North Pole Express 2026 at the Florida Railroad Museum: A Parent's Guide
A real historic train, a ride through the Florida countryside, and Santa waiting at the other end. If you have a train-loving kid, the North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum might become your new holiday tradition.
What is the North Pole Express?
The North Pole Express is the Florida Railroad Museum's holiday train. You board at the museum's station in Parrish and ride about 45 minutes to "the North Pole." There, you get about two and a half hours of holiday fun before riding back. The whole evening lasts about 3¾ hours.
Every ticket includes:
- A round-trip train ride
- A visit with Santa and a special gift for every child
- Unlimited cookies and hot chocolate
- Holiday activities and entertainment, storytelling, and model train displays
- Campfires, reindeer food, and access to the toy tent
More food, drinks and s'mores kits are sold at the North Pole. If you add s'mores kits when you buy tickets, you save $2 per kit and skip the line.
2026 dates and times
The North Pole Express runs on select evenings from November 27 through December 22, 2026:
- November: Fri 27, Sat 28, Sun 29
- December: Wed 2, Thu 3, Fri 4, Sat 5, Sun 6, Wed 9, Thu 10, Fri 11, Sat 12, Sun 13, Wed 16, Thu 17, Fri 18, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tue 22
Most evenings have two departures:
| Early train | Late train | |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding begins | 4:45 PM | 6:55 PM |
| Departs Parrish | 5:15 PM | 7:15 PM |
| Arrives North Pole | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Departs North Pole (approx.) | 8:25 PM | 10:25 PM |
| Back in Parrish (approx.) | 9:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
Return times can run a little long, because the train doesn't leave the North Pole until every family has seen Santa.
Where: Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish, FL 34219. Parking is free.
Cost and tickets
Prices depend on the date, departure time, class and age, so you'll see the exact price once you pick a date on the museum's website. Online and phone orders have a service fee. A few key rules:
- Everyone needs a ticket. Children under one can ride free on an adult's lap with a lap rider ticket. Lap riders aren't allowed at tables or booths.
- Choose your class: Coach (open-air cars, the most affordable option), Excursion (assigned seats, open-window or enclosed cars), First Class (enclosed, climate-controlled, with snacks on board), or a Private Caboose for up to 16 people.
- Book your whole group on one reservation so you're seated together.
- Popular departures sell out, and there's no waitlist.
- Changes: you can exchange to another date with 48 hours' notice. Tickets aren't refundable unless you add Ticket Refund Protection when you book.
Tips for going with toddlers and little kids
Pick the early train. For most toddlers, the 5:15 PM departure is easier. It gets you back to Parrish around 9 PM, while the later train returns around 11 PM.
Leave the stroller in the car. Strollers, car seats, large coolers and oversized bags aren't allowed on the train. Small bags have to fit on your lap. The North Pole is a big grassy field, so a baby carrier may be the easiest way to carry a little one.
Dress in layers. The North Pole activities are outdoors, and the open-air Coach cars get evening temperatures plus wind from the moving train. Bring jackets or blankets for kids, especially if you're riding Coach.
Carry everything with you. The train doesn't wait at the North Pole, so you'll take all your belongings off the train with you.
Food rules. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed on the train. The exceptions are infant needs, allergies, and medical or special diets, which can go in a small soft-sided cooler.
Arrive early. The museum asks you to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure for parking, ticket pickup and bathrooms, because the train can't wait for late guests. Restrooms are at the station and the North Pole, and on board too.
More kid-friendly vehicle events nearby
- Florida Flywheelers Fall Fuel Up (Fort Meade, Polk County), November 11–14. Antique engines and tractors.
- Palm Harbor Touch a Truck (Palm Harbor), Saturday, November 14. Free activities.
- Day Out With Thomas returns to the Florida Railroad Museum in March 2027, if your little one would rather ride with Thomas than Santa.
Find your next truck event
See the full North Pole Express listing for dates, pricing and directions.
Holiday trains, touch-a-trucks, monster trucks and more are all in one place at Truck Events for Kids. Browse upcoming events, see the calendar, and sign up for Event Alerts on our homepage so you never miss one near you.
All aboard!