Want to get Polar Express tickets before they sell out in Sacramento? Mark your calendar

Sacramento’s popular holiday train is returning to the tracks this winter.

The California State Railroad Museum is hosting its Polar Express Train Ride from Nov. 24 to Dec. 20. Presale tickets for museum members started earlier this week and general sale for the public begins Monday, according to the event website.

The hour-long ride features seven cars led by vintage locomotives. It includes entertainment by Polar Express characters, hot chocolate, sweet treats and time with Santa Claus.

Where and when does the ride start?

The train will depart at the Central Pacific Passenger Station at 930 Front St. in the Old Sacramento Waterfront.

It will leave the station at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday starting Nov. 24, with an extra day of service on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Ticket prices

Coach class tickets start at $80 per person or $320 for a table of four people. Coach admission includes love seat-style and chair-style seating, depending on the car.

First-class tickets start at $100 per person or $400 per table of four. These tickets feature more spacious cars, and first-class guests will receive a collectible souvenir mug. Depending on the car you get, there will be a serving bar, lounge-style seating, large windows and other amenities.

Children 2 and under are free.

You can buy tickets online at the California State Railroad Museum’s website. Tickets frequently sell out in advance of the winter rides.

This story was originally published September 14, 2023 at 9:57 AM with the headline "Want to get Polar Express tickets before they sell out in Sacramento? Mark your calendar."