Christmas Magic Express The Christmas Magic Express is a festive train ride that captures the enchantment and joy of the holiday season. It is a delightful experience that is enjoyed by both children and adults alike. The train is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, wreaths, and tinsel, creating a magical atmosphere that transports passengers into a winter wonderland. As the train departs from the station, passengers are greeted by cheerful staff dressed in holiday costumes, spreading cheer and warmth. The sound of Christmas carols fills the air, creating an ambiance of merriment and delight. Families come together to create lasting memories as they embark on this festive journey.
Yes, we have restrooms available to everyone throughout the train.
All of our general passenger excursions, special event trains, and activities depart from the historic Bryson City Depot in Bryson City, North Carolina. In the event that the North Carolina Highway Patrol or Department of Motor Vehicles deems travel unsafe on Interstate 40 or Highway 74 resulting in a closure, please call our reservations staff at 1-800-872-4681 for further details and instructions.
Families come together to create lasting memories as they embark on this festive journey. During the ride, there are various entertainment options to keep passengers entertained. There may be performances by Santa's elves, who engage the audience with their playful antics and lighthearted humor.
Polar Express & Holiday Train Ride Guide for MA, NH & Beyond
Christmas and the holiday season is all about making memories and holiday magic. I remember only a few of the gifts I received as a child (the big ones, like a mountain bike and my very own video camera to make home movies) but I have so many memories of fragrances, baking, picking out and decorating the tree, christmas music filling the house, driving around to see Christmas lights, and building gingerbread houses. It's these experiences that make Christmas magical.
A special Polar Express train ride is one experience that many families enjoy at Christmas now. Below is our guide to all the Polar Express train rides (both moving and stationary) that we could find in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and beyond, plus other holiday train options that aren't specifically about the Polar Express story.
Please note that many of these rides cannot use the term "Polar Express" so keep this in mind when telling your children, to avoid disappointment. Be prepared for a fantastic holiday experience with Santa, elves, hot chocolate, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and even silver bells, but the train staff may not specifically perform Polar Express songs.
Note, most of the single date rides sell out quickly. If they're already sold out, sign up for their email list and be sure to jump quickly when you receive the email next year.
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Recurring Rides (Run Frequently During the Holiday Season)
Edaville will be running the Christmas Festival of Lights, with a train ride through many light displays, amusement park rides, and other entertainment, from November 9 to December 31. The North Pole Limited, a train ride to meet Santa and see thousands of Christmas lights runs November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20.
Cape Cod Central Railroad is running an official Polar Express train ride this year! The fun includes golden tickets, dancing chefs and waiters, a reading of The Polar Express, a gift from Santa, and cocoa and cookies. Available Fridays to Sundays starting November 24 through December 23, with rides additionally on December 20 and 21.
Departs from North Conway or Lincoln NH weekends beginning November 24 through December 23. This two-hour Conway Scenic Railroad adventure includes a train ride with treats and hot chocolate plus a theater visit to meet Santa, hear The Night Before Christmas, and sing Christmas songs. Trains depart at 4:30pm and 7:00pm from both locations.
Journey on the Conway Scenic Railroad with Santa and his elves! Weekends in late November and December and daily the week before Christmas at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. This is a shorter holiday train ride than the Journey to the North Pole and does not include the theater visit.
Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa and his elves on this 60-minute train ride. Train runs on weekends November 24-26, December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 &17; 23. Tickets go on sale online only on Tuesday, November 1.
An official Polar Express™ train ride, this ride includes a reading of The Polar Express, sing-a-longs, cookies, hot chocolate, games, and a golden ticket. Children will also receive a silver bell personally delivered by Santa. Weekends from November 10 to December 17 & Monday December 18 with shows at 3:30 PM & 6:30 PM.
Enjoy a live musical performance of The Night Before Christmas and hot chocolate and cookies, see Santa and Mrs. Claus, and join in festive sing-a-longs during this 90-minute train ride. Children receive a small gift from Santa. Operating Dates: Friday- Sunday November 17 - 26; Wednesday - Sunday November 30 - December 17; Wednesday - Friday December 20 - 23.
Single-Event Rides (Sell Out Quickly!)
The Jolly Jingle Express is presented by the Wakefield Music Boosters as a fundraiser. This ride includes the story of The Night Before Christmas, Santa, elves, cookies, milk and a silver bell on a 70-minute train ride from Anderson Station in Woburn on an MBTA commuter rail train. The train ride took place December 11th in 2022.
