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Vermont Polar Express Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide

Last revised: August 24, 2024

By: Adam Burns

There are currently two organizations in Vermont hosting official "The Polar Express" trips; both are hosted on the Vermont Railway at White River Junction and Burlington.  Tickets for these events usually sell out very fast so be sure to get yours as soon as they go on sale!

Other Activities

If you might be interested in other family-friendly holiday events to enjoy around Vermont the following are quite popular!

Christmas at Shelburne Museum

The Shelburne Museum is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, featuring festive lights, Christmas trees, and holiday-themed exhibitions. Families can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, visit Santa, and participate in holiday crafts.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

Visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne and take a tour of the factory to see how the bears are made. During the holiday season, families can participate in special events like the Teddy Bear Tea Party and create their own personalized teddy bear.

Christmas Tree Farms

Vermont is known for its Christmas tree farms, and families can enjoy a festive day selecting and cutting their own tree. Many farms also offer wagon rides, hot cocoa, and other holiday activities.

Ice Skating

Many Vermont towns have outdoor ice skating rinks, and during the holiday season, these rinks are often adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. Families can enjoy an afternoon of skating followed by hot cocoa and snacks.

Santa's Workshop

Located in Wilmington, Santa's Workshop is a Christmas-themed amusement park that offers rides, games, and other holiday activities. Families can visit with Santa and his elves and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Church Street Marketplace

(Burlington): The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only street in downtown Burlington that is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights during the holiday season. The area also features a giant Christmas tree and is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a perfect spot for a festive stroll.

Magic Mountain

(Londonderry): Magic Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, featuring thousands of lights, holiday displays, and festive music. Families can take a ride on the Magic Carpet, a conveyor lift that provides a unique view of the Christmas lights.

Montpelier

Vermont's capital city, Montpelier, is known for its beautiful historic buildings, and during the holiday season, these buildings are adorned with colorful lights and decorations. Families can take a stroll through the downtown area and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Woodstock

The picturesque town of Woodstock is known for its charming New England architecture, and during the holiday season, the town is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Visitors can take a stroll through the streets and enjoy the festive lights and decorations.

Stowe

The town of Stowe is a popular destination for winter sports, and during the holiday season, it becomes even more magical with its beautiful Christmas light displays. Visitors can take a drive or a walk through the town and enjoy the stunning lights and decorations.

2024 Dates Will Be Included As They Become Available!

Overview

Green Mountain Railroad/Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce/Vermont Children's Trust Foundation

(Burlington): Based in Burlington, these organizations come together to host official The Polar Express train rides for one weekend in December.  

The Green Mountain Railroad has operated since 1964 utilizing much of the former Rutland Railroad, a historic system which served its home state. 

Its importance cannot be understated.  It connected communities and farms with the national rail network, enabling the goods they produced (notably milk, marble, and general manufacturing/agriculture) with largest markets like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. 

The railroad began as the Champlain & Connecticut River Rail Road, chartered by Vermont in October, 1843 to connect Rutland and Burlington.

In 1867 it became the Rutland Railroad and eventually grew into a significant New England system connecting Chatham, New York with most of Vermont. 

It also maintained a northern, east-west component running to the port of Ogdensburg, New York along St. Lawrence River.  Unfortunately, competition from other railroads and transportation modes made life difficult for the Rutland. 

A strike in 1960 severely crippled the road and it never reopened.  Most of its remaining track was purchased by the state in 1963 forming today's Vermont Railway with excursions hosted as the Green Mountain Railroad. 

The Polar Express will depart from Burlington with trips lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

The Polar Express Dates:

White River Rotary Club

(White River Junction): The club at White River Junction was established in 1924.  

According to their website, "Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs."  

The Rotary sponsors official "The Polar Express" train rides over the Vermont Railway on a few select days each December.  The trips depart from White River Junction and last about 1 hour.

The Polar Express Dates: