This was truly one of the best holiday experiences I can ever remember. From the moment you step on the train, it feels like you're inside the real Polar Express. The decorations (outside and inside), the lights, the sounds, everything is done so well that you're instantly transported into the story. The performers were incredible. Real singers, real actors, fully committed to every moment. They kept the energy high and the kids (and adults!) completely captivated. Santa was absolutely amazing, warm, magical, and exactly who you want Santa to be. Parking was easy, the staff was organized and friendly, and everything flowed so smoothly. There wasn't a single stressful moment the entire time. If you're looking for something that genuinely captures the holiday spirit, this is it. A 10/10 experience that left us smiling the entire night. I would 100% go again. read more

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For any fans of the Polar Express movie this is a must have experience. I know it's a bit of drive for us Bakersfield folks but if you're a kid of heart or just looking for that extra Christmas spirit for your little ones. Then the Polar Express train ride in Perris California is the golden ticket. We all put on matching pj's jumped on the 8pm train and watched as movie came to life in the 1 hour train journey. We left feeling happier than we jumped on. It truly was worth every penny we all agreed. The actors, singing and dancing were amazing. Every child on that train were hypnotized with amazement even then infants. It was truly a sight to watch. You can find tickets through the Southern California railway museum. read more

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I haven't watched the movie, but this train ride is a must experience for families or even for a date night. 11/22/2024. The visuals and sounds are quite astonishing. The staff provided an entertaining show with their acting, dancing, and singing. They even provide hot cocoa and buttery cookies. I will stop with the details so no spoiler alerts for those that have yet to watch the movie or had the pleasure to take this train. Don't hesitate to buy tickets, as the experience is priceless. read more

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If you've seen the movie, this experience is the closest thing to a live action version! Doors open one hour before the show, and parking is free which is a great bonus. Arriving early is highly recommended so you can pick up your tickets, visit the restroom, explore the old railroad tracks, browse the gift shop, snap some photos by the Christmas tree, and even write a letter to Santa. When booking, aim for seats toward the middle of the train car. That's where most of the action happens, including the singing, dancing, and monologues. Don't forget to treat yourself to some hot chocolate and a tasty snack to complete the festive experience! One downside is that the windows are covered, so you miss out on any scenic views, leaving you with just the sensation of the train moving back and forth. Other than that, my kids absolutely loved it! It's a magical experience for families, especially during the holiday season. read more

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Took the kids here and they had a ball it was fun and the hot chocolate was oh so good and the people here are amazing read more

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The actual train ride experience is awesome. Great recreation of the story and loved the dancing and smiles. The set up outside - not so great. Surprised there's not more to offer kids and families while waiting for train. Not set up to help much for people with disabilities so if you can't walk far, this would not be recommended. read more

Such a fun experience! I'd recommend this to everyone! This interactive train ride performance experience was so fun and immersive. We really enjoyed the performers, the hot chocolate, and the biscuits. This is great for kids and families. read more

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Could not recommend this enough! We booked a daytime experience, I was a little unsure if it would be less magical, but I assure you it was not! It was amazing for adults and children alike. Every moment was special, there was never a second where you were not entertained. The cast were amazing, the hot chocolate and cookies were great, and the experience itself was everything we had hoped for and more! Every detail was so thoughtful, from the bells being engraved to the name on the cups of hot chocolate. The youngest in our party was turning 2, and the oldest is of the elder persuasion. I could not recommend this enough, we are all looking forward to hopefully coming back next year! read more

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We've been coming to the polar express for 4 years in a row and this will be our LAST. The employees were so rude, even one person on the train did not give me a hot chocolate and when I asked for it, questioned whether I had a ticket The company that takes the professional photos completely mislead us in our purchase. The professional photo backgrounds are SO cheesy this year. And they don't give you a copy of the original photo. And now you have to pay for parking. They are just turning what used to be a magical experience into money grabbing. Definitely investigate a different polar express experience. read more

Outstanding presentation. The entire program kept true to the storyline. All of the cast and employees were extremely polite and did everything they could to involve all children. The train was nicely decorated, and all of the actors were very believable. The conductor and Santa Claus did outstanding as did the individual host in our car arctic circle. I would highly recommend going, and it's well worth making a family tradition. read more

The Polar Express - They actually read the entire book to the children on the train. Very interactive. - Trains Near Me - Perris, California

