FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/23/2026
Media Contact:
Teresa Craft | Marketing Manager | Rail Events Inc.
Do You Believe? THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Returns to New Orleans, LA!
Tickets Now Available For a Magical Experience at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
NEW ORLEANS, LA – With the holidays quickly approaching, New Orleans Union Terminal is celebrating the return of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in New Orleans! This immersive family-oriented experience hosted nearly 1.8 million riders at 58 locations in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia in 2025. Popular dates and times are expected to fill quickly, but seats are now available for departures beginning December 11th and continuing through December 31st. Tickets are on sale now at nolathepolarexpressride.com and guests are encouraged to book soon as this beloved holiday tradition is expected to sell out.
The adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a round-trip journey to meet Santa. Once on board, the conductor will work his way through the coach and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment – just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Just like the kids in the book, families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!
Exact dates, times, and fares are available by visiting nolathepolarexpressride.com. Ticket prices range from $69.50 to $99.25, depending on the date and time of the ride. Active-duty military members and first responders with the appropriate ID card are eligible for a $5 discount on each ticket (up to 10 tickets). To check out, please enter promo code HERO5 and select the applicable discount ticket product.
Approved images can be found at https://www.nolathepolarexpressride.com/gallery
About THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) since 2007, Rail Events Inc. has held an exclusive license to operate THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
About THE POLAR EXPRESS Book
THE POLAR EXPRESS film is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic Christmas picture book, which tells the story of a boy who takes a magical Christmas Eve train ride to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa. First published by the Houghton Mifflin Company in 1985, The Polar Express became an instant family favorite and has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. In 1986 it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Illustration.
About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, licensing and operating of location-based entertainment based on the biggest franchises, stories, and characters from Warner Bros.’ world-renowned film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour locations in London, Hollywood, and Tokyo, the iconic Harry Potter New York flagship store, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. WBDGE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division.
About Rail Events Inc.
Rail Events Inc. is the industry leader in rail-related special events management. In 2025, the company licensed events that hosted nearly 1.8 million guests at 58 partner railroads in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Rail Events Inc. and Rail Events Productions are wholly owned subsidiaries of American Heritage Railways, which is the premier operator of heritage railroads in the United States.
About New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Opened in 1954 to consolidate the city's passenger rail operations in one central facility, the station features a series of colorful murals depicting the history of Louisiana from the age of exploration through the mid-20th century.
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s26)
Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters © & ™ 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.