All aboard for Christmas magic: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to South Devon Railway for 2026

Families looking for a Christmas experience to remember can now book one of the most magical festive journeys in the South West, as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to the South Devon Railway on selected dates between 27 November and 23 December 2026.

After another successful season, PNP Events, South Devon Railway, Rail Events Inc. and Warner Bros. are once again bringing the beloved story to life in a spectacular immersive adventure set against the charm of a heritage steam railway.

For five years, the experience has delighted passengers at South Devon Railway, creating treasured family memories, festive photographs and the kind of Christmas excitement that begins the moment the train steams into the platform.

Inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story and the much-loved 2004 film, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride invites guests to step straight into the magic. Families are encouraged to arrive in their pyjamas, with many choosing matching sets to make the journey feel even more special from the very first moment.

As snow falls on the platform, passengers wait for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ to arrive before climbing aboard and taking their seats at lantern-lit tables. The one-hour round trip to the North Pole is packed with theatre, music and interactive fun, as the conductor punches golden tickets, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, and guests read along with the original book.

There are surprises along the way too, including appearances from the Hobo, before Santa and his cheerful elf assistant make their way through the carriages to present every guest with a silver sleigh bell - the cherished first gift of Christmas. As the story reminds us, only those who truly believe can hear its gentle ring.

With carols in the air and festive cheer filling the carriages, the train returns to South Devon Railway, where guests can continue the magic with a visit to the gift shop and choose a keepsake from their adventure.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is one of the world’s most popular festive rail experiences, welcoming more than 1.5 million riders across 54 locations worldwide each year.

Every passenger receives a souvenir golden ticket and silver sleigh bell to take home. Ticket prices range from £35.95 to £52.95 depending on the chosen date and time.

Popular dates are expected to sell quickly, so families are encouraged to secure their seats early at www.southdevonrailwaythepolarexpressride.com

PNP Events will once again support the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, with 5p from each biodegradable carrier bag sold at the on-site shops going towards maintaining Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland.

Location: South Devon Railway, Dart Bridge Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