THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Perris is coming back this holiday season to the Southern California Railway Museum! Get ready to be whisked away on a magical one-hour train ride to the North Pole. Passengers will be immersed in the magic of the classic story THE POLAR EXPRESS set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack.
In this post I will tell you what to expect. We got to ride it in 2019! It was gone in 2020, but returned in 2021 and it's running again THIS YEAR!!!
POLAR EXPRESS train rides for 2023 begin Sunday, November 19th and for through December 30, 2023. I truly feel this is one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit!
Our Experience on the Perris, California POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Our family loved the Polar Express Train Ride at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. We also enjoyed the Train to Santa's Workshop at the Orange Empire Railway Museum that was held the year before. So we super excited to return and see the new Polar Express version. FYI, the museum was formerly called Orange Empire Railway Museum.
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the award-winning book led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. The adventure starts before you even board the train.
(My apologies for the foggy photo. It really was foggy...which made the experience even more incredible. It just didn't photograph well!)
Then you board to train onto your assigned train car.
Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket.
Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! This part is so fun because it feels just like the movie. You should have seen the look on my children's faces!
The story of the POLAR EXPRESS then comes to life as the characters enter and exit the train cars to a narrated story.
One of the most fun parts of the show is when the hot chocolate comes dancing down the aisles. Passengers are served hot chocolate by dancing chefs, and this year,Walkers Shortbread. But be prepared, alternative cookie flavors may be offered.
The hot cocoa was super yummy...the perfect treat for the magical train ride.
Seriously, everyone was a so nice!
After everyone gets their hot chocolate, the performers read the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Such a magical story!
And after the story...look outside!!! Where are you???
THE NORTH POLE. You'll see dancing elves and fun little North Pole Village.
Then it is time to return back to the train station.
On the way back, the performers engage passengers in Christmas carols and fun holiday activities. A great way to get into the holiday spirit!
What's that sound????
Is it SANTA CLAUS???
Yes!!! Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers. During the trip, the characters on each car will lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment just like in the film!
At the end of the night, each guest is given a special gift. It's the first gift of Christmas – their own silver sleigh bell. This was a truly the most special moment of the night. The kids were so excited.
Each guest gets to take home the keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
Look at how happy they are. This seriously was a fun Christmas activity for the whole family. We definitely will do it again this year!
How to make your Polar Express Train Ride more Magical
You can always take a ride on the Polar Express and just enjoy the ride. But I really recommend going all-out if you want to make it even more magical. The more you get into the experience, the more magical it will be.
- First of all, make sure to ARRIVE EARLY. I recommend arriving at least an hour or more earlier than your train departure. This will give you a chance to get your tickets from the ticket booth, take photos around the train and museum grounds, and also check out the additional activities that are available to enjoy. We had the opportunity to write letters to Santa and take photos by the tree and Polar Express backdrops. You also want to be outside right when the show starts, because the train conductor and Hero Boy come out and start the show off before you enter the train.
- Second of all, you need to wear your Christmas jammies! It makes all the difference in the amount of fun you will have. It's so much fun to get matching jammies with the family. And don't be embarrassed to wear them. Trust me, everyone who didn't wear them, will wish they did.
- Third, bring your camera! There are so many special moments that happen along the train route, and you're going to want to capture them. The look on my kids faces when the hot chocolate came dancing down the aisles, and when Santa gave them each a bell is something I am so glad I got a video of.
- Fourth, bring a jacket or a blanket. You won't need them on the train, but while you are waiting, it can be chilly...AND foggy! I don't know why, but it's always chilly and foggy this time of year at the Southern California Railway Museum.
- Finally, come with a full stomach. Perris is a nice little city, but the area around the train is pretty void of places to eat. And there isn't food available on the train. So make sure to eat before you come. Besides the hot chocolate and cookie they give you, that's all for food.
How Does the Polar Express Train Rides in Perris, CA and Grand Canyon Railroad Compare?
If you've been wanting to go to the Polar Express Train Ride at the Grand Canyon Railroad but can't make the trip, do the Polar Express Train Ride in Perris, CA.
Believe it or not, they're practically the same! I have personally done both train rides and they are the same script and run by the same company Rail Event Productions.
Whether you are riding in Perris or riding at the Grand Canyon, the music, story and actors scripts are the same. The trains that are used are different because they use the trains located at each train station. Both are comparable. The main difference that I can note – is the location. It can snow at the Grand Canyon Railroad, so that can make things a little more magical. Also the North Pole decorations are different, but not enough to really make a difference in the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Polar Express Train Ride in Perris
How much does the Polar Express Train Ride Cost?
The Polar Express Train Ride in Perris costs between $50 and $79 depending on an adult or child ticket, and time of day you choose to ride.
Here you can find the pricing schedule determined on day and time.
How Long is the Polar Express Train Ride Experience?
About an hour!
What ages do you recommend for this experience?
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is great for the whole family. I would say that a it is especially fun for kids 11 and under...and for their parents and caregivers who will get to see the joy they will express during the trip.
Is the experience the same for everyone?
Yes! Each train car gets the same experience and the same show. There are no upgrades. The Value, Standard, and Premium pricing is in regards to the the times and dates you choose. Weekends and night time slots are more money due to the popularity.
Is the Polar Express seating assigned?
Yes! You get to choose your seats when you purchase your tickets similar to that of an airline.
Do baby's need a Ticket?
Lap Infants under the age of two ride for free with an Adult. They must sit on an adult's lap though.
All Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride - Where to get tickets.
Now that you know how much fun the Polar Express Train Ride is, you probably want to purchase tickets for the family. Click here for tickets and more information about the Polar Express Train Ride experience.
I recommend getting your tickets to the Polar Express as soon as possible. Ticket sales begin in September, and the best seats start selling out in October. And the tickets for the best time slots on Friday night and Saturdays sell out quickly.
Looking for more family Christmas Events in Orange County?
Check out this great list of over 100 Christmas Events and Activities in Orange County, CA.
