All Aboard! The Polar Express returns to South Devon Railway for 2026

Families across South Devon can once again step aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this Christmas, with tickets now available for selected dates between 27 November and 23 December 2026.

The immersive steam train experience, returning for its sixth year at South Devon Railway, in Buckfastleigh, brings Chris Van Allsburg’s 2004 classic film to life. Guests are encouraged to wear pyjamas, with many families choosing matching sets to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Passengers board as snow falls on the platform, taking their seats at lantern-lit tables for a magical round-trip journey to the North Pole. Along the way, performers bring the story to life, with a conductor punching golden tickets, dancing chefs serving hot chocolate and cookies, and interactive readings from the original book.

The Hobo makes surprise appearances before Santa and his elf assistant pass through the carriages, presenting each guest with a silver sleigh bell – the cherished “first gift of Christmas.” The train returns to the railway with time to explore the gift shop and collect festive keepsakes.

Ticket prices range from £35.95 to £52.95, and each passenger receives a souvenir golden ticket and sleigh bell. Popular dates are expected to sell out quickly, and bookings can be made at www.southdevonrailwaythepolarexpressride.com .

This year, the event will also support the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, with 5p from each biodegradable carrier bag sold at the railway shops going toward maintaining Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd in the Cairngorms.