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Five out of five stars. Honestly I would do more if I could. If you are a fan of Polar Express this is a must see for you. I don't want to give too much away because the surprise of the experience is a huge part of the enjoyment. Ticket purchases online were easy. Parking at the location is ample. It's recommended you arrive early to have time to enjoy the area prior to boarding. There's a gift shop to peruse offering PE items at reasonable prices. If you're hungry this is the spot to pick up snacks. You then have time to enjoy the grounds which contains various types of train and rail artifacts. It was fun to play with the signal lights. While waiting to board you will have time for many pics and the opportunity to write a letter to Santa. Soon after, you're waiting to board. You're welcomed aboard by the conductor who has a surprising resemblance to the original animated version. A few moments later you find yourself boarding. This is where the magic begins. You're provided with a genuinely unforgettable train ride and journey. The rest you have to partake in yourself. I truly enjoyed this and experience and recommend it to all PE fans. I'm looking forward to boarding again in the future. read more

The Polar Express - One ticket - Trains Near Me - Perris, California

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Once you get on the train and the show begins, it truly is a great experience. The crew is friendly and interactive. Great for kids but since parents are also a big part of this, I think there are things that can be improved to make the experience more enjoyable overall. The GPS didn't route to the correct location so coming early will help prevent headaches. I came here on a Wednesday night with my family. Tickets were about $50/ a person and this includes anyone over 2. Ticket pricing varies based on date and time booked. I would've gone on a Saturday but most of the seats have been booked (assigned). I'm glad I ended up having to go on an off day because I don't think it would have been worth it paying anymore than $50. There were not many decorations and ticket will call lines to pick up as well as boarding area, were disorganized. The set up for the photo ops before boating was truly lacking. Once it's time to board the train, there aren't clear signs to direct you to the car you need to be on. A little more organization would be great. read more

Hands down one of the greatest ways to kick off the holiday season! The experience was magical and adults and kids all will have an amazing time. I will say we did the 6pm train ride, perfectly timed to be dark and not too late to have a sleepy toddler. The train was decorated beautifully and the lighting effects dramatically increased the experience throughout the performance. Our entire group loved the hot chocolate it had to be the best cup I've had in years. The performers were fantastic and engaging to all! 10/10 recommend! read more

Amazing experience, well worth the trip to the North Pole. Cast members were top notch!

Super cute experience. I had heard mixed reviews but I'll say this - you get out of life what you want to get out of it. If you think things are cheesy and kitschy, then you probably won't like it. If you're not intimately familiar with the book or film, you may not like it. It's a 90 min experience with singing, dancing, storytelling and culminating with Santa, who looked remarkably like the one in the film! The actors/staff were amazing and talented! (Shout out to Wyatt - "Sleigh!") Out biggest challenge was GETTING to Perris from coastal OC. We made an error and didn't take the toll road and it took almost 3 hours to get there from 3:25 to 5:55 pm and our tickets were for 6 pm. (55 minutes for the return trip!) read more

The most amazing experience. Comparing to friends it seems superior to the one in AZ 10/10 would go again and again read more

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First time here and we had a Fun experience. Kids had a great time, enjoyed the singing and hot chocolate. read more

The Polar Express - Trains Near Me - Perris, California

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Best seats are in the middle, but the actors go up and down the aisle to keep the audience involved. I recommend seeing the movie first. The show was awesome. The actors / staff were the best. The facilities were basic. The gift shop was ok. Upon request, there were ADA accommodations. read more

The train ride and performers were great! However, the staff near the gift shop yelling at people harshly to get on the train was extremely unprofessional and aggressive. She really ruined the experience for our family before getting on the train. A polite reminder would have been completely understandable, but her tone was harsh, unprofessional, and unnecessarily aggressive. She yelled at us three separate times. The employee in question had black hair with bangs and appeared to be Caucasian or Latina. We were told her name might be Delma or Rita, but another staff member was unsure, and she declined to provide her name when asked. read more

I highly recommend the polar express train ride! Everyone and everything was well thought out throughly! I enjoyed every minute!!

