Know Before You Go

Hi! We’re so happy that you’ll be joining us at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Blackstone Valley!! Here’s some information to help you plan your experience with us. If you need any further information please visit our FAQ’s or send us an email bvtctrains@gmail.com.

Location

Polar Express Train Station

1 Depot Sq, Woonsocket, RI 02895

There are several free parking lots in the downtown Woonsocket area

Parking

50 High Street (1 minute walk to depot)
170 Main Street (2 minute walk to depot)
70 Main Street (5 minute walk to depot)
25 South Main Street (Market Square, 8 minute walk to the depot)

There will be NO parking at the depot this year.

Print your tickets beforehand or have them available on your phone. We will be scanning them at the ticket check-in booth before you enter. *We do have a backup manifest if you have any issues getting your tickets to print.

Once checked in you will be given a boarding sheet to enter The Depot, Christmas Village, and board the train.

Check the date and time of your trip before you arrive at The Depot to ensure you're coming on the correct day.
Keep your tickets readily available during boarding so you can easily find your seats.

Tickets

Times

Plan to arrive early. The ticket check-in window opens 1 hour before the time on your ticket.
Our stage show outside in The Christmas Village starts at the time on your ticket
Boarding begins approximately 15 minutes after the time on your ticket. ALL BOARDING TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE IN THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
The train departs promptly at the top of the hour
Please watch the weather and traffic to allow sufficient time for travel so that you're not late. We cannot hold the train and tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. NOTE: there are several highway projects in the area that may cause additional backups and traffic.

Christmas Village

The outdoor Christmas Village next to The Depot includes:
- several photo backdrops as well as our three-dimensional Polar Express train engine and elf house,
- official Polar Express merchandise gift shops,
- picnic tables to relax and enjoy a treat from our snack shacks that offer popcorn, cotton candy, soft pretzels, churros, and cold drinks,
- a family fun area with interactive activities.
  The Village is also where our stage show is and where we will be boarding from.
  NOTE: Our Christmas Village will not be open after the 6:30 show train ride returns. If that's when you will be joining us, please plan to visit and enjoy all The Village has to offer before boarding.

Wearing pajamas on The Polar Express is highly recommended, but please also dress for the weather.
We do also have some tents in the Christmas Village, and we'll do what we can to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Restrooms are available:
- at the end of The Christmas Village,
- on the train cars once boarded.

Depot and Train

Inside The Depot before your trip you'll find:
- Letters To Santa, our Coloring Zone, photo opportunities, and a gift shop
NOTE: if you are joining us for the 6:30 PM show, The Village will be open at 5:30 PM, but The Depot will not open until approximately 6 PM since the earlier trip is still finishing their Blackstone Valley Polar Express experience.
On your magical train ride to view the North Pole, you'll enjoy a 90-minute roundtrip ride that's filled with:
- singing,
- games,
- a reading of “The Polar Express” book,
- a visit from Santa!
- The Conductor will be there to punch your special golden ticket,
- and you’ll all enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie during your trip.
- Plus, every child will receive a silver bell – the first gift of Christmas!
Stay for a photo with Santa in The Depot after the train returns.