’re part of the action.
- The story brought to life: Actors lead a lively retelling of The Polar Express, complete with sing-alongs, golden ticket punching by the Conductor, and moments that mirror the film—as the train “heads to the North Pole,” kids become believers right along with the characters.
- The North Pole: Outside your window, you’ll pass a sparkling North Pole scene where Santa and elves wave the train in. Soon after, Santa boards to greet each passenger.
- The First Gift of Christmas: Santa presents each child with a keepsake silver sleigh bell—if you believe, you can hear it ring. Expect time for photos and quick visits with Santa and his helpers.
- Grand finale: Back at the depot, you’ll disembark through a corridor of lights. Merchandise, snacks, and additional photo spots help extend the magic before you head home.

Timing and seating

Trains typically operate multiple times a day on select dates from mid-November through late December. Each departure lasts roughly an hour, including the onboard show. Seating is reserved; different classes may be offered (for example, standard coach seating and upgraded options with tables), and exact configurations can vary by season and car availability. Trains often sell out quickly—especially prime weekend evenings—so booking early is recommended.

Tickets and practical tips

- Buy early: As soon as dates are announced on the Oklahoma Railway Museum website or Rail Events site, decide on a time and purchase tickets. Evening and near-Christmas departures go first.
- Arrive 45–60 minutes early: Factor in check-in, parking, and time to enjoy pre-boarding activities and photos without rushing.
- Dress for comfort: Cars are heated, but you’ll be outside before and after. Pajamas are welcome; bring coats, hats, and gloves for chilly Oklahoma nights.
- Accessibility: If someone in your party uses a wheelchair or needs special accommodations, contact the museum before booking to confirm car access and seating options on your chosen date.
- Sensory-friendly planning: The show includes music, crowd noise, and occasional loud sounds (like horns). Ear protection can be helpful for sensitive guests.
- Food and merchandise: Hot chocolate and cookies are part of the show; additional snacks and souvenirs are usually available for purchase at the depot.
- Policies: Check current guidelines on strollers, outside food, photography, and refunds or exchanges, as policies may change by season.

Why families love it

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride turns holiday nostalgia into an interactive memory. Parents who grew up with the story get to experience it anew through their kids’ eyes. It’s also a rare chance to combine a living museum with a live performance, all in a format that keeps even young children engaged. For older kids and adults, the craftsmanship of the restored cars, the choreography of the performance, and the volunteers’ enthusiasm make it feel special without being overly commercial.

Beyond the holiday season

While THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is the marquee winter event, the museum offers plenty to do the rest of the year. Regular train ride days provide 30–40 minute excursions that are perfect for a first train experience. Themed events—like springtime egg hunts, fall harvest rides, or model railroad meets—add variety. Restoration shops and outdoor exhibits change as projects progress, so you can return and see what’s new. The museum also hosts group tours, birthday parties, and occasional photo sessions, making it a flexible venue for local families, clubs, and schools.

Planning your visit

- Location: The museum is in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, convenient to other family attractions. That makes it easy to plan a full day—ride the train, then head to the zoo or science museum.
- Hours and rides: Hours vary by season, and excursion trains run on specific dates. Always check the museum’s official website for the current calendar before visiting.
- Parking: On-site parking is typically free. For major events like THE POLAR EXPRESS™, allow extra time and follow posted signs or staff directions.
- Membership and support: If you’re local or a frequent visitor, consider a membership. It helps fund restoration and operations and often comes with ride discounts and other perks. The museum also welcomes volunteers—no prior rail experience required.

The bigger picture

The Oklahoma Railway Museum is more than a backdrop for a popular holiday show. It’s a living repository of regional heritage, maintained by people who believe that history is most powerful when you can touch it, hear it, and ride it. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride amplifies that mission, introducing new generations to railroading through a story they already love—then leaving them curious about the real-world equipment beneath the twinkle lights. Whether you visit in December for cocoa and carols or in June for a sunny Saturday ride, you’ll find a place where the past still moves, and where imagination has plenty of track ahead.

For current schedules, ticket availability, pricing, and event policies—especially for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride—visit the Oklahoma Railway Museum’s official website. Dates and details can change each season, and popular departures sell out quickly.