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Wisconsin Polar Express Train Rides

Published: September 16, 2025

By: Adam Burns

If your family’s holiday bucket list includes hearing the Hobo’s wisdom, sipping hot cocoa served by dancing chefs, and having a golden ticket punched on a real train, you’re looking for The Polar Express Train Ride—the officially licensed, immersive experience based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved book and the Warner Bros. film.

In Wisconsin, the official host has been the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay. Below you’ll find what to know about this location, plus guidance on planning, tickets, and how to tell official Polar Express rides from other festive holiday trains around the state.

What “official” means
- Official Polar Express events are licensed through Rail Events Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery. They follow a standardized theatrical format with characters from the story, hot chocolate and cookies, the conductor’s ticket punch, a visit from Santa, and the signature sleigh bell for each child.
- Names like “Santa Express,” “North Pole Train,” or “Holiday Train” may be wonderful trips, but they are not the licensed Polar Express experience unless explicitly branded as “The Polar Express Train Ride.”

The Polar Express Train Ride at the National Railroad Museum (Green Bay)
- Location: National Railroad Museum, 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
- Reputation and licensing: The museum has hosted The Polar Express Train Ride for many seasons and is an officially licensed venue. It’s one of Wisconsin’s best-known holiday events and frequently sells out.

What the experience is like
- Arrival and check-in: Guests typically check in at the museum’s entrance and are guided to a pre-show area. Many families dress in pajamas to match the theme.
- Immersive pre-show: You’ll meet costumed performers—chefs, conductor, sometimes the Hobo—who bring scenes and songs to life. Expect storytelling elements that closely mirror the book and film. The pre-show sets the tone and builds anticipation for boarding.
- The train ride: You’ll board full-size passenger cars pulled by a locomotive for a short ride around the museum’s railroad campus. Onboard, actors lead carols and interactive moments. Chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, the conductor may punch or stamp each passenger’s golden ticket, and children usually receive a sleigh bell from Santa—the hallmark of the official experience. The ride portion is only one part of the event; the full program, including pre- and post-boarding activities, generally runs around an hour or more depending on the year’s production.
- After the ride: You may have time to explore select museum exhibits or browse the gift shop, which often stocks Polar Express souvenirs and train-themed gifts. Availability can vary during event hours, so check the specific year’s schedule.

Tickets and timing
- When tickets go on sale: The museum typically releases tickets in late summer or early fall, with member presales before the general public. Because prime dates sell quickly—especially Friday evenings and weekends—sign up for the museum’s email list and consider becoming a member for early access.
- Dates: The Polar Express Train Ride generally runs on select dates from mid-to-late November through December. Exact calendars vary each year.
- Seating tiers: Many seasons offer multiple seating categories (for example, Coach, Deluxe, and Premium), which can affect where you sit on the train, souvenir inclusions, and price. Read the event page carefully to understand what’s included.
- Pricing and policies: Prices vary by date, time, and seating tier. Family-friendly times tend to go first. Review refund, exchange, and weather policies before purchase; winter weather is part of the charm, but it can affect travel plans.

Practical tips for Green Bay
- Parking: On-site parking is available at the museum, but arrive early—lots fill quickly on popular nights and early arrival reduces stress for families with small children.
- Accessibility: The National Railroad Museum works to accommodate guests with mobility, sensory, and other needs. If someone in your party uses a wheelchair, mobility device, or requires additional support, contact the museum in advance to discuss boarding procedures and seating.
- What to wear: Pajamas are encouraged for all ages, layered with warm outerwear for outdoor time between buildings and train boarding. Winter boots, hats, and gloves are recommended.
- What to bring: Printed or digital tickets per the museum’s instructions, a small bag for essentials, and a camera or phone for photos. Many families bring a copy of the book for a bedtime read-aloud back home to extend the magic.
- Food and souvenirs: Hot chocolate and cookies are part of the onboard experience; additional snacks and Polar Express merchandise are often available for purchase on site.

Why this venue is special
- Historic setting: The National Railroad Museum houses legendary locomotives, including Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4017 and a Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electric locomotive. While the event’s schedule focuses on the Polar Express program, being on museum grounds adds an authentic railroad backdrop to your evening.
- Theater-meets-railroading: The Green Bay production blends live performance with a real train ride, striking a balance that works well for younger children. It’s shorter and less logistically complex than long-distance excursions, yet has all the signature story beats.

Other holiday trains in Wisconsin (not The Polar Express)
Wisconsin is rich in holiday rail experiences. Many railroads offer Santa trains, lights trains, or North Pole-themed rides that can be excellent alternatives or add-ons. They’re not officially licensed Polar Express events unless advertised as such. Examples include:
- East Troy Electric Railroad (East Troy): Known for its Christmas or Santa trains on vintage interurban trolleys.
- Mid-Continent Railway Museum (North Freedom): Often runs holiday or Santa-themed excursions on historic equipment.
- Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (Osceola): Seasonal rides with river valley scenery; check for winter operations.
- Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad (Trego): Family, dinner, and seasonal trains; offerings vary year to year.
- Riverside & Great Northern Railway (Wisconsin Dells): A charming narrow-gauge steam line with seasonal family events.
- Lumberjack Steam Train/Camp 5 Museum (Laona): Typically offers festive winter rides and Santa visits.

These are worthwhile in their own right and may be closer to you geographically, but they are distinct from The Polar Express Train Ride. Always verify branding and details directly with the railroad.

How to confirm official status each year
- Check Rail Events Inc. or the official website for The Polar Express Train Ride for the current roster of host railroads.
- Visit the National Railroad Museum’s event page for Green Bay dates, ticket tiers, and FAQs.
- Beware of third-party resale sites or listings that don’t clearly state official branding, dates, and purchase policies.

Planning pointers to secure your seats
- Join email lists in spring or early summer to catch presale announcements.
- Have multiple date options in mind on sale day, and be ready right when tickets go live.
- Consider off-peak times (weekday evenings, earlier in the season) for better availability and sometimes lower prices.
- If you miss out, check back periodically; additional dates are sometimes added, and members occasionally return tickets that are re-released.

Bottom line
As of the most recent seasons, Wisconsin’s officially licensed Polar Express experience is hosted by the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay. It delivers the hallmark elements—hot chocolate, golden tickets, Santa’s sleigh bell, and a real train ride—within a historic rail setting that heightens the magic. Because host venues and schedules can change year to year, always confirm current details before planning your trip. If tickets sell out or Green Bay is a long drive, Wisconsin’s many non-Polar Express holiday trains offer festive, family-friendly alternatives to keep your season on track.