North Pole Express
December 4-6 & 10-13
2026
Children and trains go together during the Holiday Season like colorful lights, brightly iced cookies, festively wrapped gifts, family and friends.
Please join the nonprofit Friends of the 261 for our annual North Pole Express journey!
The North Pole Express is our group’s largest yearly fundraiser, helping us continue to operate and maintain our collection of beautifully restored historic rail cars. Step aboard and experience the magic of the holidays in vintage style as you ride the rails to meet Santa and his cheerful elves.
Our excited all-volunteer crew, along with Santa and his helpers, promise to make this a memorable holiday tradition for your whole family.
Climb aboard this holiday train into the past, featuring a visit to the North Pole and a special appearance by Santa himself!
Your Ticket to the North Pole Express Includes:
See Santa in Coach or First Class!
Upgrade to First Class on North Pole Express:
❆ Priority boarding ❆ Christmas treat on the train ❆ More time with Santa ❆ Keepsake souvenir
First class seating is limited.
Coach Class
- Carhost service and entertainment
- Visit from Santa
- Ride to North Pole in vintage railcar
- Holiday treat
First Class
- Exclusive seating in vintage lounge railcar
- Priority boarding
- Visit from Santa
- Ride to North Pole
- Holiday Gift Bag
Arriving at North Pole Express
Please allow plenty of time to travel, park and walk to the Ticket Check in counter in St Paul Union Depot. There are many one-way and limited-access streets around St Paul Union Depot. Once you arrive at St Paul Union Depot plan on walking – the majestic building covers several city blocks! Take time to explore the art and history inside the building.
Detailed instructions may be found here to assist in locating the St Paul Union Depot Entrance and parking.
North Pole Express Sponsors
When Does the North Pole Express run?
The North Pole Express runs December 4-6 & 10-13, 2026
Thursdays & Fridays 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
Sundays 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
How long is the North Pole Express?
The North Pole Express is a 1 and a half hour long experiance with about a 1 hour train ride to the North Pole included in that time.
Boarding and check in times?
Check in will begin 1 hour before each train time, boarding will begin 15 minutes prior to departure. Like airlines, gates close 5 minutes prior to departure.
Do I need a ticket for my newborn/infant/child?
Yes, all passengers, young and old need a ticket. This way we are able to make sure we provide enough treats for everyone.
Where do I get my tickets?
All passengers must check in at the ticket counter located in the Concourse directly above the Kellogg Blvd entry
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, there will be a safe secure place to park your stroller while on the North Pole Express
I lost my confirmation email!?
Send us an email with your Full name, current email, date of your train ride and we will send you another confirmation email. Email us.
Is the North Pole Express ADA accessible?
I need to change what day we are riding the North Pole Express?
If the day, time and/or class you are requesting to move your tickets to is available, there is a $15 service fee for exchanging tickets to another day or class (plus difference in face value if upgrading). Once paid we will send you a new confirmation email, paying the service fee does not guarantee the day, time and/or class requested. Please Contact us if you are looking to change your North Pole Express date.
Can my group sit together on the North Pole Express?
Seating is first come first serve, however, we ask that groups that want to sit together, gather prior to checking in for their trip. Once all together, check in as one group, this will help our volunteers seat your group as one.