Photo by Clickrbee, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The North Carolina Transportation Museum runs The Polar Express for the 2026 holiday season from Spencer, NC. The published season window is November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29 and December 4-6 & 10-23, 2026. On-sale date: June 2, 2026. The most-requested weekend dates routinely sell out within days, so booking the moment seats open is the difference between getting your first-choice night and watching it scroll past.
2026 dates
November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29 and December 4-6 & 10-23, 2026
🎟 2026 tickets are on sale now
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets usually go on sale in June (member presale June 2, 2026; general public June 4, 2026).
Ways to save
- •'Overnight Stay & Play Package': lodging at participating Rowan County hotels earns complimentary Standard Class tickets + VISA e-gift card
Pricing and discounts are published by North Carolina Transportation Museumand subject to change — confirm on the operator's site before booking.
Where to stay
Bookings through this map support usatrainrides at no extra cost.
Frequently asked
When does North Carolina Transportation Museum run The Polar Express in 2026?↓
North Carolina Transportation Museum runs The Polar Express November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29 and December 4-6 & 10-23, 2026. Trains depart from Spencer, NC.
How much do Polar Express tickets at North Carolina Transportation Museum cost?↓
The 2026 prices aren't published yet for North Carolina Transportation Museum. Most North American Polar Express operators land in the $35–$95 per-seat range depending on coach class.
When do tickets go on sale?↓
Tickets for the 2026 season go on sale June 2, 2026. The most-popular weekend nights routinely sell out within hours of release.
Are there any Polar Express discounts at North Carolina Transportation Museum?↓
Yes — North Carolina Transportation Museum's 2026 page mentions member presale (Family Platinum/Family Premium June 2; all members June 3) discounts. Bring valid ID to the station to redeem.
Where does the train depart from?↓
Trains depart from North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC. See the operator's full schedule and route detail on the linked railroad page.
Keep exploring
Year-round schedule, equipment, and visitor info live on the operator's full page.