North Pole Express, Newburyport MA - 2023 INFORMATION TBA
Presented by the Immaculate Conception School, this 50-minute ride includes a reading of The Night Before Christmas, Santa, elves, cookies, songs, holiday characters and more. In 2022, the show ran on December 3, 2022 at 11:20 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:20 PM & 5:20 PM - and tickets went on sale October 15 2022 at 7 AM.
North Pole Express, Woburn MA - 2023 INFORMATION TBA
Presented by St. Augustine School. Santa and his elves will be on the train, handing out milk and cookies. Enjoy a Christmas story reading, sing Christmas carols, and receive a special gift from Santa. Children age 2 and under are free if they sit on their parent's lap. In 2022, the Express ran Saturday December 10th from 12 - 7 - tickets went on sale October 1 2022 at 12 AM.
Not an Actual Train Ride But Still Fun!
The City of Lights celebration will take place in Lowell on Saturday, November 26th. Jump on the Lowell National Historical Park's "Holly Jolly Trolley," complete with Ranger Elves, music, and holiday decorations! The trolley will run continuously from the Boott Cotton Mills. The last run will leave at 3 p.m. FREE event, no reservation required! Masks will be required on the Trolley.
Jordan's Furnature offers a viewing of a short version of The Polar Express in 4-D, with special effects, at the Jordan's Furniture MOM Theater in Avon. Customers are offered the chance to book tickets in advance.
The Museum of Science offers a viewing of a short version of The Polar Express in 4-D, with special effects, at the Museum of Science's 4-D Theater. Attendance required purchase of a ticket to the Museum's exhibit halls and a separate timed ticket for the movie.
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Additionally, there might be musicians playing beloved Christmas tunes, further enhancing the joyful atmosphere. A highlight of the Christmas Magic Express is the visit from Santa Claus himself. Children eagerly await his arrival, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man in the red suit. Santa goes from carriage to carriage, personally delivering small gifts and listening to the wishes and dreams of each child. The excitement and joy on the children's faces are palpable, creating a truly magical experience. As the train chugs along the tracks, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of winter landscapes. Snow-covered fields, evergreen forests, and quaint villages pass by, creating a picturesque backdrop for the Christmas festivities. The sound of the train's whistle blends harmoniously with the laughter and cheer of the passengers, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and wonder. The train ride concludes with a grand finale. Passengers disembark at a cozy station filled with warm beverages, delicious treats, and a cheerful atmosphere. Families gather around the station's Christmas tree, reflecting on the magical experience they just had. The Christmas Magic Express is more than just a train ride. It is an enchanting adventure that brings families together, creates lasting memories, and captures the true spirit of Christmas. It is a celebration of love, joy, and the magic of the holiday season..
Reviews for "Experience Christmas Joy on the Christmas Magic Express"
1. John Smith - 1 star
The "Christmas Magic Express" was a complete disappointment for me. The storyline was dull and predictable, with no originality whatsoever. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with any of them. Additionally, the acting was subpar, with stiff performances and forced emotions. Overall, this movie failed to capture the true spirit of Christmas and left me feeling unfulfilled.
2. Samantha Johnson - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the "Christmas Magic Express," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was overly cliché, with no surprises or twists. The dialogue was cheesy and lacked any real depth. The cinematography was also mediocre, with poorly executed visual effects. Overall, this film lacked the magic and charm that makes Christmas movies special, making it a forgettable experience.
3. Michael Thompson - 2 stars
I found "Christmas Magic Express" to be a rather mediocre holiday film. The storyline was formulaic and lacked any originality, following the typical tropes of a feel-good Christmas movie. The acting was average at best, with performances that failed to leave a lasting impression. The pacing was also off, with a slow build-up and a rushed conclusion. While it may appeal to some viewers who enjoy simple and predictable narratives, I was left wanting more substance and creativity.
4. Emily Davis - 1 star
"Christmas Magic Express" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was not only predictable but also illogical and poorly developed. It felt like the writers were trying to cram as many Christmas clichés as possible into one movie, resulting in a messy and unengaging story. The acting was unconvincing, with flat performances that lacked emotion. Overall, this film failed to deliver the magic of the holiday season and left me feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
5. David Wilson - 2 stars
I was not impressed with "Christmas Magic Express." The storyline was incredibly predictable, leaving no room for surprises or excitement. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real depth or growth. The production quality was also underwhelming, with low-budget special effects and unremarkable cinematography. While the movie may appeal to die-hard fans of traditional Christmas movies, it lacked the creativity and originality needed to stand out in a saturated genre.