Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in the NYC Area

The Best Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in the NYC Area

All aboard for a magical holiday train ride experience!

This holiday season, experience the magic of a real-life Polar Express train ride or soak up the beautiful Christmas views on a holiday train ride. Holiday train rides are typically inspired by the famous movie, “The Polar Express.” They offer a magical Christmas experience, typically featuring a cheerful conductor, gleaming golden ticket, warm hot cocoa, and, of course, a visit from Santa himself.

If you think you may have made the naughty list this year, there are train rides that just focus on the winter wonderlands of the world. Take in breathtaking views of glistening snow, tall mountains, and fresh pine as you travel to your destination.

So get your Christmas bells ready and grab a ticket to the best holiday train rides this year!

Before you go, be sure to call or check each train’s website for specific boarding instructions.

Psst…Check out 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in NYC – Sneak Peek at What Families Can Expect

Polar Express And Holiday Train Rides In NYC

North Pole Express 2024

Where: 42 Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Manhattan
When: Nov. 11-Jan. 1, various times
Price: Tickets start at $80; $60, child
212-664-0300
Facebook • Instagram
Ready for a festive NYC holiday adventure? Top View Sightseeing is back with a festive spin on its sightseeing tours. Take the North Pole Express to re-live a magical childhood Christmas experience.

This double-decker trolley travels through the city as passengers enjoy caroling, meeting Santa, storytelling, and lots of holiday-themed activities for kids. Ride through the city to see beautiful light displays that are the signature of the season. Standard and enhanced packages are available. (A Holiday Lights Tour is also available starting Nov. 12.)

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides Upstate

Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express

When: 55 Kingston Plaza Rd., Kingston, NY
When: Nov. 15-Dec. 29, various times
Price: Tickets start at $46; $36, child
845-332-4854

Facebook

Passengers will relive this classic story as they enjoy a magical trip to the North Pole. You’ll be served hot chocolate and a cookie. Each passenger will get a keepsake sleigh bell to take home.

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides In Long Island

The Polar Express Trolley Ride

Where: 96 Main Rd., Riverhead, NY
When: Nov. 24-Dec. 23 on select dates. Hours vary. Check the website for the full schedule.
Price: Check the website.
631-369-3031
Facebook • Instagram
Hop on a trolley and enjoy the magic and beauty of Christmas as you relive the enchanting tale of The Polar Express. Santa and his helpers are on board the whole time to greet passengers and give them the first gift of Christmas before characters lead festive onboard entertainment.

Lots of activities for kids are part of the fun, and each child will receive a keepsake sleigh bell to take home (reminiscent of the classic tale). Visit the online gift shop where you can purchase gifts after booking your tickets. Staff will have the gifts ready for you when boarding.

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides In New Jersey

Polar Express Whippany

Where: 1 Railroad Plaza Whippany, NJ
When: Nov. 1-Dec. 30; various times.
Price: Tickets start at $55; $48, children ages 2-11
973-419-6255
Facebook • Instagram
Get whisked away to a magical land on a one-hour train ride to the North Pole. The fun begins as soon as you board. Car hosts work their way through the cars to punch your golden ticket before serving delicious hot chocolate and shortbread cookies. Throughout the trip, there’s a reading of the classic story, caroling, and other festive onboard entertainment. Passengers take home a keepsake sleigh bell reminiscent of the story. Value, standard, and premium packages are available.

The Santa Train

Where: Route 23 Transit Center, Wayne, NJ
When: Saturday, Dec. 14 (times vary)
Price: Sold out
973-656-0707
Facebook
The Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Inc., returns this year with its annual Ride with Santa in Wayne, NJ. Set in a modern, climate-controlled train, the excursion is an hour-long holiday-themed ride where passengers are treated to on-board entertainment including caroling, music, a cast of costumed characters, and more holiday fun. Tickets are currently sold out, but you can add your name to their waiting list.

The Polar Express In Phillipsburg

Where: 38 Market St., Phillipsburg, NJ
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 22
Price: $48; $38, child
877-872-4674
Board the Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. The experience is set to the music of the motion picture version of The Polar Express. Passengers will be treated to hot chocolate, cookies, live entertainment, and more. Santa boards the train, too. Each child receives a bell.

North Pole Express

Where: 80 Stangl Rd., Flemington
When: Nov. 19-Dec. 30, various times
Price: Tickets start at $43; $40, child
908-782-6622
Facebook • Instagram
The Santa Express features lots of holiday fun. Passengers can take a photo with a 6-foot-tall wreath at North Pole Station. Passengers will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on board the train. Kids receive a sleigh bell gift to take home. Various ticket packages are available.

Psst…Check out the Disney Store Times Square Holiday Transformation

Here at New York Family, we could not love the holidays more and that’s why we’ve created A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide! We’ve got everything you need to make 2024 your family’s best holiday ever: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa events, tree lightings, holiday light shows, gift guide, holiday shopping ideas, books, movies, elf ideas and so much more!

