The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation runs The Polar Express for the 2026 holiday season from Burlington, VT. The published season window is December 5 and 6, 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
December 5 and 6, 2026
🎟 Sponsor presale opens mid-July 2026 — public tickets via the VCTF waitlist
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets typically run $40 per person (ages 2+); children under 2 in lap free.
Tickets usually go on sale in September (Bell Ringer Family Sponsors mid-July, sponsors/volunteers August).
Ways to save
- •Donating $250+ as a Bell Ringer Family Sponsor grants earliest opportunity to purchase
Pricing and discounts are published by Vermont Children's Trust Foundationand 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 Vermont Children's Trust Foundation run The Polar Express in 2026?↓
Vermont Children's Trust Foundation runs The Polar Express December 5 and 6, 2026. Trains depart from Burlington, VT.
How much do Polar Express tickets at Vermont Children's Trust Foundation cost?↓
The 2026 prices aren't published yet for Vermont Children's Trust Foundation. Most North American Polar Express operators land in the $35–$95 per-seat range depending on coach class.
When do tickets go on sale?↓
Vermont Children's Trust Foundation hasn't announced an on-sale date for 2026. Most operators release tickets in spring for the November–December run; sign up for the railroad's email list to be notified.
Are there any Polar Express discounts at Vermont Children's Trust Foundation?↓
Yes — Vermont Children's Trust Foundation's 2026 page mentions TBA discounts. Bring valid ID to the station to redeem.
Where does the train depart from?↓
Trains depart from Vermont Children's Trust Foundation in Burlington, VT. See the operator's full schedule and route detail on the linked railroad page.