Saint Paul, MN · Heritage railroad · 2026 season

North Pole Express at Friends of the 261

The Friends of the 261 publish two December groups for their North Pole Express holiday trains.

Milwaukee Road 261 arriving at Saint Paul Union Depot for North Pole Express trips
Friends of the 261’s North Pole Express arriving at Union Depot in December 2014. Historical holiday photograph; this season’s equipment can differ. Jerry Huddleston / Wikimedia Commons · Image source · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop; photograph otherwise unchanged.

2026 dates published

December 4–6 and 10–13, 2026

Published operating dates do not guarantee seats. Check your exact departure and class in the official booking calendar.

The official page says On Sale Now for the 2026 North Pole Express; selected departure availability was not checked.

Source reviewed 2026-10-26 · Ticket status observed 2026-10-26

Tickets and official updates

Choose a train departure first. Confirm the date, class, child tickets and checkout total with the operator before arranging other travel.

Check departures and tickets →

Where to board

Saint Paul Union Depot

Saint Paul Union Depot, 214 East 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Union Depot campus; follow the event’s ticket instructions for entrance and platform.

Official boarding information →

Plan your visit

Boarding
Saint Paul Union Depot, 214 East 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Union Depot campus; follow the event’s ticket instructions for entrance and platform.
Event versus market
The nearby European Christmas Market has its own hours and dates; book the train separately.
Duration
The operator describes about 90 minutes for the complete experience, including the train and Santa activities.

Would an overnight stay help?

Compare your departure time and drive home before deciding. An evening train or a long journey may make staying nearby useful. Secure the correct holiday train first, then check lodging independently; no hotel or regular-excursion booking establishes holiday admission.

More holiday rides in Minnesota

Each ride has its own schedule and ticket status; these links do not guarantee availability.

Sources and railway guide

Visit the Friends of the 261 railway guide →