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What to expect
Set to the sounds of the motion picture, passengers will relive the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical trip to the North Pole. Once on board, the Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie by our dancing chefs!
Passengers will read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
Once at The North Pole, Santa and his Elves board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and on board entertainment – just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this unforgettable adventure.
We request passengers arrive approximately 45 minutes before their departure time and check in at the will call desk located in the Westbrook Station Ticket Office. Boarding starts approximately 20 minutes before departure time. While waiting to for the Boarding Call you can stay warm in your car and tune into our Polar Radio broadcast frequency on your radio at 87.7 FM for announcements. Please arrive on time as all trains leave as scheduled without exception.
Wheelchair seating is limited in our 1950’s vintage coaches. If there is anyone in the party with mobility issues – please contact us at 845-332- 4854, we can book your tickets in a coach that can accommodate wheel chairs.
We do have limited seats reserved for families with sensory sensitivities. Please contact us at 845-332-4854 to book these seats. There will be softer audio and lighting levels in these seats.
In order to offer the best experience for all guests, seating is assigned on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. You will select your own seats during the online checkout process as you would on an airline. The seats you select will be the seats you sit in – seating can not be re-adjusted or combined. Please review seating charts carefully. The train travels to the North Pole and returns over the same tracks, all passengers will ride forward for half of their trip and backwards for the other half (or vice versa).
A limited number of emergency restrooms are available on board the train. Please alert a staff member if a member of your party needs to use the restroom, as they may need to be escorted to another car to access the nearest one. It is important to note that there are no wheelchair accessible restrooms located on the train.
No Alcohol Policy
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a family-friendly event and no alcohol is sold or allowed on board the train. Intoxicated passengers or those found in possession of alcohol will be removed from the event without refund.
November 17 – December 29, 2023
Off Peak Adult – $44 | Off Peak Child – $34
Peak Adult – $53 | Peak Child – $43
Email or call with any questions: reservations@catskillmountainrailroad.com | 845-332-4854
ULSTER COUNTY DISCOUNT
$9.00 OFF THE REGULAR POLAR EXPRESS TICKET PRICE PER PERSON FOR ULSTER COUNTY RESIDENTS.
As a special holiday offer to our Ulster County neighbors, get a $9.00 discount off your regular Polar Express tickets per person by contacting us at info@catskillmountainrailroad.com. Proof of residence is required by submitting your driver’s license or government ID.
Click on time to purchase tickets.
Buy Tickets:
November OFF Peak
November Peak
December OFF Peak
December Peak
The Polar Express FAQ
HOW CAN I RESERVE TICKETS?
Once tickets have been released, passengers may book their reservations on line at this website. Additionally, reservations agents can be reached by calling our office: 845-332-4854.
All times are Eastern Standard Time.
WHERE IS THE WESTBROOK STATION LOCATED?
Westbrook Lane Station: 55 Kingston Plaza Rd, Kingston, NY 12401
WHAT IS THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE?
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Passengers are served hot chocolate and cookies by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the first gift of Christmas (a silver sleigh bell) after Santa boards the train to greet families at the North Pole. Attendants lead passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the return trip to the Westbrook Station in Kingston.
HOW LONG IS THE EXPERIENCE? WHEN SHOULD WE ARRIVE?
The entire experience in Kingston and on the train is roughly an hour and a half in length. It is requested that guests arrive approximately 45 minutes prior to their departure time. This allows time to park and check in at the Westbrook Station. Boarding will begin approximately 20 minutes prior to listed departure times. The train ride itself is just over an hour in length.
MAY I USE MY TICKETS FOR ANY TRAIN RIDE?
Your purchased reservations are only good for the specific excursion on your chosen date and time.
IS SEATING ASSIGNED?
Yes. In order to offer the best experience for all guests, seating is assigned on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this season. You will select your own seats during the online checkout process as you would on an airline. Please review seating charts carefully.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OFF-PEAK AND PEAK PRICING?
Peak pricing delineates our trains which are in high demand and at full price.
Off-peak tickets are for trains with lower demand which we’re happy to provide at a discount.
HOW SOON SHOULD I BOOK TICKETS?
It is recommended that reservations are made as soon as your group knows which date and time you would like to attend. Tickets have sold out quickly for this event in past years.
IS THE EVENT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
The Westbrook Station and the train are wheelchair accessible, however wheelchair seating is limited. It is also important to note that there are no wheelchair accessible restrooms located on the train. Designated parking spaces for those with disabilities are located directly adjacent to the station. Please notify parking attendants if a member of your party has mobility issues and requires a reserved space. If a member of your party requires wheelchair access, please select the appropriate wheelchair/companion seats during online checkout or contact a reservations representative at 845-332-4854 to make reservations.
HOW DO I BOOK TICKETS FOR SOMEONE WITH A DISABILITY?
To ensure your experience is exceptional, please call our reservations representative at 845-332-4854 to make reservations so CMRR ensures your needs are met; do not book online. When necessary, we will ensure you’re provided seating in our special Hudson car featuring staff trained to ensure comfort and enjoyment for all, while accommodating passengers with autism, hearing impairments and other unique needs.
