We’re approaching December, and you know what that means. It’s about time to dust off the decorations and break out that holiday spirit. One surefire way to get into the mood of the season is to participate in a classic display of Christmas cheer. A ride on the Christmas Express, complete with a visit from Santa, feels like Minnesota’s own Polar Express. This magical train ride is the perfect activity for anyone who is ready for the holiday season to begin. Book your tickets early! This holly jolly event often sells out. You won’t want to miss out on the polar express train ride in Minnesota.
The experience begins at Fitger’s in downtown Duluth, a cozy hotel with a temporary ticket booth set up for Christmas Express passengers.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Duluth
Passengers board the colorful train and settle in for the ride.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
The train passes close to Lake Superior, giving passengers an amazing view of the frigid water.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
From a distance, passengers can also glimpse Bentleyville, one of the largest holiday light displays in the Midwest.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
During the ride, passengers can listen to a story.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
It’s about a girl who gets stuck on a train during a Christmas snowstorm. The story has quickly become a Duluth classic.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
The train stops at Duluth Depot, but the fun isn’t over yet.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
Inside, passengers gather around for more festivities, including a visit with Santa!
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
After all is done, passengers pile back onto the train for another ride to Fitger’s.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
The Christmas Express runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 29 through December 22. There are five daily departure times from late afternoon to early evening.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
The entire trip lasts 90 minutes, and it’s well worth it.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook This is, hands down, the most spectacular Christmas train in Minnesota. The Christmas Express is located at 600 East Superior Street in Duluth. You can buy tickets for the Christmas Express at Fitger’s before departure, but it is highly recommended to buy in advance. Check here for more information on buying tickets to this magical train ride.
What’s your favorite Christmas event in Minnesota? Share your memories of holiday magic in the comments below!
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Duluth
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
This is, hands down, the most spectacular Christmas train in Minnesota. The Christmas Express is located at 600 East Superior Street in Duluth. You can buy tickets for the Christmas Express at Fitger’s before departure, but it is highly recommended to buy in advance. Check here for more information on buying tickets to this magical train ride.
Want even more holiday spirit? Check out these 12 amazing Christmas light displays in Minnesota.
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Address: North Shore Scenic Railroad, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
polar express train ride in Minnesota October 10, 2019 Elisa Regulski What other Christmas train rides can I take in Minnesota? The North Shore Scenic Railroad isn’t the only organization hosting a Christmas train in Minnesota. For a similar attraction, embark on The North Pole Express at Union Depot. This spectacular event leaves from St. Paul, Minnesota and is full of non-stop Christmas cheer. Sip hot chocolate, sing carols, and meet Santa! This jolly adventure is perfect for the young and the young at heart. What are the best holiday events in Minnesota for families? For more Christmas fun, watch the Harding Horse’n Around Christmas Parade. This colorful display is full of festive floats, gorgeous horses, and seasonal eats. Gather up the whole family and enjoy this wonderful tradition! If you need to get some gift shopping done, explore the Minnesota Christmas Market. This annual event takes over the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd every year. You’re certain to leave with bags full of gifts. Where can I see the best Christmas light displays in Minnesota? The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a can’t-miss Christmas event in Minnesota. Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park turns into a winter wonderland every year, and there’s plenty of hot cocoa to go around. Come and soak up the merriment! You’ll also find incredible displays at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Known as Winter Lights at the Arb, this annual attraction has thousands of twinkling displays. The end result is pure magic. You’ll really feel like a kid again when you visit this merry place.
The OIYS Visitor Center
polar express train ride in Minnesota
October 10, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What other Christmas train rides can I take in Minnesota? The North Shore Scenic Railroad isn’t the only organization hosting a Christmas train in Minnesota. For a similar attraction, embark on The North Pole Express at Union Depot. This spectacular event leaves from St. Paul, Minnesota and is full of non-stop Christmas cheer. Sip hot chocolate, sing carols, and meet Santa! This jolly adventure is perfect for the young and the young at heart. What are the best holiday events in Minnesota for families? For more Christmas fun, watch the Harding Horse’n Around Christmas Parade. This colorful display is full of festive floats, gorgeous horses, and seasonal eats. Gather up the whole family and enjoy this wonderful tradition! If you need to get some gift shopping done, explore the Minnesota Christmas Market. This annual event takes over the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd every year. You’re certain to leave with bags full of gifts. Where can I see the best Christmas light displays in Minnesota? The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a can’t-miss Christmas event in Minnesota. Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park turns into a winter wonderland every year, and there’s plenty of hot cocoa to go around. Come and soak up the merriment! You’ll also find incredible displays at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Known as Winter Lights at the Arb, this annual attraction has thousands of twinkling displays. The end result is pure magic. You’ll really feel like a kid again when you visit this merry place.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The North Shore Scenic Railroad isn’t the only organization hosting a Christmas train in Minnesota. For a similar attraction, embark on The North Pole Express at Union Depot. This spectacular event leaves from St. Paul, Minnesota and is full of non-stop Christmas cheer. Sip hot chocolate, sing carols, and meet Santa! This jolly adventure is perfect for the young and the young at heart.
What are the best holiday events in Minnesota for families?
For more Christmas fun, watch the Harding Horse’n Around Christmas Parade. This colorful display is full of festive floats, gorgeous horses, and seasonal eats. Gather up the whole family and enjoy this wonderful tradition! If you need to get some gift shopping done, explore the Minnesota Christmas Market. This annual event takes over the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd every year. You’re certain to leave with bags full of gifts.
Where can I see the best Christmas light displays in Minnesota?
The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a can’t-miss Christmas event in Minnesota. Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park turns into a winter wonderland every year, and there’s plenty of hot cocoa to go around. Come and soak up the merriment! You’ll also find incredible displays at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Known as Winter Lights at the Arb, this annual attraction has thousands of twinkling displays. The end result is pure magic. You’ll really feel like a kid again when you visit this merry place.
