Vintage passenger steam train festively illuminated for the holidays
Community

St. Louis Union Station Polar Express Train Ride & Winter Holiday Village

Through Dec 30Nov 20 – Dec 30 · 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM · Daily departures Nov 20 – Dec 30, 2026; departures every 75 minutes from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM (closed Christmas Day). Advance booking required.

St. Louis Union Station1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103 · 0.5 mi approx. from St. LouisDirections

All ages (magical for toddlers and school-age kids; babies under 2 on lap ride free)

From $42Coach tickets start at $42–$55; First Class and Dome car tickets $65–$95; lap children under 2 free; includes train journey, hot chocolate, cookie, and Santa silver bell.

About this adventure

The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station brings Chris Van Allsburg's classic storybook to life on real vintage passenger trains. Families are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas as they are greeted by the Conductor, punched with golden tickets, and served piping hot chocolate and fresh cookies by dancing pastry chefs. The scenic train journeys to the 'North Pole,' where Santa Claus boards the train to greet every child and present them with the silver sleigh bell. Before or after the train ride, families can explore the Holiday Village with carnival games, meet holiday characters, ride the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, and watch the spectacular outdoor fire and light show dancing across the lake. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Policy: A secure, monitored stroller corral is available on the train concourse prior to boarding historic train cars. • Indoor Grand Hall: The magnificent heated Grand Hall provides stunning 3D projection light shows on the ceiling, family restrooms, and baby-changing rooms. • Age Suitability: Pure holiday magic for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age kids; babies under 2 on lap ride free. • Food & Treats: Fresh cookies and hot cocoa included with train tickets; full-service restaurants located inside Union Station.

Loading organizer reviews…

Questions & tips

Ask other families about this activity or share a tip. Comments don’t count toward the organizer’s rating; for anything official, check with the organizer.

Loading comments…

Run this listing? Promote it

From local hosts in St. Louis

More options like this in St. Louis

This weekend in St. Louis

All 38 things to do this weekend →