Connecticut GuideHoliday train
North Pole Express 2026 at Essex Steam Train
North Pole Express is a 90-minute holiday train from Essex Station on selected dates, November 20–December 23, 2026. Tickets are sold online only.
- Dates: November 20 – December 23, 2026
- Venue: Essex Station, Essex
- Organised by: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
- Admission: Ticketed
- Checked: October 3, 2026
Check the official store for your whole party before choosing a departure. Standard coach costs $60 Tuesday–Thursday, except December 22–23 when it costs $70; first class is $95 or $105 on those same dates. Buy together to sit in the same car. Arrive at 1 Railroad Avenue at least 30 minutes before departure, and plan the trip home before paying.
Schedule
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 20–22, 2026 | Opening weekend, Friday to Sunday |
| November 27–29, 2026 | Friday to Sunday |
| December 1–20, 2026 | Tuesday to Sunday |
| December 22–23, 2026 | Final departures, Tuesday and Wednesday |
Dates and hours come from the organisers' announcements and can change. Check them once more before setting out.
Essex Steam Train: North Pole Express 2026 dates and tickets · Online only; all sales are final. Seats are secured after payment and confirmation, not when they enter a cart.
The event
The North Pole Express is a 90-minute round trip from Essex Station with sing-alongs, hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa and Mrs. Claus on board. The 2026 season runs on selected dates from November 20 through December 23.
Tickets are sold online only and all sales are final. Standard coach is $60 Tuesday–Thursday, except December 22–23; it is $70 Friday–Sunday and on those final two dates. First class is $95 or $105 on the same date pattern. Tickets are assigned by car: buy all seats for your party in one order, and wait for payment confirmation before treating them as secured.
Arrival and the return trip
The train departs from Essex Station, 1 Railroad Avenue. The operator recommends arriving at least 30 minutes early to park. Boarding begins about 10 minutes before departure, and passengers must be seated five minutes before it leaves; a late arrival cannot hold the train.
If you arrive by rail, Old Saybrook is a separate station. Shore Line East serves it, and River Valley Transit route 642 links its bus shelter with Essex Center on published weekday and Saturday schedules. The listed bus trips do not provide a dependable return after an evening North Pole Express departure. Check the current timetable and arrange the final trip to Essex Station and back before buying tickets.
Good to know
- Check the operator's online store for current departures and seats; there are no phone or walk-up sales.
- December 22 and 23 use the higher Friday–Sunday price even though they fall on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Children under one sitting on a parent's lap do not need a ticket. Bring warm clothing for the December journey.
Where to stay for a North Pole Express evening
Essex or another river-valley town can make the evening easier. Compare the overnight base with your departure time and return transport before reserving a room.
- Litchfield Hills vs the Connecticut River ValleyThe valley as a weekend base.
- Connecticut with or without a carCheck the rail connection and the last trip home.
Make a day of it
Sources and transparency:Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: Christmas 2026 dates, prices and online tickets (checked 2026-10-03)Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: North Pole Express seating, arrival and refund FAQs (checked 2026-10-03)Shore Line East: Old Saybrook rail station and connections (checked 2026-10-03)River Valley Transit: route 642 published timetable (checked 2026-10-03)Not a paid listing.Editorial policyFull agenda