California "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Sacramento!
Published: November 6, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Set in the heart of Old Sacramento State Historic Park, the California State Railroad Museum is a love letter to the iron horse and the people, technology, and stories that built the American West.
Widely regarded as one of the finest railroad museums in the world, it blends awe-inspiring artifacts with immersive storytelling to show how rail transformed California and the nation.
Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or simply looking for a rich, family-friendly day out, this museum delivers a memorable experience year-round—and during the holidays, it becomes the stage for The Polar Express, a beloved train ride that sells out year after year.
Why the California State Railroad Museum belongs on your list
Unrivaled collection: Inside the expansive museum building, you’ll find meticulously restored locomotives and rail cars spanning more than a century of innovation. From 19th-century wood-burning engines (notably Southern Pacific 4-2-4T #1, the "C.P. Huntington," originally built in 1863 for the Central Pacific Railroad) to powerful steam giants (such as Southern Pacific "Cab Forward" 4-8-8-2 #4294) and early diesels, each piece is presented with attention to detail, context, and craftsmanship. Many cars are open for you to explore, including sleeping, dining, and mail cars that reveal what life was like on the rails.
Immersive exhibits: The museum’s interpretive style turns history into an experience. Step into a Pullman sleeping car and feel the gentle “motion” of an overnight journey. Walk through a Railway Post Office and see how mail moved at speed. Dramatic dioramas, including a Sierra Nevada scene, convey the monumental challenges of laying track through mountains and snow. Throughout, you’ll find engaging storytelling about the workers—engineers, conductors, immigrants, entrepreneurs—who powered the rail era.
The Transcontinental story: Sacramento was the western terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad (Central Pacific), and the museum sits right where so much of that history unfolded. Exhibits trace the massive undertaking to connect East and West, including the vital contributions of Chinese railroad workers and the economic and cultural waves that followed the tracks.
Hands-on learning: The museum is built for curiosity. Kids can get close to big machines, climb aboard select cars, and interact with exhibits that explain how steam power works, how trains are signaled and dispatched, and how railroads shaped towns and trade. Docents and volunteers add depth with stories you won’t find on placards.
Riverfront rail excursions: On select weekends and seasons, the museum operates excursion trains on the Sacramento Southern Railroad along the Sacramento River. These short rides, often powered by historic steam or diesel locomotives, give you the thrill of rail travel with scenic views of the waterfront and levees. Schedules vary by season—check the museum’s website for current dates and times.
Planning your visit
The museum is located at 125 I Street in Old Sacramento, a charming district of wooden sidewalks, brick warehouses, shops, and restaurants. It’s generally open daily, but hours and holiday closures can change, so confirm before you go.
Expect to spend at least two to three hours if you want to see the exhibits, go aboard several cars, and linger in the galleries and gift shop. If you’re timing your visit with a riverfront excursion, build in an additional hour for the train ride and boarding process.
Parking is available in nearby garages and surface lots that serve Old Sacramento. Because the district can be busy on weekends and during events, arriving a bit early is wise. Elevators and ramps make the museum accessible, and the staff is helpful with questions about mobility and accommodations.
Don’t miss the museum store on your way out. It’s a treasure trove of books, models, toys, apparel, and rail-themed gifts—great for souvenir hunters and train enthusiasts of all ages.
"The Polar Express": A Sacramento holiday tradition
Each holiday season, the California State Railroad Museum hosts The Polar Express train ride, inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and the popular film. It’s a theatrical, interactive journey designed especially for families, and it transforms Old Sacramento into a festive gateway to the “North Pole.”
What to expect
A story brought to life: As your train departs the historic depot in Old Sacramento, uniformed conductors, dancing “chefs,” and storytellers bring The Polar Express to life. The narrative unfolds in your rail car, blending live performance with music and the magic of being in motion.
Hot chocolate and cookies: In true Polar Express fashion, riders are served hot chocolate and a sweet treat as the story gets underway. Pajamas are encouraged, and many families arrive in matching sets for photos and extra fun.
The North Pole: Along the route, the train passes a twinkling North Pole scene. Excitement builds as Santa himself boards near the end of the trip to visit with passengers.
The silver bell: Santa presents a keepsake bell to children—a memento of the evening and a nod to the story’s reminder to “believe.” You’ll want a camera ready for this moment.
A comfortable, family-length ride: The experience typically lasts around an hour from boarding to return, ideal for young children and multi-generational groups.
Dates, tickets, and tips
The Polar Express usually runs on select dates from mid-November into December, with multiple departures most event days. It’s one of the museum’s most popular offerings and often sells out quickly.
Watch for on-sale dates: Tickets often go on sale in the fall, with museum members getting early access. If this ride is on your holiday bucket list, consider membership to improve your chances and support the museum’s mission.
Book early and choose your car: Seating classes and car types can vary by year. Some cars offer traditional coach seating; others may provide different layouts or amenities. Review options carefully when you book, and note that policies (lap infants, age categories, exchanges) are set by the event and can change.
Arrive early: Holiday traffic, parking, and excited kids all move smoother when you give yourself extra time. Plan to arrive 45–60 minutes before departure to check in, enjoy the decorations, and find your platform without rushing.
- Dress for the evening: The event goes on rain or shine. Even if your car is cozy, the platform and walkways can be chilly. Layer up, and bring a warm coat over those pajamas.
Beyond the holidays
If your love of trains outlasts the season, the museum has programming all year long. Look for temporary exhibits that rotate through topics like railroad photography, design, and social history; special events for kids; and seasonal excursion trains that shift themes with the calendar. Education programs for schools and families make it easy to turn a day at the museum into a deeper learning experience.
How to learn more and plan
For current museum hours, admission, excursion train schedules, and The Polar Express ticket information, visit the California State Railroad Museum’s official website. Details such as dates, prices, seating options, and policies can change from year to year, and the museum’s site will have the latest updates.
Whether you come for the history, the craftsmanship, or the chance to watch a child’s eyes light up when a locomotive whistles, the California State Railroad Museum delivers. And if you’re lucky enough to board The Polar Express, you’ll add a joyful chapter to your own railroading story—one that rings true every time you hear a tiny silver bell.
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