Families across England can climb aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this Christmas as the acclaimed immersive experience returns to five destinations for 2026.
All details correct at time of publication (21 September 2026)
This includes Tunbridge Wells in Kent, Buckfastleigh in Devon, Wensleydale in North Yorkshire, Birmingham Moor Street Station and London Euston. Tickets are now on sale for departures running from 7 November to 30 December, depending on location.
From heritage railways in the South East, South West and North Yorkshire to landmark city-centre stations in Birmingham and London, each production offers families a local gateway into the much-loved Christmas story.
The five experiences share the same combination of cinematic storytelling, live theatrical performance and festive hospitality, while drawing on the character of their individual settings.
PNP Events, together with its partner railways and venues, Rail Events Inc. and Warner Bros., will once again bring the story to life at destinations across England.
The 2026 productions continue PNP Events’ collaboration with theatre director Pip Minnithorpe, who has worked as an associate or resident director on productions including Mamma Mia!, Wicked, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Spamalot and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
With five destinations across England, families can choose an experience close to home or make it the focus of a festive weekend away. Whether departing from Kent, Devon, North Yorkshire, the West Midlands or London, every guest can enjoy the same signature journey inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s book and the 2004 film.
From pyjamas on the platform to the first chime of a silver sleigh bell, the approximately one-hour theatrical journey transforms a train ride into a family Christmas adventure. Many guests embrace the occasion in matching festive sleepwear, adding to the atmosphere before the train has even departed.
On board, performers bring the story’s characters to life as the conductor punches golden tickets, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie, and passengers read along with the original tale on their journey towards the North Pole.
Guests can watch out for their favourite characters from the film before Santa and his elf assistant make their way through the carriages to present every passenger with a silver sleigh bell – the cherished first gift of Christmas. Each guest also receives a souvenir golden ticket to take home.
2026 Dates and Locations
- South East – Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, Kent: departures from 7 November to 30 December 2026.
- South West – South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh, Devon: departures from 27 November to 23 December 2026.
- North – Wensleydale Railway, North Yorkshire: departures from 13 November to 23 December 2026.
- West Midlands – Birmingham Moor Street Station: 2026 departures from 22 November to 23 December 2026.
- London – London Euston: departures from 5 December to 23 December 2026.
Popular departures sold quickly last year, so families are encouraged to book early through the website for their chosen location. Ticket prices vary by destination, date and departure time.
Across all its events, PNP Events will again support the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, with 5p from each biodegradable carrier bag sold at on-site shops helping to maintain Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the Cairngorm mountains.
