Santa rides the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, apparently, at least between November 20, 2026 and January 2, 2027. That's the listed run of The Polar Express Train Ride, a holiday trip out of the downtown depot that the railroad calls its most popular event of the year. You get about an hour on a steam train, hot chocolate, a reading of the book, and a visit from Santa in every coach.
The quick facts
| Detail | What the railroad says |
|---|---|
| 2026 run | November 20, 2026 through January 2, 2027 |
| Train time | About 60 to 65 minutes |
| Total time to plan | Two hours |
| Arrive at the depot | About 20 to 30 minutes before departure |
| Final boarding | 10 minutes before departure |
| Car classes | Standard, Deluxe and First |
| Alcohol | None served, none allowed on board |
| Dress code | Pajamas encouraged, layers recommended |
What actually happens on the ride?
You climb aboard a vintage steam train at the Durango Depot, and for the next hour the coach becomes a stage. Chefs hand out hot chocolate and a sweet treat while a reader works through Chris Van Allsburg's book, and on the trip back Santa walks through each coach with the first gift of Christmas for every passenger. That's the plot, straight from the railroad's event page, and it's the whole show.
At the turnaround you'll see lights and wave at Santa and his elves from the warm of the coach. Per the railroad's FAQ, the North Pole stop is something you watch through the windows, not something you step out into. It's built for kids, but the railroad says all ages can enjoy it, and it's alcohol-free.
When does the Polar Express run in 2026?
The railroad's page lists November 20, 2026 through January 2, 2027. That's the window, not a promise that every day has a departure, so open the railroad's reservation page and look at specific dates and times before you plan around one. We'll say the same thing about prices: they live on the booking page and they change, so we won't print numbers that could go stale.
Some dates fill early. The railroad warns that certain departure times and car types sell quickly, and recommends booking as soon as you can settle on a date. It also notes it often has seats the same day, which is a good fallback for last-minute plans but a lousy strategy for a family of six.
How long does the Polar Express take?
The train itself runs about an hour. The event page says roughly 65 minutes and the FAQ says 60 round trip, so call it an hour and a bit. The railroad still wants you to clear two hours, mostly because of the pre-boarding show, which you'd hate to miss.
Timing matters more than you'd think:
- Be at the Durango Depot about 20 minutes before departure to catch the show as the train steams into the station, but not earlier than a half hour before.
- Final boarding is 10 minutes before departure.
- Restrooms are available in most coaches, and there are family-size portable restrooms next to the museum.
Which car should you choose?
Seat choice changes the experience more than any other decision. The railroad sells three classes, and the details below come from its event page.
| Car class | Seating | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Vintage enclosed coach, forward-facing padded seats, two people per seat | Cookie and warm cocoa |
| Deluxe | Roomier overstuffed seating, face-to-face (can flip to forward-facing on the San Juan) | Cookie and cocoa in a souvenir mug, plus a souvenir tote per reservation |
| First class | Tables and padded chairs with themed Christmas decor | Cookie and cocoa in a souvenir mug, plus a tote per reservation |
Deluxe is the one the railroad pitches to families, because there's room for coats, wiggling and a few small bodies. First class makes sense if you want a table and a calmer seat. Standard is the budget pick. If someone in your group uses a wheelchair, the railroad's accessible coach has a hydraulic lift and an ADA restroom.
How do you book, and what does it cost?
Book through the D&SNGRR's online reservations. Prices vary by car and date, so we're not quoting any. One cost to know about: ticket fares are subject to an 8 percent Historic Preservation Fee, according to the railroad's terms.
Parking downtown is available in the railroad's lot on College Drive, which the FAQ lists at $6 per vehicle, and there is public parking and city transit as well. Leave time for it. Winter nights in a railroad town do not have much slack.
What are the cancellation and change rules?
Read this before you click Buy. The railroad's terms say you can cancel in full or in part and get a refund minus a $14 fee per full-fare ticket and a $7 fee per child ticket up to 60 days before departure. Inside 60 days, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. The terms add that there are no exceptions for weather, illness or road closures.
Change rules appear in two places on the railroad's site and don't match perfectly, so read the current version at checkout. The event page lists a $7 per-ticket fee to reschedule within the same calendar year, while the FAQ says the fee is waived for changes made more than 60 days out. If you want flexibility, buy early and change early.
What should you wear?
Wear the pajamas. The railroad encourages it, with one practical warning: check the pockets for holes. Over or under them, dress in layers, because you'll wait outside, peel off a coat once you're in the heated coach, and need it again afterward. Snow boots earn their keep.
A December night in Durango can be cold. If you're curious what to expect, our weather by month guide has the numbers, and the Durango in winter guide covers roads and what's open.
Is it worth it with kids?
Mostly yes. It's short, it's warm, and it ends with a gift, a combination small children tend to approve of. Toddlers can melt down under the noise and the crowd, though, and some older kids decide they've aged out. You know yours. The Durango with kids guide has other family ideas for the rest of the trip.
Building a December weekend around it
The Polar Express is one evening. Make a weekend of it by pairing it with the town's other winter options: a soak at the hot springs, a day at Purgatory and a beer at one of the breweries. If you want the regular scenic ride too, the Durango and Silverton train guide explains the schedule and the routes. Check local events and festivals for what overlaps your dates, and book a room early through where to stay in Durango, since holiday weekends tighten up fast.
