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California "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Jamestown!

Published: November 12, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Nestled in the Gold Country town of Jamestown, California, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park invites visitors into the golden age of railroading and movie-rail history. Founded around the facilities of the original Sierra Railway of California, this park preserves a working turn-of-the-century roundhouse, steam and diesel locomotives, and authentic rolling stock that appear in countless films and television programs.

Among the park’s most beloved annual events is its immersive holiday experience: the official The Polar Express Train Ride. Let’s take a detailed look at this magical journey to the “North Pole,” why it’s become a cherished tradition, and what you should know for planning your visit.

A ride with magic: The Polar Express experience

The Polar Express Train Ride at Railtown 1897 is a holiday-themed train excursion based on the classic children’s book and movie, designed to immerse guests in the wonder of Christmas through a train journey. According to the park’s event page, the ride lasts approximately one hour and includes:

• Boarding with a “Golden Ticket” upon arrival at the station.

• Hot chocolate and a sweet treat served onboard.

• A narration of the Polar Express story, along with caroling and festive ambiance as the train “travels to the North Pole.

• Santa Claus and his elves appearing onboard as the return trip begins, and each passenger receives the “first gift of Christmas,” a silver sleigh bell

• Upon arrival back at Jamestown Station, guests are invited to the historic roundhouse for Santa visits, photo opportunities, and seasonal merchandise.

The experience is as much about ambiance as it is about the ride. Families are encouraged to dress in holiday pajamas, bring their copy of the book for a conductor’s signature, and soak in the vintage-rail charm of the park.

Why Railtown 1897 stands out

What elevates Railtown’s Polar Express ride above a typical holiday train excursion? A few specific reasons:

Authentic historic setting:  The park preserves the original Sierra Railway shops and roundhouse from 1897.  The ambiance—vintage locomotives, historic architecture, and the Gold Country railscape—adds a rich layer of authenticity to the holiday event.

Movie-railroad heritage:  One of the park’s most famous locomotives, Sierra Railway No. 3, built in 1891, has starred in dozens of films and TV shows.  This cinematic legacy contributes to the storytelling and immersive feel of the attraction.

Detailed holiday production:  From hot cocoa served by onboard “chefs” to the ringing of real sleigh bells and the theatrical reveal of Santa aboard the train, the event is crafted to be a full sensory experience. 

Support for preservation:  The Polar Express ride is not only a festive celebration—it also helps fund the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and the park’s ongoing preservation efforts.

Planning your visit: Dates, tickets & tips

Here’s a practical guide to making the most of your Polar Express adventure at Railtown 1897:

2025 season schedule & pricing:  The ride runs from November 28 to December 21, 2025, Friday through Sunday, with departure times at 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

Tickets sell out fast:  Member presales begin early in September; general public sales begin on September 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. online only. Membership in the museum or park significantly boosts the chance of securing tickets.

Arrival & check-in:  Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled departure time to allow for parking, check-in, Golden Ticket pickup, and boarding. The policy notes: “Missed train rides cannot be taken later and will not be eligible for a refund.”

Dress for comfort:  Pajamas are encouraged, but keep in mind that the platform, queue, and parking area are outdoors; appropriate warm attire and good footwear are advised.

Parking & nearby amenities:  Railtown has two designated parking lots. Nearby Jamestown offers restaurants, lodging, and a picturesque historic main street—ideal if you make a weekend of it.

Photo-ready moments:  The historic roundhouse and vintage locomotives provide excellent photo-ops. Bring your camera! Onboard bells ring, Santa boards the train, and the theatrical build-up makes for special memories.

Making it part of a longer rail adventure

If you’re a rail-fan (or simply love memorable holiday experiences), consider extending your trip:

• The nearby Columbia State Historic Park often hosts “Miner’s Christmas” and holiday events that complement the train ride.

• Jamestown’s Gold Country setting is scenic in late-fall/early-winter—combine the ride with a day of exploring historic towns, logging-rail heritage, or rail-fan stops along the former Sierra Railway lines.

• If you don’t secure tickets at Railtown, the sister event at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento may have alternate dates or additional capacity.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a passionate rail enthusiast, a family on the lookout for an unforgettable holiday outing, or someone who simply appreciates historical authenticity, the Polar Express Train Ride at Railtown 1897 is a standout experience. It marries the romance of steam railroading, cinematic heritage, and holiday magic in a distinctly authentic California Gold Country setting.

To learn more about Railtown 1897's The Polar Express adventure please click here to visit their website.