I Went on the Iconic ‘Polar Express’ Train Through the Mountains With My Toddler — and Now I Want to Do It Every Year

I’m a little ashamed to admit that when I arrived at the train depot in Durango, Colorado, for The Polar Express train ride, I had never read the book. I knew it existed and had been turned into a movie, but I was oblivious to the magic everyone at the station seemed to feel. Kids wearing Christmas pajamas jumped up and down in anticipation, parents took photos, and everyone was talking about the journey to come — a journey that would take us to the North Pole.

As we waited on the platform for the train to arrive, my 3-year-old daughter clutched her golden ticket and took in the scene. She seemed to be as surprised and overwhelmed as I was. It was a feeling that dissipated as the vintage steam train rounded the bend. A shroud of steam shot into the dark night sky and we both gasped. She screamed “Santa!,” waving her arms wildly, and I felt the prickle of goosebumps. The first of many I would feel that night.

The conductor came out into the frosty Colorado air and started retelling the iconic story, welcoming us all on a journey to the North Pole. The Polar Express story continued in our cozy train car, which was outfitted with lights and holiday decor. Our in-car chefs danced up and down the aisle to holiday music, acting out scenes from The Polar Express as clips were read over the speaker. Hot chocolate and cookies were delivered as we pulled out of the station and started our journey north up the valley, which is sandwiched by the great San Juan Mountains. 

After around 30 minutes, “the North Pole” came into view. Windows opened and everyone craned to see the magical village of lights and dancing elves. And when Mr. and Mrs. Claus were spotted in a snowy field, the entire train car broke out into a frenzy — myself and my daughter included. 

On the return trip to the depot, Santa walked through each train car, delivering a single silver bell to each guest; “the first gift of Christmas.” When it was our turn to welcome Santa, everyone in the train car fell silent, watching quietly and calmly as Santa gave a tiny bell to each passenger.

Upon our return to downtown Durango and the train depot, everyone filed into the adjacent railroad museum where Santa took time with each child to hear Christmas wishes and take photos.

It was the perfect end to an evening that had managed to cast a bit of holiday magic over our entire group. Even I couldn’t deny the magic of The Polar Express, a journey and a story that will become part of our annual holiday tradition.  

Durango’s Polar Express train journey is led by a vintage steam locomotive that travels on a heritage narrow-gauge railroad through the snowy mountains of Colorado. The special Polar Express-themed trip is only available until Jan. 4, 2025, with rates starting at $39 for adults (and kids ages 12+) and $29 for children ages 2–11. 

Following the end of the Polar Express season, the train continues to run, most notably over the mountain passes between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.