- How can I ensure that I get tickets to next year’s event?
- What time should I arrive?
- Where should I park?
- Is the Polar Express™ handicap accessible?
- How long is the event?
- What are the most appropriate ages?
- Should I bring a stroller?
- My child has food allergies. What can we do about the cookies and cocoa?
- My child will turn two (24 months) on December 9, 2024. Do I need a ticket?
- May I bring my pet?
- How do we return to our car?
1. How can I ensure that I get tickets to next year’s event?
VCTF $100+ Donors are guaranteed tickets on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Anyone who donates a minimum of $100.00 to VCTF by June 30, 2025 may purchase up to 5 tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2025. If you donate a minimum of $100.00 on Line 23 of your 2024 Vermont State Tax Return, please email us for ordering instructions before September 1, 2025. Thank you for supporting Vermont children and families!
- Corporate Supporters may purchase between 5 and 200 tickets.
- Bell Ringer Donors of $150 or more are eligible to purchase up to 5 tickets.
- Volunteers may purchase up to 5 tickets. You may register to volunteer in mid-September 2025.
We ask people to arrive 15 minutes prior to the boarding time printed on their tickets.
Parking is available at Perkins Pier lot, Maple Street, west of Battery. Please arrive at the South entrance of the Wing Building 15 minutes prior to boarding time on your ticket. Handicap parking is available in the Cornerstone Parking Garage. Your car must display a handicap tag or it will be towed.
4. Is the THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride handicap accessible?
Yes. Handicap parking is available in the Cornerstone Parking Garage on Steele Street (from Battery Street, take King Street toward the lake, take a right on Steele Street, just before the train tracks). Your car must display a handicap tag or it will be towed. Please let us know upon which train you are riding and we will prepare the wheelchair lift as needed ([email protected]). The width of the interior doors on the train are 22 inches.
The entire event is about an hour and twenty minutes long.
- 20 minutes waiting in the Wing Building and boarding
- 20 minutes on the train ride
- 20 minutes at the reading of the story
- 10-20 minutes waiting to see Santa for your bell
6. What are the most appropriate ages?
We think the optimal ages for passengers are 3-10 years old, and do not recommend the event for infants.
Given space constraints, strollers are not allowed on the train and we prefer you do NOT bring strollers. Baby carriers work well.
8. My child has food allergies. What can we do about the cookies and cocoa?
For children with special dietary needs, we ask families to bring their own cookies and cocoa. And, we will have candy canes available as an alternative.
9. My child will turn two (24 months) after December 9, 2024. Do I need a ticket?
No. Children under 24 months on the dates of the event (December 7 & 8, 2024) do not need a ticket and are considered lap passengers. If you prefer they have their own seat, please purchase a ticket. If you would prefer to bring infants in a car seat carrier, please purchase a ticket as it will take up a seat on the train.
No, thank you.
11. How do we return to our car?
Upon exiting Main Street Station at Main and Battery, please walk down Battery back to Maple to find your car in the parking lot. This makes you invisible to the children and families boarding the train who do not yet have their bells from Santa. Please help preserve the magic for all!
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride photos courtesy of Stephen Mease Photography.
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.