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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, one location has hosted this popular venue for many years, 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 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 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

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.

When: Saturdays, and Sundays from November 21 through December 14, 2025

Practical tips

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. 

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

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 Trains on vintage interurban trolleys, these excursions include daytime trains, evening trains, and even a parade train.

Mid-Continent Railway Museum (North Freedom): Among the museum's many themed excursions throughout the year they host the "Santa Express"/"Holiday Flyer" each holiday season.

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad (Trego): Family, dinner, and seasonal trains; offerings vary year to year.  They offer a unique twist during the holidays, hosting the "Santa Pizza Party Train" during most weekends in November and December.

Riverside & Great Northern Railway (Wisconsin Dells): A charming scale train steam excursion (15 inch) with seasonal family events.  Of these they host the "Santa Express" on a few select dates in late November and early December.

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.

Final Thoughts

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.