November 4, 2025 | B&O Railroad Museum

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Returns to the B&O Railroad Museum for a Magical Holiday Season
New peak and off-peak performance schedule offers more options for families

Baltimore, MD— The B&O Railroad Museum’s beloved holiday tradition, The Polar Express™ Train Ride, returns this year to whisk passengers away on a magical journey to the North Pole. The immersive experience, inspired by the classic book and film, runs on select dates from November 28-29 and December 6-7, 13-14, and 19–23.

“The Polar Express is one of our favorite holiday traditions at the B&O,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “Guests will enjoy a magical train ride where the beloved classic tale truly comes to life and can then continue their adventure at our North Pole. Here they will find a winter wonderland filled with all of the joy and wonder of the season: festive holiday crafts, photos with Santa, a stunning 35-foot Christmas tree, s’mores by the fire pit, and an enchanting holiday model train display. The magic of Christmas has no age limit, and this experience is truly for all who believe.”  

An Immersive Holiday Experience for All Ages 

Families and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas, just like the boy in the story, and settle in for a magical trip full of music, treats, and holiday delights. 

Highlights of the experience include: 

  • A Pre-Departure Dance Party: A DJ will get everyone into the holiday spirit through festive music and dance fun. Crafts will also be available to keep the little ones busy. 
  • The Polar Express™ Train Ride: Travelers will take a 45-minute magical train ride to the North Pole filled with live performances and visits from the conductor, hobo, and Santa himself where all guests who believe will receive the first gift of Christmas. 
  • Hot Cocoa and Cookies: Guests will sip warm hot chocolate served by dancing chefs and nibble on freshly baked cookies. 
  • Storytelling & Music: All will sing along with classic Christmas carols and listen to a reading of The Polar Express story, bringing the tale to life. 
  • A Visit to the North Pole: Upon disembarking from the train, both the young and young at heart can enjoy holiday crafts, take a picture with Santa, ride Santa’s sleigh, and relish s’mores by the firepit or more substantial food offerings from the Candy Cane Cafe.  

New Peak and Off-Peak Performance Pricing

For the first time, the Museum is introducing new peak and off-peak performance dates, providing families with more options and added value when planning their visit. This new structure enhances accessibility and ensures that even more guests can experience the magic of the event.

Tickets on Sale Now 

This immersive experience is between 1.5-3 hours. Tickets for this very important fundraiser for the Museum are now available for purchase and range from $50 to $120 per ticket. Groups of 20+ save 10% off bronze and silver tickets and groups of 60+ save 20% off bronze and silver tickets. The event is expected to sell out quickly, so families are encouraged to reserve their spots early to participate in this favorite holiday tradition. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.borail.org/polar-express. The B&O Railroad Museum offers free, onsite, secure parking for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at 1100 James Street, Baltimore, MD 21223. 

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About the B&O Railroad Museum   

The B&O Railroad Museum, the birthplace of American railroading, located in Baltimore, Maryland is a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American society, culture, and economy. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse and first mile of commercial railroad track in America. In 2019, the Museum welcomed guests from all 50 states and 40 countries. For further information on the B&O Railroad Museum, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org.     

About THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride   

Official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Inc. Since 2007, Rail Events Inc. has held exclusive license to operate THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s22)   Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters © & ™ 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. 

Media Contact: 
Stephanie Jayakanthan 
B & O Railroad Museum
Sjayakanthan@borail.org 
520-233-3947 


Celeste C.
October 2024

My family had a wonderful time in this museum! It’s the perfect balance of visually appealing and interactive for my boys (ages 5 & 8). We would definitely go again!

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