The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway

Your journey begins at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire, where we invite you to hop on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride that takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole.

Churnet Valley Railway is once again bringing the spirit, magic, and joy of Christmas to all the good little boys and girls in 2025 with our THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 2025 Christmas Train Ride! Join us this festive season as we recreate the adventure and excitement of everyone’s favourite Christmas movie – The Polar Express.

This just-over-an-hour-long family-friendly adventure departs from Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Line in Staffordshire, from where it heads directly towards the Frozen North to pick Santa Claus up for the return journey. Onboard, guests are treated to a festive polar extravaganza true to the book and movie, down to the very last drop of hot chocolate.

Our annual trip to the North Pole makes an ideal early Christmas surprise for families, groups of friends travelling with kids, care and retirement homes, and anyone else ready to believe in the magic of Christmas.

Secure your tickets and remember to pack your pyjamas; we’re off to meet Santa abroad THE POLAR EXPRESS™.

Guests aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ en route to the North Pole can expect a wild and memorable adventure, but let's back up for a second.

The fun starts on our platform as dozens of pyjama-clad families eagerly wait for our stunningly preserved vintage locomotive to steam into view—our expert engineer elves having spent a lot of time transforming it into a festive version of the iconic Pere Marquette 1225, the train that inspired the story. Churnet Valley Railway is proud to be the only operator in the UK offering this experience powered by an authentic American-built steam locomotive.

Our passengers are guided to their tables, seated, and given a second to take in the magic. Shortly thereafter, we're off to the North Pole (conveniently located just a few miles to the North) while enjoying everything Churnet Valley Railway's Polar Express is famous for:

• Immersive, interactive, panto-style live entertainment
• Singing and dancing chefs
• The Polar Express story as told by the characters who lived it
• Rich and creamy hot chocolate with a crispy, crunchy Christmas cookie
• Santa and any gifts he might happen to have on him—maybe the first gift of the season? Perhaps a silver bell taken straight from Santa’s personal sleight?
• ... and more!

Are you starting to believe? Churnet Valley Railway’s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Christmas Train Ride is a golden ticket to the magic and wonder of the festive season.

All Aboard!!!

Our 2025 season starts on the 8th of November 2025 and runs on selected dates until the 23rd of December 2025.