If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing aboard the Polar Express with your little one, the Whippany, New Jersey experience is truly something special. Tickets are notoriously hard to get — and as of now, they’re completely sold out for the season. If it’s on your family’s Christmas bucket list, your best chance is keeping an eye out for the mid-summer ticket release. The earlier you snag them, the better the price tends to be since ticket prices increase the closer you get to Christmas.
We were lucky enough to go this year in early November. It ended up being the perfect kickoff to our holiday season. Climbing aboard a twinkling train, music playing, and matching cocoa-themed jammies instantly put us all in the Christmas spirit!
Getting There Early Made All the Difference
Our showtime was 3:25 PM. We pulled into Whippany around 2:40 PM. If you’re going next year, that timing was perfect for us. The parking lot is small and a little tight, but they do have people guiding traffic. We were able to park, grab our things, and walk over without feeling rushed.
Before boarding, there’s a whole tent filled with fun things to explore — photo ops galore, coloring pages for the littles, a spot to write a letter to Santa, and a will-call station for picking up your golden ticket. Gem* was in toddler heaven! We weren’t rushed at all, which really helped set the tone for a relaxing, magical experience.
Boarding the Polar Express
Right outside the train at exactly 3:25, the reenactment of the Chris Van Allsburg story begins. A “girl in her critical year” is introduced, and the magic kicks in right away. Once you board, the whole performance closely follows the book and movie, complete with singing characters, the ticket punch, and, of course, the iconic hot chocolate scene.
All train attendants were fully in character, dancing down the aisles, singing, handing out hot chocolate and Walker’s shortbread cookies. Gem doesn’t understand Santa just yet, but the lights, the songs, the movement — he was absolutely captivated which filled my mama heart with so much joy. Seeing that little sparkle in the twinkling of his eyes was my favorite part of the whole night!
Gem’s Favorite Parts (Because Toddlers Are Hilarious)
You know how toddlers find the funniest things to love? My child is no different. While he adored the singing, the lights, and the energy on the train… Gem’s two unexpected highlights were:
- Picking up rocks outside the train station — we are deep in a rock-loving phase right now, and he was thrilled to pick up pebbles and throw them over the velvet red ropes.
- Claiming the little lip under the train window as his personal seat — the perfect toddler-height “stool.”
He did get a little bored during the full reading of the Polar Express story (it’s long for a busy boy!), but otherwise he was very much into everything.
The “First Gift of Christmas” Moment
Toward the end of the ride, Santa boards the train and gives each child the “first gift of Christmas” — a silver sleigh bell from his reindeer. Watching Gem clutch that little bell and do “shakey shakey” felt like something out of a Hallmark movie. Even if he doesn’t fully understand what’s happening yet, these are the moments Matt and I will remember forever!
How Long Is the Train Ride?
From boarding to stepping off, ours was about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Just long enough to feel immersive without being overwhelming.
Practical Tips for Families (Especially With Little Ones)
Here’s what I wish someone had told me ahead of time:
Arrival & Parking
- Arrive about 45 minutes early if you’re going on a weekday. Weekends and December dates in general may need more time.
- Parking is tight, but the staff directs you and keeps things moving.
- The walk from the parking lot to the event isn’t far, but expect a little bit of a stroll.
Strollers
- You really don’t need one. Promise!
- The walk is short, and the train itself is tight. You’ll have to leave your stroller at the station.
- We skipped the stroller entirely and were totally fine. I didn’t even bring my beloved Tushbaby!
Snacks & Toddler Life
- Bring a few small snacks. Truly — this saved us. They do have snacks for sale, but nothing beats your go-to comfort foods.
- Gem had a smoothie pouch, some teething wafers, and his water bottle. That kept him happy as can be!
- The train ride does come with hot chocolate and cookies, but you know your kid best.
Tickets & Pricing
- Prices rise as December 25th gets closer.
- If you’re trying to save, book early in mid-summer, and snag an early-season date.
- Babies and toddlers under a certain age (Gem was still a lap infant this year) may not need their own seat, which makes going during the early years of parenthood a little more budget-friendly.
Seats
- We were in the first row of Train Car 5, which gave us a great view of the “stage” and easy access for photos and movement.
- If you can, grab your assigned seats while availability is wide — it really pays off.
Would We Ride The Polar Express Again?
Absolutely! 1000%, hands down. Maybe not every single year, but it’s definitely something we’ll repeat. It was the sweetest, most joy-filled way to usher in the holiday season. If you have littles — especially toddlers or preschoolers — the magic feels extra bright! ACTIONABLE STEPS: Check out some of the other fun winter activities happening in central NJ! I even have a list for indoor events with little ones.
