If The Polar Express is a yearly staple in your household, you can now live it rather than just watch it. Aspen Crossing, a heritage railway operation in southern Alberta, is running its popular Polar Express Train Ride again over the 2026 holiday season, with festive departures from late November right up to Christmas Eve.
The experience is a roughly one-hour round trip aboard vintage train cars, themed on the classic Christmas story and film. Passengers get a golden train ticket at boarding, hot chocolate and cookies en route, a reading of the original book, and carolling and character appearances along the way. The train makes a stop at the "North Pole," where Santa comes aboard and hands every rider a silver sleigh bell. Fancy dress is encouraged — the organisers actively suggest Christmas pyjamas.
Dates run on weekends from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, December 6, then daily from Friday, December 11 to Thursday, December 24, 2026. There are three departure times to pick from: 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Aspen Crossing sits about a kilometre west of Mossleigh, roughly 45 minutes southeast of Calgary — an easy evening outing if you're based in the city, or a festive add-on to a Calgary or Alberta foothills trip. Parking is free next to the train station, with overflow parking in front of the on-site Tavern.
Tickets are sold in pairs or fours so groups sit together, starting at $134.58 per pair plus fees on early-bird pricing, with the cost varying by train car and date. Babies under two ride free on an adult's lap. The fare covers the round trip, the golden ticket, hot chocolate in a ceramic Polar Express collector's mug, a cookie, and Santa's sleigh bell. One practical note: arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure, and know the train runs rain, snow or shine — the only scenario for rescheduling is a closure of Highway 24 near the site.
This is a solid pick for families with young kids who still believe, fans of the film, or anyone chasing a bit of Christmas nostalgia. It's also a rare chance to ride heritage rail cars in winter, with the Alberta prairie doing its best snowy backdrop impression. Book early — weekend slots in December tend to go fast, and prices rise from the early-bird rate.
