Polar Express – Churnet Valley Railway

Sunday 15^th November at 1pm

It is a live booking system (they won’t reserve us any seats) so tickets not guaranteed but we will fully refund if there is a problem. We will leave sales open until closing date of 15^th March at midday and then we will put through all the tickets at once.

Transport is potentially available at £13pp. If there are not enough to cover the price of the coach however, we will have to cancel the transport and offer you a refund for the train. The decision will be made on March 15th.

Adults and children are all priced at £29.95

Carers get a 50% discount ONLY if you can send us proof of receiving HIGH rate care DLA or ENHANCED rate PIP. This is the only proof that will be accepted and we will need this to be uploaded to your ‘my account’ on the website under proof of carer before we can put through your order.

If you have a baby (aged under 2) on the day of the event then they can travel on a parent or guardian’s knee. They will be charged at a flat fee of £3.00 providing they spend the journey on the knee of full paying passenger. The baby will receive the Silver Bell from Santa.

All passengers receive a hot chocolate drink and freshly baked cookie, a Silver Sleigh Bell from Santa

Cookie & Hot Chocolate allergy information

When you make your booking, please select the relevant allergens. We will do our best to accommodate all allergies, however we cannot guarantee this.

You are more than welcome to bring an alternative drink and cookie with you for any member of your party who have allergies. Need to know any allergens in the checkout comments.

Experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 2025 Christmas Train Ride with Churnet Valley Railway

Churnet Valley Railway is once again bringing the spirit, magic, and joy of Christmas to all the good little boys and girls in 2025 with our THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 2025 Christmas Train Ride! Join us this festive season as we recreate the adventure and excitement of everyone’s favourite Christmas movie – The Polar Express.

This just-over-an-hour-long family-friendly adventure departs from Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Line in Staffordshire, from where it heads directly towards the Frozen North to pick Santa Claus up for the return journey. Onboard, guests are treated to a festive polar extravaganza true to the book and movie, down to the very last drop of hot chocolate.

Our annual trip to the North Pole makes an ideal early Christmas surprise for families, groups of friends travelling with kids, care and retirement homes, and anyone else ready to believe in the magic of Christmas.

Secure your tickets and remember to pack your pyjamas; we’re off to meet Santa abroad THE POLAR EXPRESS™.

What to Expect Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Christmas Train Ride

Guests aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ en route to the North Pole can expect a wild and memorable adventure, but let’s back up for a second.

The fun starts on our platform as dozens of pyjama-clad families eagerly wait for our stunningly preserved vintage locomotive to steam into view—our expert engineer elves having spent a lot of time transforming it into a festive version of the iconic Pere Marquette 1225, the train that inspired the story. Churnet Valley Railway is proud to be the only operator in the UK offering this experience powered by an authentic American-built steam locomotive.

Our passengers are guided to their tables, seated, and given a second to take in the magic. Shortly thereafter, we’re off to the North Pole (conveniently located just a few miles to the North) while enjoying everything Churnet Valley Railway’s Polar Express is famous for:

Immersive, interactive, panto-style live entertainment

Singing and dancing chefs

The Polar Express story as told by the characters who lived it

Rich and creamy hot chocolate with a crispy, crunchy Christmas cookie

Santa and any gifts he might happen to have on him—maybe the first gift of the season? Perhaps a silver bell taken straight from Santa’s personal sleight?

… and more!

Are you starting to believe? Churnet Valley Railway’s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Christmas Train Ride is a golden ticket to the magic and wonder of the festive season.

The Conductor’s Top Tips for the Best Possible Polar Experience

For an added layer of authenticity, the conductor kindly asks families to join us dressed in their most festive pyjamas and remember to bring a coat and gloves. While THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is warm, cosy, and inviting, it may get chilly on the platform.

Although the whole experience is scheduled for an hour, the conductor recommends allowing around one and a half hours for the full experience. There is ample onsite parking available.

This is a family-friendly event that entertains both young and old. Alcohol is not permitted aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™.

Where does the train depart from?

All THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides Staffordshire depart from Froghall Station, Froghall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 2HA

How long does the journey last?

The actual train ride lasts around an hour; however, we suggest you allow 1.5 hours for the whole experience.

How much do POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Staffordshire tickets cost?

Tickets: £28.95–£52.95 per person.

Children under 2: £3.00 flat fee.

No seat, hot chocolate, or cookie.

Travel on a parent’s lap.

Receive a Polar Express Silver Bell.

Child Definition: Any child aged 2 or younger (24 months or less) on the day of travel qualifies as “under 2.”

Seats: Any child requiring a seat must purchase an adult ticket.

All passengers receive a hot chocolate drink, and freshly baked cookie along with the coveted silver sleigh bell – the first gift of Christmas.

What are the seating arrangements?

Our coaches are from the 1950’s – the seating arrangements are fixed by virtue of tables, and aisles as well as internal partitions within our coaches.

We will endeavour to always sit customers around a table or across an aisle. However, there will be instances where bookings will be sat back-to-back.

Equally customers will at times be sat with other customers around a table, no different than sharing a block of seats on a plane or on national rail.

Do we have to wear PJ’s ?

PJs are optional, but it adds to the magic of the event when everyone is cosy in their PJs and dressing gowns. The train is heated, but make sure to dress warm underneath. We don’t want you freezing on the platform. You will need to wear suitable footwear to walk from the car park to the station

Can I purchase items from the event in the shop or online?

Due to the popularity of the event, we do not currently operate an online shop. The shop at Froghall station will be fully stocked and is worth a visit after The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. It is only available for ticket holders.

Is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride hauled by a steam locomotive?

We aim to provide a steam locomotive for all our services. However, because of the ever-increasing age of our locomotives, occasionally, despite our best efforts, sometimes our locomotives are not available and we may have to substitute our booked locomotive for an alternative to ensure the experience goes ahead.

Is there any heating on the train?

Our train is fully heated.

How early should I get there?

You should allow ample time to ensure you arrive at the time printed on your ticket. We suggest no earlier than 20 minutes before your departure time. The trains will depart promptly so please do not be late or you will miss your train. Our site will not open till 1300 on the day of travel.

Is there event parking?

Free event parking is around 6 minutes’ walk away from our station. If you require accessible parking due to a disability or health condition, please provide your blue badge on the day. You will be directed to the disabled parking area.

Do we offer discount to carers?

If you are in receipt of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Enhanced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits, we offer a 50% discount on the carers tickets. We do not accept any other type of entitlement for this event.

Are pushchairs allowed on board?

You are unable to take pushchairs and car seats on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. You will be required to leave them at the buggy storage point and our staff will look after them until you return.

Are dogs allowed on the train?

With the exception of service dogs, no dogs or animals are allowed on the train. Service dogs will need to sit under the table for the duration of the journey.

Is the railway suitable for guests with disabilities?

Churnet Valley Railways strives to be as inclusive as possible for all our rides and events. While there are some areas with uneven surfaces, our staff will gladly go out of their way to provide a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience to all. Please feel free to contact us. for more information regarding questions or request for guest with disabilities

Are there disabled toilets available?

Yes, we have toilets available for our disabled guests at Froghall Station. Should you wish to use the facilities please ask a member of staff who will be happy to guide you to them.

Can wheelchair users board the train whilst in their wheelchair?

Unfortunately due to the design of our heritage coaches we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs. If the wheelchair user is able to climb a step, and walk a short distance we can assist in boarding. Wheelchairs will be looked after by our platform staff until you return.