The Polar Express Ohio
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The only sanctioned Polar Express train ride in Ohio is at the Dennison Depot. Enjoy a reenactment of the train ride featured in the book and movie of the same name.
The train’s vintage coaches are decorated for the season, and storytellers read the story aloud.
The journey staff are all volunteers who dress in costume, sing, dance, lead limbo contests, and more.
Elves entertain guests with games and activities, and a beverage and cookies are served, made by Mrs. Claus.
When the train arrives at the North Pole, guests will see Santa in his workshop through the train window. Once onboard, Santa will visit the children and also gift them all a jingle bell from the reindeer harnesses.
If you can hear the bell ring, you are a true believer!
Almost everybody comes in matching Christmas pyjamas!
We definitely recommend that guests watch the movie before their journey. Songs and dances will then be recognizable.
Times and Seating on the Polar Express
Polar Express train rides run from early December for two weeks on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets sell out quickly and are normally available from late September.
Available seating is: Coach, Deluxe, First Class, and First Class Compartment.
We enjoyed the compartment, which was our own little room on the train. We had our own volunteer who read the story, we had a couch, two chairs, and a private visit from Santa. There were two windows in the compartment to view the Christmas village from the train. This is a great option for children/adults who do not like crowds or get overwhelmed or overstimulated easily. We took a family member with special needs, and this was perfect.
If you want to stay overnight, the Pullman Bed & Breakfast is a restored vintage sleeper car.
There is usually a sales shop open across from the depot, which has some limited food and specialty items to purchase to remember your experience.
The Dennison Railroad Depot has events and attractions throughout the year. Visitors can call into the Depot Museum and Panhandle Theater, explore unique train cars, and buy a souvenir at the Whistle Stop Railroad gift shop.
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
Mark your calendars to order your tickets months in advance, as they sell out quickly. You are charged for the tickets upon purchase, but the physical tickets arrive much closer to the ride date. Make a getaway by staying onsite in a railcar the night before!
Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Where is The Polar Express Ohio Located?
- Address: 400 Center St, Dennison, Ohio 44621
- Phone: 740-922-6776 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Location Map for The Polar Express Ohio
Let’s Go on The Polar Express Ohio!
Have you taken the Polar Express? Did you take the kids with you? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.
For more Christmas-themed train rides in Ohio, check out our article about Christmas Train Rides, or find out more about Train Rides in Ohio throughout the year.
Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.
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