TADA! Youth Theater

<div> <div style="text-align: center;">Endless Options-Endless Fun! TADA! is so excited to offer weekend and after school classes, week long private and public school camps, and our Broadway 1-Day camps available for ages 3-14! &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Winter/Spring Semester Classes</strong><br />Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Gotta Act! Join TADA! Youth Theater this Winter and Spring for after-school and weekend musical theater classes available to students ages 3-14! Throughout the semester students will engage in musical theater training, learn vocals and choreography to the latest Broadway hits, and experience ensemble based instruction with two NYC teaching artists.&nbsp; Not only does our musical theater training inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and build confidence, but our classes also encourage students to explore and connect with others, creating lifelong friendships and a love for the arts.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Limited spots available! All of our classes take place in person at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway &amp; 5th) and culminate in a final sharing for an invited audience</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Classes Schedule:</strong><br />Mondays:<br />Mondays, Ages 4-5 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Mondays, Ages 6-8 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Tuesdays:<br />Tuesdays, Ages 12-14 | 4:15PM-5:45PM<br />Wednesdays:<br />Wednesday, Ages 8-12 | 4PM-5:30PM<br />Saturdays:<br />Saturdays, Ages 3-4 | 10AM-11AM<br />Saturdays, Ages 5-7 | 10AM-11:30AM<br />Saturday, Ages 8-12 | 12N-1:30PM</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Class Descriptions:</strong><br />AGES 3-5, MUSICAL THEATER MINIS: Creativity takes center stage! In this upbeat, high-energy class, your Musical Theater Mini will learn new introductory skills in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting. Each session, students participate in fun, creative-play activities as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. At the end of the semester, your young star will belt out their favorite show tunes for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 5-8, JAZZY JUNIORS and AGES 8-12, RISING STARS: This class offers the perfect blend of musical theater exploration and fun theater games to keep kids creative and active all semester long!&nbsp; Each session, students participate in musical theater training as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. By the end of the semester, they&rsquo;ll be ready to confidently shine in their final sharing for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 12-14, BROADWAY BOUND: Let passion ignite, talent soar, and dreams take center stage!&nbsp; Watch as students step into the spotlight and unleash their inner Broadway star in our advanced musical theater class for tweens &amp; teens!&nbsp; Throughout the semester, students will immerse themselves in the world of Broadway, learning iconic songs and exploring diverse theatrical styles. By the semester&rsquo;s end, they&rsquo;ll proudly showcase their talents in a spectacular cabaret-style musical revue. This isn&rsquo;t just about performing&mdash;it&rsquo;s about embracing the magic of musical theater, forging lasting friendships with fellow performers, and stepping into a world where every moment onstage feels like a standing ovation.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week Long Private and Public School Camps:</strong><br />When School is out, TADA! is in!&nbsp; Now offering Week-long Public &amp; Private School Break Camps for ages 4-5 &amp; 5-9 this February, March, and April! &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Write it! Rehearse it! Perform it! Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling. Each week, students co-create an original musical in just five days!&nbsp; Have your child unleash their inner star, share their voice, and create memories that will last a lifetime.&nbsp; Join us for a week of laughter, creativity, and applause! Don't miss out on the most epic musical theater adventure of the school year!</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Spots are limited so don&rsquo;t miss out! Our in-person camps take place at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway &amp; 5th). &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">*On the last day of all camps, we invite friends and family to attend the debut of your child&rsquo;s original mini-musical!</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Public School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />February 17-21 | &nbsp;Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | | $795&nbsp;<br />April 22-26 | Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Private School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />March 17-21<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Pirates &amp; Princesses! | | $500&nbsp;<br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | | $795&nbsp;<br />March 24-28<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Unicorns, Mermaids, Dinosaurs, OH MY! | | $500<br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Learn more &amp; register today!&nbsp;</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2R13yNUGcd6RlQy0FsVMm1">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/school-<wbr />break-camps-3/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a sample class? Join us at our In-person Open House on January 11th, 2025!<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Nt2sRC86LUUhaw4DgKX5N">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/open-house/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">No child should be turned away because of their inability to pay. Financial Assistance available.<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0W6olBN_Kib7HEmnv4Bq3Y">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/financial-<wbr />assistance/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Broadway 1-Day Camps</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;">When School is out, TADA! is in! Join us for a fun-filled day learning vocals and choreography to a show-stopping musical number from a hit Broadway or movie musical. Our 1-day camps include vocal training, dance technique, exhilarating choreography, and fun theater activities led by two professional NYC Teaching Artists. Don&rsquo;t miss a jam-packed day of musical theater fun!</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Monday, January 20th (MLK Day) | Wicked&nbsp;<br />Wednesday, January 29th (Lunar New Year) | The Little Mermaid&nbsp;<br />Monday, March 31 (Eidal-Fitr) | Frozen&nbsp;<br />Thursday, June 5th (Eidal-Adha) | Matilda&nbsp;<br />Friday, June 6th (Clerical Day) | The Greatest Showman&nbsp;<br />Thursday, June 19th (Juneteenth) | Moana&nbsp;<br />Friday, June 27th (Public School is out) | The Lion King&nbsp;<br />Monday, June 30th (July 4th week) | Trolls&nbsp;<br />Tuesday, July 1st &nbsp;(July 4th week) | Wicked&nbsp;<br />Wednesday, July 2nd (July 4th week) | Newsies&nbsp;<br /><br /></div> </div> <div> <div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!</span></span></p>