Where it runs in 2026
Three operators have published 2026 dates on their own sites. The Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire runs from 7 November to 23 December 2026 (Churnet Valley Railway, read 21 October 2026). The South Devon Railway runs from Friday 27 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026 (South Devon Railway, read 21 October 2026). The Brecon Mountain Railway in Wales runs from 13 November to 23 December 2026 (Brecon Mountain Railway, read 21 October 2026). Other railways have run it in past years; check each operator's own page before assuming it is on this year.
What the ride includes
The Churnet Valley lists hot chocolate, a cookie, “the coveted silver sleigh bell, the first gift of Christmas”, and live entertainment, with tickets from £28.95 to £52.95 per person (Churnet Valley). The South Devon Railway describes an officially licensed ride with a golden ticket, a theatrical performance, a light show, hot chocolate and a cookie, a read-along of the story and a sleigh bell (South Devon). The Brecon Mountain Railway adds the Conductor, the Hobo and Santa, a stop at “The North Pole”, and the book read aloud (Brecon Mountain). The details differ between railways, so read the page for the one you book.
The book behind it
The rides are based on The Polar Express, the picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, published by Houghton (American Library Association). The Churnet Valley's page carries the licence line: based on the book and characters © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg, and © and ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment (Churnet Valley).
Booking and the evening itself
Book with the railway, on its own site. Dress for a cold platform in December, and pyjamas are welcome if the family wants to join in. Brecon's page gives the length two ways, an hour and a half and 120 minutes, so allow for the longer.
More railways with 2026 dates
Several more operators had published 2026 details when we checked. Telford Steam Railway runs from 21 November to 23 December from the Old Loco Shed at Horsehay, with standard tickets from £33.99 and two sessions marked for special educational needs (Telford Steam Railway, read 21 October 2026). The Spa Valley Railway lists dates from 6 November, and “your journey begins at Tunbridge Wells West Station” (Spa Valley Railway). The Wensleydale Railway hosts rides from Leeming Bar (Wensleydale Railway). Brecon Mountain Railway prices ran from £34.95 off peak to £49.95 peak, and its page already showed sold out when we read it (Brecon Mountain Railway).
Photographing the line
At Brecon Mountain there’s a professional photo opportunity at Pant station, so you don’t have to juggle a phone and a hot chocolate. For enthusiasts after more than a family snap, the South Devon Railway takes photo charter enquiries case by case.
Sources: Brecon Mountain Railway; South Devon Railway photo charters (read 21 October 2026).
Taken a good shot of this one? We can print it exactly as it came off the camera.
This guide is independent. Trackside Prints isn't connected with the book, the film or their rights holders, and the rides are run by the railways named above.
