The Polar Express at Union Station, St. Louis City

 

Location: 1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Website: https://www.stlthepolarexpressride.com/

The Polar Express is an Amtrak train ride/experience that occurs every Christmas season at Union Station. There is a fee for parking, usually around $5, and please don't leave any items in your car as there are always break-ins in the city around the holidays. If you have train-loving kids, fans of the Polar Express book and movie, or are just looking for a fun experience for your family I think you will enjoy this event. 

When you first arrive you will be ushered into a big tent where you will find merch for sale, some cute activities, and some photo ops. You can kill time here while you wait to board the train.  It's kind of a tradition to wear pajamas to this, but you can wear whatever you like. 

The conductor and boy do a quick little skit welcoming you to the Polar Express and then you can get in line to board. 

Each train car has a name so it makes it easy to find your car. 

The train goes north for about 20 minutes to the "North Pole".  They serve you hot chocolate and cookies while you wait, of course! Then it's about 20 minutes to get back to the station. 

They play holiday music and part of the book over the sound system. 

The conductor comes around to every child and gives them a golden ticket just like in the movie. 

You want to be on the right side of the train, that's where Santa will appear. If you're sitting on the left you'll have to get up and move to the other side of the train to see him. 

When you arrive at the North Pole you will see Santa waving at you. 

Santa gets on the train and greets each child with a high five and a silver jingle bell. You can get photos with him here. Then the train heads back to the station. That's basically about it. The train we were on this time had regular seats, but they do have train cars with tables. We had very animated chefs and elves who were singing and dancing the whole time. It was really fun! 

This is the train car with tables and the observation deck. 

I wouldn't pay extra for the observation deck, the view out the train isn't anything spectacular. 

After your ride is over (or even before) you can enjoy the other things at Union Station, including the fire and ice show on the lake, feeding the koi, riding the wheel, playing mini-golf, riding the carousel, or eating at one of several establishments on the property. As far as I know, the aquarium and mirror maze are closed at night. In 2016 we did dinner at Union Station and the light show on the ceiling is amazing. The food was just ok but the show up above made it worth it. 

Photos of the Grand Hall holiday dinner. The conductor came around to all the tables and that tree, it's seriously amazing. 

So pretty!

Riding the wheel at night is always fun!

If you're on the fence about whether the Polar Express is worth it, I think everyone should experience it, at least once. It can be pricey, but if you can afford it I say go for it. My kids enjoyed it and regard it as a special childhood memory. I think it's best suited for kids under 5. My 9-year-old daughter enjoyed it but not in the same way she did when she went when she was 4.