What an experience! Located at the SoCal Children Train Museum in Perris, practically the middle of nowhere. We bought tickets online and booked in advanced for about $70/adult. Parking is included with many spaces. You walk and they have a giant tent shop to buy merch or snacks. They have restrooms and another tent that has Christmas trees, letter writing to Santa, and a photo op. I thought that area could have been decorated more. We lined up 15 minutes before boarding and then the show started in the train with singing, dancing, storytelling. The actors were great, very animated and talented. We got complimentary shortbread cookies and hot cocoa and the whole train experience was a little over an hour. read more

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So much fun!! Dancing and singing and lot of audience engagement, got hot coco and shortbread cookies. Nice family night out if u liked the book and movie read more

Not worth the drive to IE, or train ride where windows are blocked out (probably bc there's really nothing scenic to view in the ie), or the stale cookies & watered hot cocoa. The entertainers were very nice & did their best to kill time on the train. My 7 yr old daughter did not enjoy it at all. The rest of my family was like "why did u do this to us Mom?" They did as much dancing & singing as well as they could in cramped up train aisle. I wish I could get my $383 & 3.5 hours back. Ride was 1.5 hours & commute was 2. Not recommended. Save your $$$. read more

BUNDLE UP! ITS FREEZING!! the train ride is an AMAZING experience! The singing, dancing, and light shows really made the whole experience come alive. My family loved it! The hot chocolate and shortbread cookie were delicious! We arrived at 5 and our train ride was at 6. There are plenty of picture moments and cute things to look at during this time. My daughter even wrote a letter to Santa! Loved the whole experience, 500$ something for 8 people isn't too bad. With parking included and in the same parking lot it wasn't that long of a walk. 10/10, shoot for an earlier time if you want to beat the cold! read more

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Thank you for the great experience. My family and I had fun. My girls truly enjoyed the experience. Merry Christmas John 3:16 read more

It was truly a magical experience for kids and adults alike. Beautifully decorated train, awesome performers and performances. I felt like I was in the movie. The conductor was spot on and Santa passing out a bell to my son made him so happy. I recommend to anyone who loves Christmas and the polar express. read more

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We drove almost 2 hrs from LA, with the other holiday stuff we've done this year my expectations were pretty low. This was well beyond anything we expected. The performances were great, it was timed out really well and there were a bunch of details that you can tell they went the extra mile to hit. Those little things really made the whole experience that much better. I'd definitely recommend this. read more

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The train ride and show was wonderful! Everyone on the train got a moment with Santa. The children were all engaged by the actors trying to get each one involved at different times of the show. I did not know if it was worth the price we paid, but after experiencing it we will definitely do this again. The one complaint is that the Southern California Train Museum should have made the atmosphere like a Christmas village. The grounds were lacking holiday anything! You could have ornament decorating craft booths. Cookie booths, food booths ask local school choirs to come and sing. Do something! The five stars is all the show, the grounds were pathetic! read more

A little pricey, but well worth it. The kids loved their hot chocolate and cookies. The show was great with a lot of rider interaction. read more

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The Polar Express has finally come to Cali! They're located at the Southern California Railway Museum. It's a seasonal event they put on now. You can purchase tickets on their production website and pick them up at the booth upon arrival. Everyone wore robes or pajamas and the whole production was interactive. They do everything in the movie, from the hot chocolate to the ticket stamping. They involve the audience and stay in character the whole time. The kids absolutely loved it! read more

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Went with our extended family. Had children ages 5,6,8,9 and 12. We thoroughly enjoyed our time. Went for the 4:30pm showing. You start standing in line at 4pm then slowly the line proceeds to board the train. The train looks dated, but the Christmas lights help to make the train feel magical. The program was well thought out. It essentially follows the book. There's a train full of passengers On Their pajamas on the way to the North Pole. There's singing, hot chocolate, dancing and Santa! This was a nice booster of the Christmas Season. The workers/actors were amazing and made sure to keep all children involved. There is a little gift shop that had some overpriced items and an area with the polar express background and Christmas trees to take photos by. If you have little children who enjoy simple things like going to a book reading, this is definitely an event to try! Merry Christmas!! read more

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I enjoyed the stewards, the songs, the interaction. I did not like the fact that nobody enforced proper mask-wearing. The family behind had a dad who never put his mask over his nose & none of his children even bothered to put one on. The little girl continued coughing over my son. When my sister asked if she could please wear her mask, the woman said "nobody has said she had to wear it" Also, the NORTH POLE was a bit underwhelming. I guess I expected more for the price of the tickets. A safety check, mask enforcement and something more to see out the windows. read more