WHERE CAN I FIND FOOD ALLERGY INFORMATION?
When booking your tickets, please inform a reservations representative if anyone in your party has a food allergy or special dietary needs. Please also inform your car’s onboard staff members as you board the train. Cookies and hot chocolate are served on the train. The cookies do not contain nuts, but may come from a facility that processes nuts. The hot chocolate contains dairy. Anyone with a food allergy or special dietary needs is welcome to bring an alternate treat or drink item on board.
WHERE DO WE PARK?
Designated parking spaces for those with disabilities or mobility issues are located directly adjacent to the station. Parking is free for all and adjacent the train station in the Kingston Plaza lot.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON BOARD THE TRAIN?
A limited number of restrooms are available on board the train. Please alert a staff member if a member of your party needs to use the restroom, as they may need to be escorted to another car to access the nearest one. It is important to note that there are no wheelchair accessible restrooms located on the train.
DO INFANTS RIDE FOR FREE?
Children under two may ride for free provided they are not occupying a seat and ride on an adult’s lap. A free infant ticket must be selected at checkout and the name of the child must be provided on the reservation. This is to ensure every passenger can be accounted for in case of emergency.
WHAT SHOULD MY FAMILY WEAR?
Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas just like passengers from THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book and film. Passengers may spend time on an unheated platform as they board and disembark from the train, so appropriate winter attire is also recommended.
WHERE DOES THE TRAIN GO?
To the North Pole and back. Conveniently, a round trip is less than a ten mile journey and approximately 70 minutes in length..
ARE TICKETS REFUNDABLE?
Like sporting events, concerts, and other live events, tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride are not refundable.
CAN I CHANGE MY RESERVATION TO A DIFFERENT DATE OR TIME? CAN I CHANGE NAMES ON TICKETS?
If seats are available on another date/train, our reservations agents will do their best to accommodate your request. However, no guarantees can be made that your reservation can be changed. Name changes on tickets are allowed. Name changes need to be made at least 24 hrs before departure time by speaking with a reservations agent. The reservation holder must make this request and be able to provide their name, email address, and credit card information in order to change names on tickets. A small charge may apply.
WILL THE EVENT TAKE PLACE IF THERE IS SNOW OR OTHER INCLEMENT WEATHER?
Yes. Trains will continue to run in snow and other weather conditions. The event may also be cancelled or postponed if the State Highway Patrol closes major roads and freeways due to snow or natural disasters. Full refunds will be offered in this scenario.
NO ALCOHOL POLICY
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a family-friendly event and no alcohol is sold or allowed on board the train. Intoxicated or chemically impaired passengers or those found in possession of alcohol will be removed from the event without refund.
CONTACT US:
Once tickets have been released guests may book their reservations online on this website. Additionally, reservations agents can be reached at our office: 845-332-4854
CMRR REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICIES
ALL SALES ARE FINAL and NO REFUNDS will be granted. In most cases, a replacement ticket for another ride will be issued dependent on the reason for the request. All events are time and date specific, all sales will be final, and no refunds will be granted.
DISCLAIMER: Schedules are adhered to as closely as possible, however the railroad reserves the right to alter schedules and itinerary, and substitute equipment as conditions demand.
Testimonials
“The whole experience was well run, well organized and good for anyone young and old!! Some families came in their pajamas!!”
– romara711 (from tripadvisor.com), Peekskill, NY
“Fun time with the whole family… The crew/ elves are entertaining all trip and provide great chocolate cookies and hot chocolate.”
– bigdipper47 (from tripadviser.com), Bohemia, NY
“We had an awesome time on the Catskill Mountain Railroad – we rode for the first time on The Polar Express and we were not disappointed! We’ll look forward to riding this railroad again!”
– Rob H. (from tripadvisor.com), Keymar, Maryland
“I recommend this very fun holiday activity for families with young children.”
– George626 (from tripadvisor.com), Las Vegas, Nevada
“For children, especially my grandchildren, this was the best Santa train ride they had been on and the have been on one every year since they could walk.”
– vlcnyc (from tripadvisor.com), Staten Island, NY
“We went on the Polar Express. It was extremely well done and the kids loved it.”
– Matthew Nolan
“This is a great attraction , I personally love old things and these trains are really neat. To be able to ride on them is even more incredible.”
– Alex R.
“Awesome Experience !!! Truly everyone should experience this.”
– Jacqueline Verywell
“Nothing like the Polar Express thru the eyes of a child or 2 Grandmas who just wanted to go… Well done !!!!”
– Jill Short
“Just an overall good time great for the family! Will be back next year! Bravo!”
– Joseph Gallipoli
“There’s singing, dancing…. enough fun things to put a smile on your face, unless you’re a miserable Grinch!”
– M M
“The Polar Express ride was tons of fun for kids and adults.”
– Jeffrey Bates
“Staff is on point, pay so much attention to the kids, engaging them with song and dance, etc!!”
– Allison Phillips
“Amazing experience, the train ride was a lot of fun and very educational!”
– Natashia Velez