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Essex North Pole Express Train Tickets on Sale for 2024

9/5/24 - By Rose Gordon Sala

The ever-popular Essex North Pole Express train ride is back for the 2024 holiday season! It's arguably one of the most popular Polar Express holiday train rides in the country and certainly in the Northeast, so we expect tickets to sell out fast.

Tickets are for sale online only this year, with no phone or in-person sales. Partial and full car tickets are available starting Tuesday, September 10 at 9am and all remaining tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 11 at 9am—so set your alarms now.

 Image of Essex North Pole Express train ride in Connecticut
Kids can wear their Christmas PJs and bring along a favorite stuffed animal. Photo courtesy of the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

This famed Christmas train runs about 90 minutes, departing from the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat station in Essex, Connecticut, not far from New London and Old Saybrook.

Expect a live musical performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to dance down the aisle of every car. There will be a visit from Santa on the Essex North Pole Express, a small gift for each child passenger, cookies, sing-alongs, and plenty more seasonal merriment. Kids usually wear their Christmas PJs and bring along a favorite stuffed animal.

Rides begin November 14 and run through December 23, 2024. Kids ages 1 and up must have a ticket to board. Infants on laps (under the age of one) do not require tickets–but do not get a seat. Coach seating starts at $60 per person.

Read our review of the Essex Polar Express train ride for more info, too!

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