We originally had our tickets scheduled on 11/17, but then our family became sick with COVID on 11/16. We called and asked to reschedule on 11/16 due to illness, and they allowed us to reschedule once we had a date in mind after reviewing the availability. Upon calling to reschedule our excursion we were informed that we were supposed to schedule on 11/16 because apparently we were supposed to reschedule with a date before the original departure time. They would not allow us under any circumstances to change this. It's a shame that a business geared towards children decided to ruin my children's Christmas by being money hungry and greedy when they could have easily accommodated another date. read more

Went for the 8:10 show on a frigid Saturday evening with my hubbs & 5 year old daughter. When we arrived I realized that I booked our seats incorrectly and actually bought 3 seats vertical of one another. Fortunately my hubbs talked to the will call lady and they were kind enough to find 3 seats together to our relief. He said they were so nice and understanding. We took pictures before boarding and then waited in the throng of people for 30 minutes, not an easy task with my overly active non-patient daughter. The ride itself was really spectacular. Me and my husband were really getting into it too so it's not just for kids. The staff were so friendly and welcoming-10/10 experience. My daughter was screaming with happiness and joy. If you're doubting it will be worth it just go for it! read more

We originally had our tickets scheduled on 11/17, but then our family became sick with COVID on 11/16. We called and asked to reschedule on 11/16 due to illness, and they allowed us to reschedule at a later time once we had a date in mind after reviewing the availability (at this point, it's harder to find seats close together even despite having children). Upon calling to reschedule our excursion once we had a date in mind and recovered from COVID, we were informed that we were supposed to reschedule on 11/16 (the day I was originally calling) because apparently you're supposed to reschedule with a date before the original departure time. They would not allow us under any circumstances to change this. It's a shame that a business geared towards children decided to ruin my children's Christmas by being money hungry and greedy when they could have easily accommodated another date. read more

Best train ride experience ever! Whether you are a fan of "The Polar Express" book or movie, this train ride will make you a fan regardless! It was such a joy to see my little boy's face light up and see the train, all the performers, and experience what it would have been like to be a character in the beloved book. The experience follows more of the animated movie version from Warner Bros starring Tom Hanks. We were treated to hot chocolate and Walker's shortbread cookies, and given the bell as a souvenir to remind us to "believe" and with the notion that we can still hear the bell ring. The whole experience was about an hour and moved forward and back multiple times, the windows were frosted so no need to worry about looking outside because the real show was inside the train car. Children loved it and adults got to feel like being a kid again, it was fun for all ages. Be sure to use the restroom prior to boarding the train, purchase your merchandise after the show or do what we did, we purchased prior to the show and then took our purchases back to the car. Also, take plenty of photos as well as the photo package which was under $35 for unlimited digital photos and included 2 printed photos. If you want to experience the Christmas spirit of a classic children's story, then put on your pajamas and get ready to board the Polar Express! read more

This was an awesome experience, our kiddo loved it! The cast/crew do a great job and seem very passionate about their roles. They actually sang, danced, & got the passengers and kids involved. The only downside for us was the mask wearing, it wasn't really enforced throughout the experience especially once folks started taking them off after drinking cocoa. Especially with the kiddos. The ride isn't very "scenic", but the majority of the fun takes place inside the train. Otherwise, it was a very, very fun experience. They have a cute little gift shop as well with random polar express goodies. Highly recommend, we'll be back next year to ensure we keep hearing Santa's Bells! read more

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So much fun! It was our first time there and seriously the attention to detail they have is really great. The actors were so much fun, really made the whole experience feel real as if we were in the movie. Made all of us get in the holiday spirit, would love to be back next year! read more

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What a fun experience. The performers did great and were so friendly to all the train passengers young and old. Santa talked to every person 1 by 1. Really a magical experience if you are a Polar Express fan (and even if your not). Well worth the trip. Great awesome job performers and staff! read more

From beginning to end, the experience was phenomenal. The cast is very talented and friendly. The PE is not just for the little ones. Guests were served hot chocolate and Walker's shortbread cookies during our journey. I would definitely recommend this attraction. We also explored the site. In Building 6, we came across Michelle. She was welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable. It is apparent she loves what she does and has a passion for trains. Thank you for your personal touch Michelle. read more