Michigan’s North Pole Express Celebrates 20 Years of Magic

 "Though I've Grown Old, The Bell Still Rings For Me. As It Does For All Those Who Truly Believe."

-The Polar Express

All aboard! Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas like never before as Michigan's beloved North Pole Express returns for its very special 20th anniversary year!  There's something about Christmas that brings out the child in all of us...and a little bit of magic too. In Michigan, that magic comes alive yearly thanks to a very famous train.

The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) has announced that things were a go for the North Pole Express to run once again this November and December. The special holiday ride is one of the most popular in Michigan every year. Tickets to board the Pere Marquette 1225 train, which is the train that Hollywood modeled the Polar Express after.

The special holiday ride is one of the most popular in Michigan every year. Tickets to board the Pere Marquette 1225 train, which is the train that Hollywood modeled the Polar Express after. In fact, the train has recently been "the star" of a new movie that was filmed right here in Michigan.

The experience has riders leaving Owosso and making a stop in the Village of Ashley. Tickets include a Christmas party with a visit from the man himself...Santa. The train, which will leave from Owosso, will begin running on Saturday, November 23, and then continue every weekend before Christmas.

What are the dates for the North Pole Express 2024?

There are 12 scheduled dates for the 2024 North Pole Express and all are on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. After the initial ride on November 23, the SRI will run the express every Saturday and Sunday at the same times through December 21st. There will also be a special ride on the Friday after Thanksgiving at 2:00 p.m.

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When do tickets go on sale for the North Pole Express?

Tickets for this year's North Pole Express will go on sale at noon on Thursday, July 25th. Tickets must be exclusively booked on the website, but you want to act fast. Traditionally tickets for the train sell out quickly each year. Last year tickets were gone in just 30 minutes.

Pricing starts at $80 per person for coach seating, all the way up to reserving the Frank Thomson Private Car for 26 passengers for $6200. To get more information and purchase tickets click here.