Duluth, MN · Heritage railroad · 2026 season

Julebyen Express Train at North Shore Scenic Railroad

Ride from the Duluth Depot to Knife River’s Scandinavian Julebyen Christmas Festival.

Illustrative stock photo: Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 decorated with a Christmas wreath
Illustrative stock photograph. Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 with a Christmas wreath on November 18, 2013. Historical holiday decoration; the source does not identify this departure as the Polar Express. The Commons file was cropped vertically by 5% in 2024. Bill Morrow / Wikimedia Commons · Image source · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop; photograph otherwise unchanged.

2026 dates published

December 5, December 6, 2026

Operating dates do not establish every departure or remaining seats. Confirm the exact event, time and class with the operator.

The 2026 program is announced. Remaining seats have not been checked; use the official event information for your date.

Price observed 2026-10-26: Coach Sat $25 adult / $20 child; Sun $20 adult / $15 child. Coach children ages 3–13; ages two and under free in Coach. Dome fares and infant fares differ. Optional Troll Train admission is additional and has conflicting wording; confirm directly.

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

Duluth Depot — North Shore Scenic Railroad

506 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN 55802

Railroad entrance is at the back of the Depot on Level 1, accessed from 4th Avenue West. The upper museum entrance is on Level 3.

Official boarding information →

Plan your visit

Day trip
The operator lists a 9 a.m. Duluth departure and return around 3 p.m., with time at the festival.
Extra ride
The optional Troll Train during the Knife River layover has a separate ticket; it is not included in the express fare.
Access and strollers
The operator says this train and the Knife River arrival are not wheelchair accessible. Strollers are not permitted aboard.

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 North Shore Scenic Railroad railway guide →