Polar Express train rides in Texas.
Texas has 2 licensed Polar Express train rides for 2026: Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston and Texas State Railroad in Palestine.
On the ride, kids hear the story, get hot chocolate and a treat, and meet Santa. Each railroad sets its own dates, prices, and rules for lap kids and strollers, so check the details below. Rides often sell out, so book early.
Polar Express rides in Texas
Galveston, TX
Galveston Railroad Museum
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 23 · Select days, Nov 13-Dec 23
- Depot
- Historic 1932 Union Depot, 2602 Santa Fe Place
- Price
- See the official site
- Length
- About 1 hour on the train; about 2 hours in all
- Lap children
- Every child needs a ticket: a lap ticket or a full seat
- Included
- Round-trip ride, hot chocolate and a cookie, and a silver bell for each rider from Santa or an elf
A one-hour ride from the 1932 Union Depot. Pajamas are encouraged, and every rider gets a bell.
Booking: Strollers and baby carriers are not allowed on board. Final boarding is 10 minutes before departure. Sensory-friendly rides Dec 15 at 5:30 and 7:15 pm.
Parent tip: Even a lap baby needs a lap ticket here. Plan to carry little ones, since strollers stay off the train.
Palestine, TX
Texas State Railroad
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 28 · Select days, Nov 13-Dec 28; rides between 3:00 and 7:30 pm
- Depot
- Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70
- Price
- Coach from $40 adult, $20 child (2-12) on value nights; up to $115 in Presidential cars; plus $3 fee per ticket
- Length
- About 60 minutes round trip
- Lap children
- Adult-with-lap-child ticket (under 2) costs $10 more than an adult ticket
- Included
- Train ride, hot chocolate and cookies; First Class and up add a keepsake mug (coach does not)
A one-hour diesel train ride in East Texas. It has many seat types, from basic coach to glass-domed cars.
Booking: Check in at least 45 minutes early at the ticket window. Boarding passes must be picked up 15 minutes before departure. The platform closes 10 minutes before departure.
Parent tip: Coach on value nights is $40 per adult and $20 per child. Upgrade to First Class only if you want the mug.
Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.
Rides in nearby states
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
- Dates
- Dec 11-31 · Daily Dec 11-31 except Christmas; rides from 10 am to 6:40 pm
- Depot
- Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Ave
- Price
- Adults $78-$99.25, kids 2-11 $69.50-$90.50 by date, fees included
- Length
- About 2 hours in all
- Lap children
- Under 2 rides free on a lap; pick the free infant ticket at checkout and add the child's name
- Included
- Hot chocolate and a shortbread cookie, a reading of the book, Santa with the first gift of Christmas, and caroling on the way back
A December-only ride from the city's main train station, with morning and afternoon times that work for nap schedules. The book is read on board and Santa hands out bells.
Booking: Arrive about 60 minutes before showtime. The box office closes at showtime. Find your own parking near the station. Sensory-friendly ride Dec 18 at 10 am.
Parent tip: Morning rides suit babies and toddlers best. Value-price times are mostly late-morning and early-afternoon rides, Dec 14-18 and Dec 28-31.
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma Railway Museum
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 31 · Select days, Nov 20-Dec 31; 11:30 am to 8:00 pm
- Depot
- Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd
- Price
- Coach $62-$76 adult, $54-$68 child (2-11); First Class $79-$92 adult; fees and taxes included; parking $6
- Length
- Train show about 1 hour; about 2 hours in all
- Lap children
- Under 2 rides free on a lap; pick the free infant ticket at checkout and add the child's name
- Included
- Hot chocolate and a shortbread cookie, a reading of the book, and Santa with the first gift of Christmas
A one-hour ride at a rail museum in northeast Oklahoma City. The story happens on the train; there is no village to walk through.
Booking: Arrive about 60 minutes before showtime to park and check in. The box office closes at showtime. The platform is not heated. Sensory-friendly ride Dec 13 at 1:30 pm.
Parent tip: The cheapest value-price rides are in the week before Thanksgiving.
Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.
Questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Texas?
Galveston Railroad Museum runs it from Historic 1932 Union Depot, 2602 Santa Fe Place in Galveston. Texas State Railroad runs it from Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70 in Palestine.
When does the Polar Express run in Texas in 2026?
Galveston Railroad Museum: Nov 13 - Dec 23 (Select days, Nov 13-Dec 23). Texas State Railroad: Nov 13 - Dec 28 (Select days, Nov 13-Dec 28; rides between 3:00 and 7:30 pm).
How much is the Polar Express train ride in Texas?
Galveston Railroad Museum: See the official site. Texas State Railroad: Coach from $40 adult, $20 child (2-12) on value nights; up to $115 in Presidential cars; plus $3 fee per ticket. Check the official site for the price on your date.
See every Polar Express train ride in the US or Christmas in Houston, Christmas in San Antonio, Christmas in Dallas, Christmas in Austin.
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