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Colorado Polar Express Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: March 13, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Colorado, with its breathtaking landscapes and magical winter atmosphere, is an ideal setting for a whimsical holiday adventure. One of the most enchanting experiences the state offers during the festive season is official The Polar Express rides. This beloved holiday tradition is based on the classic children's book, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, and the subsequent heartwarming film adaptation.

This guide will take you through all the details of enjoying these trips in Colorado, ensuring a magical experience for families and holiday enthusiasts alike.

Understanding the Polar Express Experience

Before diving into specific locations, it's essential to understand what a Polar Express experience entails. These train rides aim to recreate the magical journey to the North Pole, as portrayed in the story. Passengers are treated to a theatrical retelling, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the Polar Express story. Characters such as the Conductor, singing chefs, and Santa Claus himself are part of the ride, making the experience immersive and delightful.

Key Locations

Colorado offers several venues for the Polar Express rides, each providing unique scenic views and experiences. Here are the primary locations:

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Location: 479 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

Overview

Nestled in the picturesque San Juan Mountains, the Durango & Silverton is not only one of the nation's most popular tourist trains but it is also home to Rail Events, Inc., the company responsible for licensing all official The Polar Express events.

The headline of Michael Boldrick's article from the September, 1981 issue of Trains Magazine says it best about the D&SNG, "Living Museum."

The railroad is truly a time capsule. It maintains 45 miles of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western's narrow-gauge Silverton Branch, which was also part of the railroad's larger "San Juan District" (all narrow-gauge trackage) serving southwestern Colorado and northern New Mexico (until 1941 these lines also reached Santa Fe).

Public excursions along the route date back to the 1950's, which likely saved it from total abandonment. Its popularity has been incredible, having enjoyed at, or over, 100,000 riders annually since 1971 thanks to its collection of historic steam locomotives and breathtaking scenery.

Passengers embark on a scenic journey through snow-clad forests, offering stunning views and a distinctive holiday charm. Naturally, its Polar Express trips are among the most popular thanks to the ambiance, history, and superb period accommodations.

If there is one railroad you should ride in your lifetime it is the Durango & Silverton. Ticket options available include coach, deluxe, or first class. Please purchase your tickets early, they sell out quickly!

Experience Highlights

- The ride departs from the Durango depot, with a journey filled with animatronic displays and live performances.

- The train cars are vintage, adding to the nostalgia and magic of the trip.

- Upon reaching the "North Pole," Santa boards the train to greet children, handing them the iconic silver bell from the story.

Colorado Railroad Museum

Location: 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403

Overview

In most instances, only the largest and most prominent rail preservation groups host official The Polar Express events due to the licensing expenses involved.

This is the case at the Colorado Railroad Museum, one of the West's finest organizations. Founded in 1959 they do a wonderful job highlighting the state's incredible history with trains, from narrow gauge lines and steep mountain passes to gleaming streamliners and fast freights.

Among their collection:

• A replica depot which depicts those found along the Denver & Rio Grande in the 1880's.
• A library/archive wing, numerous steam locomotives (many of which are narrow-gauge types).
• Several period passenger cars.
• A handful of historic diesels.
• A handsome five-stall brick roundhouse with accompanying turntable.
• Three of Rio Grande Southern Railway's unique "Galloping Goose" rail cars.

The museum is unique in that they host official The Polar Express events utilizing historic steam locomotives, notably Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-2 #491 (narrow-gauge). Ticket options available include either standard or deluxe class.

Experience Highlights

- The museum decorates its historic railcars and locomotives elaborately, immersing passengers in festive cheer.

- Live characters perform throughout the journey, interacting with passengers and bringing the story to life.

- The museum setting also allows families to explore additional train exhibits before or after their ride.

Preparing for Your Journey

To make the most of your Polar Express experience, a little preparation goes a long way. Below are some tips to ensure a seamless adventure:

Purchasing Tickets

- Plan Ahead: Tickets for Polar Express rides often sell out fast, especially closer to the holiday season. It’s advisable to book your tickets early to secure your desired date and time.

- Choose Your Car Wisely: Different seating options are available, with varying levels of comfort and price. Premium tickets might include added perks like extra treats or souvenirs.

What to Wear

- Dress Warmly: Even though the train cars are heated, it's wise to dress in layers since Colorado winters are known for their chill.

- Pajama Tradition: One of the joys of the Polar Express experience is dressing in pajamas, just like in the story. This not only adds to the fun but also helps younger children, who may be on a later ride, stay cozy and comfortable.

Arrival and Boarding

Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour before your scheduled departure. This allows time to find parking, pick up tickets if needed, and explore any extra activities.

- Check-In Process: Typically, there are signs and staff members to guide you through the check-in process, ensuring you’re on the correct car and seated timely.

Making the Experience Memorable

Creating a memorable experience goes beyond just the ride. Consider the following tips to elevate your journey:

Capture the Magic

- Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the delight on your children's faces when they meet Santa or sip their hot chocolate.

Engage with the Story

- Read or Watch "The Polar Express": Prior to your ride, consider reading the book or watching the movie with your family. This enhances the anticipation and allows children to familiarize themselves with the story.

- Interact with Characters: Encourage your children to interact with the onboard characters. The actors are skilled at engaging with passengers to create personalized moments.