The Polar Express is an award-winning children's book by author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg. But many will be more familiar with the animated film based on the book and starring Tom Hanks as the conductor. It's more than 20 years since the release of the Christmas film, but it's still a favourite for many at this time of year. It tells the story of a young boy who climbs aboard a magical train that appears outside his home on Christmas Eve. He sets off on an adventure to the North Pole, and along the way he learns about friendship, bravery, the spirit of Christmas, and the power of believing. It's one of those festive family films that I watch every year with my sons, Odhran, 10, and Reuben, 7. So, we were excited to relive the movie magic by embarking on a journey on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from London Euston Station.
In preparation, we watched the movie the night before to get us in the mood, and I'd popped to Primark to grab the boys a £10 pair of matching pyjamas - red and wonderfully Christmassy. Travelling on the Tube in their pjs was a novelty for the kids and when we arrived at Euston Station there was no difficulty in finding the platform, as alongside staff with placards to direct Polar Express passengers, you could simply follow the families in pjs and dressing gowns.
The fun got underway on the platform. The boys were thrilled to collect their golden tickets, as the black steam engine puffed away behind us. Carol singers performed on a stage, bringing a vintage vibe, and Odhran and Reuben were delighted to be among a group of children randomly chosen to grab the mic and share a Christmas joke with the crowd. Then, everyone was encouraged to step up to the gate marked with their carriage letter, and follow a guide to find their seats.
The carriage was beautifully decorated with garlands, lights and baubles. The lights changed colour to set the tone for different parts of the experience. You are on board the train for about an 1hr on a return journey between Euston Station and Wembley. Passengers remain on the train throughout, as it's all about the excitement that comes to life inside the carriage. But the windows are frosted to keep the illusion of travelling towards the North Pole.
We took our seats at a table for four and the entertainment sprung to life almost immediately, as the conductor (who looked and sounded like Tom Hanks) marched through the carriage. The wonderful thing about THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is that there's a separate conductor and two fun and energetic chefs for each carriage. So, you get undivided attention and an immersive performance throughout the entire ride. The actors were fantastic. They danced and sand up and down the narrow aisle, and of course served up hot chocolate! The thick indulgent drink was just the right temperature for kids, and accompanied by a large chocolate chip cookie.
The boys eyes were on the performers at all times throughout the journey. They were completely engrossed. The mysterious Hobo character from the movie also made an appearance and there was drama alongside a quieter moment where The Polar Express story was read out over the loudspeaker and the cast went between tables with an oversized copy of the beautifully illustrate book, asking kids to turn the pages. Passengers were encouraged to make hissing train noises and other sound effects to accompany the story. Popular songs from the movie, such as When Christmas Comes to Town, were performed. But we also all joined in to sing Christmas songs, and the conductor came round to punch the first initial of our names into our tickets.
The experience of course culminated in a visit from Father Christmas, who, in keeping with the story, bestowed upon each of the kids a single silver bell. Reuben delighted in telling me how he could hear it ring (in the story, only this who believe in Father Christmas can hear the bells). Santa and the conductor then came back around to give everyone to chance to take photos. As we disembarked, we felt full of festive cheer. We would recommend this theatrical experience, and if you don't live near London, don't worry, as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride also departs from other locations including Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, Wensleydale Railway in Yorkshire and South Devon Railway. Spa Valley Railway is the only one with tickets for after Christmas 28, 29 and 31 December.
Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride usually sell out. Tickets vary across venues, dates and time. But for The Polar Express Train Ride from London Euston, prices start at £59.95 per person (under 2s on laps cost a nominal fee of £5). The cost might seem expensive, but it is a live performance with talented actors and great attention to detail. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from London Euston Station has sold out this year. So, if you don't want to miss out next year, be sure to check the website when tickets go on sale for Christmas 2026, usually late summer.