North Pole Express
Potomac Eagle Saves Christmas
Step aboard the North Pole Express for a festive 75-minute train ride filled with storytelling, holiday cheer, and magical moments. As you travel, enjoy milk and Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies while listening to our unique Christmas tale, “Yes, West Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.” Watch characters from our Holiday production of “The Nutcracker” dance through your car and discover how “The Potomac Eagle Saves Christmas.”
As you approach the North Pole, watch it come to life with thousands of twinkling lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from their porch, while playful elves dance among the trees. Santa will board the train with a special gift for every child, adding a touch of magic to the journey home with festive caroling.
After your ride, visit the Christmas Event Barn to immerse yourself in fresh country festivities. Enjoy live animals at the petting farm, visit the Nativity scene, roast s’mores, and purchase refreshments. Kids can color, write letters to Santa, and deposit them in our special North Pole mailboxes. The Event Barn also offers beautiful photo opportunities and entertainment to complete your holiday experience.
Don’t forget to stop by the Gift Shop for North Pole Express mementos, Christmas gifts, and train souvenirs.
On the Train:
- Duration: 75-minute interactive train ride
- Refreshments: Milk and Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies
- Entertainment: Storytelling of “Yes, West Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” and caroling
- Special Guests: Santa boards the train at the North Pole with a gift for every child
At the Event Barn:
- Activities: Letters to Santa, coloring stations, live animals, Nativity scene
- Refreshments: Hot cocoa, snacks, and s’mores pits (additional cost, cash only)
- Photo Ops: Beautiful holiday-themed photo opportunities
- Entertainment: Music and activities to immerse you in the holiday spirit
*Additional cost “Cash Only”
**Please note: As we prepare for a magical holiday season, we want to let you know that our vintage Christmas trains are winterized, and due to the live production onboard, we kindly ask guests to use the bathroom facilities at the station before boarding.
We understand emergencies can happen, and we are prepared to assist if needed during the ride.
Thank you for your understanding, and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard!
Your Itinerary
Experience the magic of the North Pole Express.
- Arrival: Plan to arrive approximately 2 hours before your departure time to fully enjoy the festivities.
- Check-in: At the ticket window upon arrival
- Event Barn: Visit the Event Barn for holiday festivities before or after your ride. The Event Barn closes at 7:00 PM.
- Boarding: Begins 30 minutes before departure
- Departure: Northbound journey to the North Pole for an hour and 15-minute magical ride with no layover
- Refreshments: Enjoy milk and Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies during the ride
- Deboarding: After the ride, visit the Gift Shop for North Pole Express mementos and Christmas gifts
*Note: Restrooms on board the train are closed during the North Pole Express excursions due to live production in the aisles and winterizing of the train. Please use the restrooms or porta-potties at the station prior to departure.
Classes of Service and Pricing
Everyone is invited to come aboard in your favorite pajamas to enjoy milk and cookies served in your choice of First Class dining cars or vintage casual Standard Coach.
First Class
Our vintage 1940/50s dining cars feature comfortable table style and lounge style seating. These beautifully restored cars offer expansive views and have total climate control for your comfort needs. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the festivities in a holiday setting for the whole family.
- Windows do not open
1PM, 3PM, 5PM & 7PM:
- Adults (17+): $67
- Children (2-16): $57
- Lap Children (0-23 mos): Free
Standard Coach
Our 1920s coaches are great for groups and families. The cars have cushioned, bench-style. The windows offer abundant views and can be opened for more expansive and interactive viewing at the North Pole when Santa boards the train. The coach cars have limited heating, but do not have total climate control. We suggest passengers dress in layers and bring warm blankets for a comfortable journey in our vintage, festive cars.
- Windows open
1PM, 3PM, 5PM & 7PM:
- Adults (17+): $57
- Children (2-16): $47
- Lap Children (0-23 mos): FREE
Christmas Countdown
North Pole Express Cancellation Policy
North Pole Express Cancellation Policy:
- NPE Ticket sales are non-refundable. If you need to cancel, an in-house credit can be held for a future excursion (subject to availability- Excluding third party vouchers) through October 31st the following year. If Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad cancels a trip due to inclement weather, we will do our best to reschedule your party on another North Pole Express trip. If no reschedule can be made, an in-house credit will be held until October 31st of the following year.
- Full credit in both First Class and Standard Coach can be held only if cancellations/date changes are made one week prior to the excursion date. If cancellations & date changes are less than one week prior to the excursion, a $10 service fee per ticket will be deducted from your in-house credit to reschedule.
- Purchases from third-party bookings made through platforms such as Groupon, Travelzoo, or any other third-party company, a rescheduling fee of $10 will be applied to the booking, regardless of whether cancellations or date changes are requested less than one week prior to the scheduled excursion.
- All North Pole Express In-House Credits from the current season expire on Oct 31st of the following year.
- North Pole Express Ticket reschedules can only be made for the same North Pole Express season (NPE). NPE tickets cannot transfer to NPE the following year.
Attention: Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate separate reservation requests for seating together on this excursion. To guarantee that your party is seated together, we kindly ask that all members of your group be booked under a single reservation.
Please note while we will make every effort to accommodate any additional tickets added to your reservation at a later date, we cannot guarantee that they will be seated together with the original tickets. Our team will strive to provide the best possible arrangements, but seating proximity for later additions may be subject to availability.
Casey Nuttle
October 23, 2023
We had a great time in the club car. Our server, Tawnya, was fantastic. We were able to see 4 eagle nest and 6 eagles. Great trip!
Nacoma Mayhugh
October 21, 2023
We enjoyed the afternoon. Appreciated being able to ride in the open car. Were not able to hear the gentleman there giving instructions as to where to look for eagles, nests or deer... The boxed lunch was better than expected, except the minimal amount of turkey on sub. Great chips, apple, and cookie. All staff were lovely.
Errol Poole
October 21, 2023
Had a great time .saw 12 eagles today love
Sandy Carson
October 20, 2023
Comfy ride and really liked the open car. Weather was good and great seeing eagles.
ELMER BEARD
October 19, 2023
Terrific service and scenery. Took the 3 hr trough train excursion. Had several sightings of mature and young bald eagles. The standard dining box lunch was terrific. Great staffa
Paul
October 18, 2023
A nice ride with lunch! Very pleasant and knowledgeable staff. 5 stars just for the staff. Saw 5 or 6 eagles and other birds, geese, merganzers, wood ducks. Falk colors will peak soon. Highly recommend!
