There’s something truly timeless about the sound of a train whistle on a crisp December night — a sound that seems to echo through generations, carrying with it the promise of wonder, laughter, and a little Christmas magic. Each holiday season, families from across California bundle up in their coziest pajamas, clutch their golden tickets, and gather under the twinkling lights of Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, ready to board the award-winning Polar Express Train Ride.
From November 28 through December 21, the historic rail yard transforms into a living snow globe of holiday cheer. Twinkling garlands adorn the vintage train cars, carolers hum nostalgic tunes, and the smell of cocoa fills the winter air. For one magical hour, passengers embark on a journey straight out of the pages of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved Christmas classic — The Polar Express.
Your adventure begins the moment you step onto the platform. The historic train cars — lovingly restored and decked with garlands, bells, and lights — seem to hum with excitement. Friendly “chefs” in crisp white uniforms welcome guests aboard, serving steaming cups of hot chocolate and sweet holiday treats as families settle into the warm, glowing seats.
Once aboard, the story of The Polar Express unfolds. Narrators read the timeless tale while music from the iconic film soundtrack fills the air. Children gaze out frost-touched windows as the train chugs through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, heading “all the way to the North Pole.”
As you near your destination, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Santa’s glittering village — elves waving, lights sparkling, and the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance. And then, like magic, Santa Claus himself boards the train, greeting wide-eyed children and gifting each passenger the “First Gift of Christmas” — a shining silver sleigh bell. Only those who truly believe can hear its joyful ring.
Once the train returns from its North Pole voyage, guests are invited to stroll along the lighted walkway to the park’s Historic Roundhouse, where Santa and his elves are waiting for photos and festive chats. Families linger beneath the string lights, snapping pictures beside the iconic Sierra No. 3 steam locomotive, which famously appeared in classic films like “Back to the Future Part III.”
Railtown 1897’s staff and volunteers go above and beyond to make this event truly special. Each year, they transform the century-old depot into a Christmas wonderland, recreating every small detail of the story — from golden tickets and conductor punch cards to the comforting smell of cocoa drifting through the cars. It’s no surprise that the event was honored with the Polar Bell Award for Best Décor by Rail Events Inc.
Every Polar Express ticket is more than a seat on a train — it’s a passport to pure Christmas nostalgia. Each ticket includes: Admission to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park; A Golden Ticket to board the Polar Express; An hour-long roundtrip ride to the North Pole; Hot chocolate and a holiday cookie served by onboard chefs; The reading of The Polar Express story; A visit with Santa Claus at the North Pole; and, of course, a silver sleigh bell — the “First Gift of Christmas.”
Tickets are $85 per person for coach seating, with children under two riding free on an adult’s lap. Trains depart Fridays through Sundays at 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
It’s advised to purchase early — tickets go on sale October 12, and just like Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, they tend to vanish in the blink of an eye.
Railtown’s Polar Express is more than an event — it’s an experience that awakens the childlike joy within us all. Parents sip cocoa with their little ones, couples hold hands as the carols play, and children press their noses to the frosty glass, eyes wide with belief.
Guests are even encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas to match the characters from the story. Some families bring along their copy of The Polar Express book for the Conductor to sign — creating a treasured holiday keepsake that can be passed down for years to come.
And don’t forget to bring your camera! The park’s historic Roundhouse offers the perfect backdrop for holiday photos, complete with Santa, twinkling lights, and the magnificent steam engine ready for its next run to the North Pole.
The Polar Express Train Ride at Railtown 1897 has become a Central Valley and Sierra foothill tradition — one that connects generations through storytelling, music, and the magic of belief. Since its debut years ago, the event has drawn families from across the state who come not just for the ride, but for the feeling it creates.
As the train whistles through the night and the sleigh bells jingle softly in every child’s hand, you can’t help but believe that Christmas magic is alive and well in Jamestown.
This holiday season, step aboard, sip some cocoa, and listen for the bell — because at Railtown 1897, the Polar Express proves once again that the spirit of Christmas never stops rolling.
For tickets and more information visit railtown1897.org or call 209-984-3407.
