Volunteering for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Thank you for considering volunteering at the Polar Express! Each December, we rely on the spirit of hundreds of volunteers to bring our magical journey alive for over 3,600 passengers who visit our ‘North Pole.’

Volunteer registration will open in mid September.  This year's event will be held on December 7 & 8, 2024.  Volunteer shifts are approximately 4 hours, and shift times vary depending on the role - the first shifts are late morning to afternoon and the second shifts are afternoon-evening. Pick the volunteer position which best suits you. The shift times are specified on the registration forms. For more details, read on!

1. Be an elf:

We need hundreds of elves to welcome passengers as they pull into the station (North Pole).  Our horde of elves form a receiving line OUTSIDE the station entrance, reaching from the first train car to the last train car, stretching as it narrows to the entrance of the station. We encourage you to hoot, holler, shout, clap, make noise and show wild enthusiasm when the train arrives! As the families and children walk by, kneel down and whisper Merry Christmas and be sure to use the names of the smallest children (each child will be wearing a name tag).  

Organizations and Student Groups who wish to volunteer as a group can also register online in mid September.  If you have any questions, please contact Theo Clark at [email protected].

2. Be an Engineer: 

Engineers inside the Wing building welcome families, write name tags, hand out golden tickets to the children, entertain children, collect books for Santa’s sack and send passengers on their way to the North Pole.

Engineers outside the Wing building are the gateway to adventure; it is your mission to greet passengers arriving on the bike path, ringing the bell that welcomes them to the entrance of the Wing building.  You will be outside for this role, and will want to dress warmly!

3. Work behind the scenes:

We have several opportunities to volunteer behind the scenes. You can decorate the station the week prior to the event. During the event, you may sign up to help with parking or can help to clean up after the last train on Sunday.


THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride photos courtesy of Stephen Mease Photography.

THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.