Delaware River Railroad THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride (2026): Phillipsburg Dates

Published: August 21, 2026

Phillipsburg bills itself as the original Polar Express in the New York metro area—more than 20 seasons of licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ on Delaware River Railroad Excursions. For 2026, trains run November 27–29 and December weekends 4–6, 11–13, and 18–20. The round trip is about 90 minutes from Lehigh Junction in the historic Main Street district. Listed fares: $48 adult / $38 child. Tickets went on sale July 1 at midnight.

Delaware River Railroad Excursions' Polar Express is all decorated for Christmas in this scene of the train. Delaware River photo.

About Delaware River Polar Express

Delaware River Railroad Excursions operates from 38 Market Street / Lehigh Junction in Phillipsburg, using former Central Railroad of New Jersey / Belvidere-Delaware country along the river. Polar is the December theatrical product on that vintage train, not the Warren County winery train (a separate, non-Polar outing). 877-872-4674.

2026 Polar Express — At a Glance

Item	Detail
Product	THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Location	Lehigh Junction, 38 Market Street, Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865
2026 dates	Nov. 27–29; Dec. 4–6, 11–13, 18–20
Show times	Fri 6 & 8 p.m.; Sat 2, 4, 6 & 8 p.m.; Sun 2, 4 & 6 p.m.
Duration	About 90 minutes
Typical fares	$48 adult / $38 child (subject to change)
Official site	877trainride.com/polarexpress.htm

Schedules and fares change. Confirm on Delaware River Railroad. Information compiled August 20, 2026. Licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ event.

What the Ride Is Like

Motion-picture soundtrack, golden tickets, dancing chefs, cocoa and cookies, Liam Neeson reading of the book (as marketed), Santa, sleigh bell. Volunteer-heavy production with conductors, dancers, and jugglers in rider notes. Pajamas fit the house style. Order before October if you can—the railroad says it sells out.

Tickets & Practical Information

Booking: TicketWeb via the Polar page; 877-872-4674
Parking: Historic downtown Phillipsburg—arrive early on Saturdays
Other NJ Polar: Whippany / Morristown & Erie is a separate Rail Events host with a longer November–December calendar
Licensing wall:Check out Christmas hub only if you need a non-Polar holiday listing

Tips for the Best Experience

Friday 8 p.m. and Saturday 6/8 p.m. go first
I-78 / Route 22 river-town traffic on holiday weekends
Do not mix this up with Whippany when you tell GPS