Adirondack Railroad Polar Express

Put on your pajamas — yes, parents, too — and come to Utica’s Union Station to board “The Polar Express” for a magical and entertaining ride to the North Pole.

Once again, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is bringing to life one of the most beloved Christmas stories of the same name.

Utica’s Polar Express is staffed by a mix of staff from the Adirondack Scenic Railroad and volunteers.

It’s a theatrical experience on a moving train! The experience begins in the station, as the train starts its trek through the Glacier Gulch and onto The North Pole, the conductor goes by and punches all the tickets, followed by an interactive show of dancing and singing hot chocolate chefs. There is a dramatic retelling of Van Allsburg’s tale, and as the train gets closer and closer to the North Pole, holiday music is played, adding to the excitement and anticipation of seeing Santa.

The train does a slow roll through the North Pole, so everyone can view the lights and the bell tower, a key landmark in the story.

Once at their destination — the North Santa boards the train and remains for the ride back to Utica, visiting with the youngsters and of course, giving them each a silver bell.

The Adirondack RR trains are also available for private charter service and group events.
Contact their office (1-800-819-2291) for details and pricing or visit the website at www.adirondackrr.com.

Since 1992, The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society (ARPS) that operates the Adirondack Railroad has built a successful tourist attraction, operating on track owned by the State of New York, a former New York Central line located in upstate New York and the Adirondack region.

The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society is a volunteer-based organization. Together with our staff, volunteers have donated approximately 300,000 hours to protect our historic railway and enrich the Adirondack experience for tourists and residents of our region.

The Adirondack Railroad is operated by the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with main offices in Utica, New York.