FAQs

When will I receive my tickets?
If you made your purchase after Tuesday, November 27th, 6 PM your tickets will be held at the departing station. When you arrive at the station for your scheduled train ride look for The Polar Express™ Train Ride information table.

How will tickets be sent to me?
Tickets purchased after Tuesday, November 27th, 6 PM will be held at our information table. When you arrive at the station for your scheduled train ride look for The Polar Express™ Train Ride information table.

What if I can not attend the event and have already purchased tickets?
Please be sure to check your schedule before purchasing tickets. Tickets are non-refundable.

Should I dress my child in pajamas?
Part of this event takes place outdoors - rain or shine. Please dress according to the weather conditions.

How early should I arrive at my departing station?
Guests are welcome to arrive at the train stations up to 45 minutes in advance of their departure time.

Can I purchase tickets at the event?
No. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the event.

I don’t feel comfortable buying tickets online. Can I mail a check instead?
Sorry, all tickets must be purchased online. Checks will not be accepted.

What is PayPal?
PayPal enables any individual or business with an email address to securely, easily and quickly send and receive payments online. PayPal has quickly become a global leader in online payment solutions with 150 million account members worldwide. For more information, please read commonly asked questions on the PayPal website.

How long is the train ride?
The train ride will take approximately 60 minutes each way. The total journey including our special holiday program will take up to 4 hours.

Will there be an opportunity to take a photo with Santa?
Although Santa will be at the event, it may be difficult to actually take a “posed” picture with him.

Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, you can bring a stroller but it is not recommended. Please note that space is extremely limited on the trains. Strollers will have to be folded and tucked away in your seat area.

Will Tom Hanks be at this event?
No. Tom Hanks will not be appearing at this event.

What kind of train will we be riding?
The MBTA will be providing us with commuter line trains. Each train car will be decorated in holiday style.

Are there bathrooms on the trains?
Yes, there are bathrooms on the trains.

Will food be served on the train ride?
Yes. Light refreshments will be served on the train ride. Refreshments include pretzels, fruit and walnut salad, water/juice and other sweet treats.

Do I have to purchase a ticket for a child under one year of age?
No. Children under the age of one year do not need a ticket. However, The child must sit on the lap of an adult and not take an additional seat on The train.

What is the holiday program?
The holiday program will be hosted by Kiss 108's Billy Costa. The Program will include a live reading of the POLAR EXPRESS™ story, dance Entertainment and a special performance by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver, Conductor.

Can I buy tickets for the North Pole?
This year we are not selling tickets to the North Pole. Ticket prices include a festive, fun-filled train ride and our special "North Pole" holiday program featuring the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver, Conductor.

Are you offering any discounts?
Because this is a charitable event to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England, no discounts will be offered.

What will happen on the train ride?
The train ride will be a fantastic journey to the North Pole. Magicians, singers and other festive entertainers will make this journey an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Each train car will have their very own "Elf" team. The Elf Team will distribute goodie bags to All of the children, serve refreshments and may even lead in Christmas caroling!

Why are tickets $100/$50 per adult/child?
The Polar Express Train Ride is a fundraising event for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England. The ticket price will help cover the cost of this holiday event while raise money for a fantastic charity which benefits hundreds of organizations throughout New England.

Will Santa be at the North Pole?
YES! Santa will be at the North Pole and he will also take a special trip on your train heading home.


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