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Maryland "The Polar Express" Train Rides On The WMSR

Published: November 4, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Steam, storybook nostalgia, and mountain scenery converge on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, a heritage line that turns a day out into a full-fledged time trip.

Based in Cumberland, Maryland, the railroad climbs the Alleghenies along a storied stretch of track, delivering classic excursion rides year-round and, come the holidays, a beloved, family-forward experience inspired by the season’s most famous train tale.

Whether you’re a railfan, a history buff, or a parent looking to wrap the year in wonder, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) offers an unforgettable ride.

A living link to Western Maryland railroading
WMSR operates on roughly 16 miles of former Western Maryland Railway track between Cumberland and Frostburg. It’s a short distance on the map, but a dramatic climb in real life—roughly 1,300 feet of elevation gain through the Narrows and into the mountains. The route threads landmark railfan vistas like Helmstetter’s Curve, where the train bends gracefully across a sweeping horseshoe, and plunges through the photogenic Brush Tunnel before cresting at Frostburg.

The experience begins at the historic Western Maryland Railway Station in Cumberland, a handsome brick landmark at Canal Place, steps from the C&O Canal towpath. Onboard, you’ll find a mix of vintage coaches and refurbished cars, with seasonal offerings that range from classic coach seating to premium and event-dining experiences. In warm months, you’ll sometimes see open-air cars; in winter, the train keeps to enclosed, heated equipment.

One of the railroad’s calling cards is steam. WMSR’s crown jewel, former Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309, is among the largest operating steam locomotives in the United States. When conditions and scheduling allow, it leads excursions up the mountain in a spectacle of sound and smoke. Diesel power steps in for certain operations and seasonal reliability, but no matter what’s on the point, the railroad’s focus on presentation and storytelling shines.

What a typical round trip is like
Most standard excursions are a half-day adventure. After boarding in Cumberland, the train eases west along Wills Creek and into the Narrows, swapping urban scenery for rolling farms and forested hillsides. Expect big-window views, local narration, and light concessions. At Frostburg, the train usually lays over for about an hour. This is your chance to watch the locomotive turn on the turntable, stroll to Frostburg’s Main Street for a coffee or fudge, and snap photos. Then it’s back aboard for the downhill glide to Cumberland, with the mountain scenery now spread beneath you.

A community engine for heritage and tourism
Beyond the romance of steel and steam, WMSR is an engine for regional tourism, drawing visitors to Allegany County and connecting them with nearby trails, museums, and mountain towns. The line’s restoration work, shop operations, and special events support skilled jobs and preserve rare railroad craft. Over the years, the railroad has devised themed rides—from dinner trains and murder mysteries to fall foliage journeys—that fill calendars and local dining rooms alike.

Enter the holiday season: The Polar Express Train Ride
As the days shorten and the first frosts sparkle on the ridgelines, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad transforms. The marquee experience for many families is the immersive holiday train ride inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and the beloved film. The officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is a theatrical, music-filled re-creation of that story’s central magic: a night journey to the North Pole and the reminder that belief is a gift in itself.

Here’s what to expect when you step aboard for this seasonal favorite:

- Golden tickets and conductor moments: Kids receive the iconic golden ticket, which is traditionally “punched” by the conductor in a nod to the film’s whimsical sequences. It’s a tiny detail with outsized memory power.

- Hot chocolate and cookies: Dancing “chefs” and uniformed staff bring trays of hot chocolate and cookies to your seat, turning the car into a cozy, rolling cocoa party.

- Storytelling and song: Narration and music carry the story forward. Expect sing-alongs, call-and-response fun, and lively character interaction that keeps even the wiggliest riders engaged.

- The North Pole: Lights, set pieces, and festive staging evoke the approach to Santa’s domain. Depending on logistics and the year’s production design, the “North Pole” may be a trackside scene the train rolls past or a location where Santa boards.

- Santa and the first gift of Christmas: The moment everyone waits for. Santa arrives to meet each child, often presenting a keepsake silver bell—“the first gift of Christmas”—and pausing for photos and wishes.

- Pajamas encouraged: Families lean into the spirit by wearing pajamas, just like in the story. Layer up—this is a mountain railroad in winter—and bring a warm coat for station platforms.

How it differs from a standard excursion
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is shorter and more theatrical than the classic Cumberland–Frostburg roundtrip. It focuses on the immersive storyline rather than mountain mileage. Trains typically run multiple times per day on select dates in late November and December, including weekdays closer to Christmas. The ride is designed around children but remains charming for all ages.

Ticketing, seating, and sell-outs
Holiday trains historically sell out fast, especially prime weekend and evening departures. You’ll usually find several fare tiers, from standard coach to upgraded seating with extra legroom, keepsakes, or at-seat service. Pricing varies by date and class of service, and infants may have specific lap policies.

Practical planning tips
- Book early. As soon as dates go on sale, choose your time and car. If your schedule is flexible, off-peak times can be quieter and less expensive.

- Arrive 45–60 minutes ahead. You’ll want time for parking, ticket pickup if needed, photos in front of the locomotive, and settling in.

- Dress warmly. Platforms can be breezy. Pajamas over base layers keep the theme fun and the kids warm.

- Pack light. Space can be cozy on full trains. A compact bag for essentials, plus a phone or small camera, is ideal.

- Think through seating. If you have a stroller or require ADA access, contact the railroad ahead of time to arrange appropriate boarding and seating.

- Plan your post-train meal. Downtown Cumberland has family-friendly dining and dessert options within a short walk or drive.

A note on naming and availability
Holiday programming can vary by year. In recent seasons, WMSR has offered an officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride experience. Because branding and event details are subject to change, always confirm the current season’s offerings, schedules, and policies directly with the railroad before you purchase.

Make a weekend of it
Allegany County becomes especially picturesque during the holidays. Combine your train ride with a stroll through downtown Cumberland’s shops, a visit to the C&O Canal National Historical Park, or a side trip to Frostburg for boutique browsing and hot cocoa. If you’re coming from farther afield, consider an overnight in a local inn or hotel—nighttime departures paired with morning mountain views make for a restful mini-getaway.

Why it resonates
For adults, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad scratches a deep nostalgic itch—windows that open, the rhythmic sway of heavyweight coaches, and the romance of a turntable spin. For kids, THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is a story stepping off the page. The blend of performance, hospitality, and place is the secret sauce: this is not a generic venue dressed with tinsel, but a genuine mountain railroad where steam whistles echo off hillsides and winter air smells like coal smoke and pine. The setting elevates the script, and the script sparks the setting.

Final boarding call
If your ideal holiday tradition mixes authentic railroading with pure make-believe, put the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad high on your list. Book early, bundle up, and bring your sense of wonder. On these rails, belief isn’t just part of the story—it’s built into the journey. And long after the silver bell finds a home on your tree, the sound you’ll still hear most clearly is a memory: your family laughing, the conductor’s punch, and the train slipping into the winter night.