North Pole Express
On-Board the North Pole Express, settle in for some storytelling. Enjoy milk and cookies as you listen to our unique story of Christmas in Appalachia, "Yes, West Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.” Story characters dance through your car to our Holiday production of the "Nutcracker" and hear how “The Potomac Eagle Saves Christmas.” Book the North Pole Express today!
Watch as the dark night is suddenly aglow with thousands of twinkling lights at the North Pole. Santa and Mrs Claus wave from their porch as children spy playful elves among the trees. To the delight of all, Santa boards the train with a gift for every child as we carol our way home.
Visit the Christmas Event Barn to experience fresh country festivities. See live animals at our petting farm, visit the Nativity, roast s'mores, and purchase refreshments. Relax while children color or write Santa letters for deposit in our special North Pole mailboxes. With beautiful photo ops available, music and entertainment, it is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
At the Gift Shop, purchase North Pole Express mementos, Christmas gifts, and train souvenirs.
On the Train:
- 75-minute interactive train ride
- Milk and Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies
- Storytelling
- Christmas caroling
- Santa boards train at the North Pole
- Every child receives a gift from Santa
At the Event Barn:
- Event barn with activities
- Letters to Santa
- Coloring stations
- Great photo ops
- Nativity with live animals
- Hot cocoa, snacks as well as s’mores pits*
*Additional cost “Cash Only”
*During The North Pole Express excursions restrooms on board the train are closed due to live production in the isles and winterizing of the train, please be sure to use the restrooms or porta potties at the station prior to departure*
Your Itinerary
- Plan to arrive about 2 hours before your departure time
- Check in with the ticket window upon arrival
- Plan to visit the Event Barn for festivities before or after your ride
- Boarding time is ½ hour before departure
- Depart and journey northbound to the North Pole for an hour and 15 minute magical journey with no layover
- No meal service, but enjoy milk with your Mrs. Clause cookie
- Deboard at the station and visit the Event Barn (closes at 7:00pm) and Gift Shop
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.
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.
3PM, 5PM & 7PM:
- Adults (17+): $57
- Children (2-16): $47
- Lap Children (0-23 mos): FREE
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!
