Blackstone Valley Polar Express
4.6· 335 Google reviews
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationRI
- Rating4.6 ★335 Google reviews
About Blackstone Valley Polar Express
Experience a magical 90-minute train ride to the North Pole with storytelling, hot cocoa, and Santa. Perfect holiday fun for all ages at Blackstone Valley Train Station.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Blackstone Valley Polar Express. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- Trip Length90-minute ride
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good ForAll ages
Find the Depot
History
See full history
The Blackstone Valley Polar Express is a Christmas-season train themed on the movie The Polar Express that has run since 1999, operated by the Providence and Worcester Railroad each November and December and organized by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. Trains depart from Woonsocket station at Depot Square in downtown Woonsocket, Rhode Island — a depot the Providence and Worcester built in 1882 to replace an 1847 predecessor — and travel along the company's main line. The P&W is otherwise a freight railroad with no regularly scheduled passenger service, so this seasonal excursion is the rare chance to ride its rails; it also keeps the historic Woonsocket depot, which once housed the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor headquarters, in seasonal passenger use. The 90-minute round trip to the 'North Pole' features storytelling, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa.
Around the Depot
Woonsocket is Rhode Island's northernmost city, set on the Blackstone River just south of the Massachusetts line, about 43,000 people strong and steeped in textile-mill history powered by the river's falls. Around Depot Square you'll find the renovated 1882 station — a filming location for the movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale, commemorated by a statue of Hachiko out front — while the city is also home to the Museum of Work and Culture and the corporate headquarters of CVS Health.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
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Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blackstone Valley Polar Express located?
Blackstone Valley Polar Express is located in RI.
How do I get tickets to Blackstone Valley Polar Express?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at http://www.blackstonevalleypolarexpress.com/.