In 2026, Polar Express and Santa train rides near St. Louis run Nov 13 through Dec 30, from $5. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station starts Nov 13, tickets $5–$99. All ages. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station starts Nov 13, tickets $19.99–$100. All ages.
By date
Filter by kind of ride, then tap one for dates, ages, price and how to book.
Polar Express · to Dec 30 · St. Louis, MO (Union Station)13NovFriTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 30 · St. Louis, MO27NovFriHoliday Happiness FestivitiesSanta train · Santa and live reindeer 11 a.m.–2 p.m. · Kirkwood, MO (2933 Barrett Station Rd) · about 15 miles awayNothing matches that filter yet.
Train rides
Dates, ride length, ages, price and booking notes come from each railroad, zoo or park’s own page. The area line shows where you board.
Quick picks: Cheapest: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride (from $5).
St. Louis Union Station · St. Louis, MO (Union Station)
Good to know: Sensory-friendly rides Nov 23 and Dec 1.
St. Louis Union Station · St. Louis, MO
National Museum of Transportation · Kirkwood, MO (2933 Barrett Station Rd) · about 15 miles away
Good to know: Bring your own camera for Santa photos. The Santa line moves outdoors on busy days. Miniature train and Holly Jolly Trolley hours vary through the holidays, so check before you go.
Know one we missed?Send us the railroad’s or venue’s page and we’ll check the dates and add it.Suggest a trainBefore you go
TicketsBook as soon as you canPolar Express and Santa trains often sell out weeks ahead, weekend evenings first.
DressPajamas are part of itMany Polar Express rides invite kids to come in pajamas. Bring a warm layer for the platform.
TimingPick a ride before bedtimeEarly departures are easier with little kids. Late lights trains are better for older kids.Keep planning
November: things to do in STLEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in STLEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in STLFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in STLIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in STLStorytimes for ages 0–6, by day and branch
Ice skating in STLHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in STLParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in STLKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
Christmas parades in STLParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesThe Nutcracker in STLBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in STLChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
Christmas break in STLWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
Playgrounds in STLParks with a playground, restrooms and sheltersBirthday party places in STLStarting prices, ages and what’s included
Youth sports in STLSoccer, T-ball and basketball for ages 0–6, with sign-up dates
More things to do with kids in St. Louis this weekDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in St. Louis, MO (Union Station): Nov 13 – Dec 30. Price: November: Holiday Saver $20–$25, Coach $39–$64, First Class $49–$99; parking $5. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in St. Louis, MO: Nov 13 – Dec 30. Price: Holiday Saver from $19.99; Coach from $35; First Class from $45; Premium $100+.
Holiday Happiness Festivities (Kirkwood, MO (2933 Barrett Station Rd) · about 15 miles away): Fri Nov 27.
Many do. One of the three here asks you to book ahead or warns that seats sell out. Each card says what the operator posts about tickets.
Cheapest ticket: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, from $5. Those come from the ride length, price and age notes on this page.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Nov 4, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in STL that weekend, holiday trains included.
