NEW HAVEN TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
North Pole Express: A One‑Hour Santa Run from the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven
A one-hour, family-focused holiday train that rides to the North Pole to pick up Santa, with hot chocolate, cookies and a depot photo opportunity—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
North Pole Express: A One‑Hour Santa Run from the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven.
Climb aboard the North Pole Express in New Haven for a roughly one‑hour excursion that follows a simple, theatrical arc: seasonal music and storytelling on the train, arrival at the North Pole to pick up Santa, then a return to the depot where children can meet him and pose for photos. Along the way, hot chocolate and cookies are available and children are encouraged to wear pajamas, making the trip a compact, holiday‑themed outing for families.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A One‑Hour Excursion to the North Pole
The ride is mapped as an approximate one‑hour round trip: you listen to the sounds of the season en route, arrive at the North Pole to pick up Santa, and then travel back to New Haven with Santa on board.
Ms. Claus's Cookie Caboose
Hot chocolate and cookies are available at Ms. Claus’s Cookie Caboose either before or after your train ride—a warm, simple touch that bookends the onboard portion of the experience.
Meet Santa and Capture the Shot
Upon returning to the depot there is an opportunity to bring children inside to take a photo with Santa—an arranged, family‑focused finish to the trip.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The North Pole Express is compact and deliberately theatrical: a roughly one‑hour push out of New Haven with seasonal music setting the mood, a staged arrival to pick up Santa, then a ride back to the depot where hot chocolate, cookies and a Santa photo complete the outing. The operator encourages a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere—children in pajamas are part of the ritual.
THE JOURNEY
A One‑Hour Excursion to the North Pole
The ride is mapped as an approximate one‑hour round trip: you listen to the sounds of the season en route, arrive at the North Pole to pick up Santa, and then travel back to New Haven with Santa on board.
THE TREAT
Ms. Claus's Cookie Caboose
Hot chocolate and cookies are available at Ms. Claus’s Cookie Caboose either before or after your train ride—a warm, simple touch that bookends the onboard portion of the experience.
THE MOMENT
Meet Santa and Capture the Shot
Upon returning to the depot there is an opportunity to bring children inside to take a photo with Santa—an arranged, family‑focused finish to the trip.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a camera to capture photos; pack holiday spirit and any small comforts for kids—children in pajamas are encouraged.
Children are encouraged to wear pajamas to enhance the holiday atmosphere; dress in layers for comfort on and off the train.
Hot chocolate and cookies are available at Ms. Claus’s Cookie Caboose before or after the ride—plan accordingly around the one‑hour excursion.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the North Pole Express ride?
The excursion is approximately a one‑hour train ride.
How much do tickets cost?
Adults (ages 13+) are $28.00; children ages 2–12 are $28.00; children under 2 ride free.
Can children attend on their own?
No. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Will Santa be on the train?
Yes. The train arrives at the North Pole to pick up Santa, who then boards and travels back to New Haven with passengers; upon returning you may take your child's photo with Santa in the depot.
Are refreshments available?
Hot chocolate and cookies are available at Ms. Claus’s Cookie Caboose before or after the train ride.
Is photography allowed?
Yes—guests are encouraged to bring a camera to capture moments, including the photo opportunity with Santa at the depot.