The Kentucky Railway Museum’s North Pole Express is a ticketed holiday train experience in New Haven. The program combines pre-ride refreshments and children’s activities with a train excursion, Santa’s arrival aboard the train, and a photo opportunity back at the depot. The museum says 2026 tickets go on sale in June.
2026 planning facts
- Location: Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven, Kentucky. The museum operates on Eastern Time.
- Listed fare: $28 for adults ages 13+ and children ages 2–12. The museum’s general FAQ says children under 2 ride free; confirm the correct infant ticket during checkout.
- Arrival: The museum recommends arriving one hour before departure for a cookie, hot chocolate, and small activities.
- Food: Only bottled water may be taken onto the train.
- Cancellation: The event page says cancellations must be made by October 31 for a full refund.
Book through the official North Pole Express page. Departure dates and times are inventory-based and may sell out, so choose the exact trip before arranging lodging or a long drive.
What happens during the visit
Guests visit Claus’s Kitchen Caboose before boarding, then ride while seasonal music plays. Santa boards during the excursion and travels back to New Haven. At the depot, families have an opportunity to visit Santa and take their own child’s photo. The event description does not promise a professional photo package, so bring a charged phone or camera if photographs matter to you.
Wheelchairs, steps, and seating
Coach 1616 requires passengers to use steps. Coach 1105 has one wheelchair securement position, and the museum says guests who need to remain in a wheelchair must book that specific accessible ticket. The general FAQ lists a maximum wheelchair width of 26.5 inches and asks visitors to call ahead.
Because only one securement position is identified, do not assume availability after buying a standard ticket. Call 800-272-0152 before booking if anyone needs wheelchair space, transfer assistance, nearby seating, or clarification about boarding.
Restrooms, sensory needs, and younger children
The museum’s FAQ says there are no restrooms on the train. Use depot facilities before boarding and ask staff about the trip duration when selecting a departure. Cars are described as climate-controlled, but crowd noise, music, train motion, whistles, and a costumed Santa may still be intense for some guests. Families managing sensory sensitivities should ask the museum about the expected sound level and whether a quieter waiting area is available.
Weather and day-of checks
The museum generally remains open during inclement weather but reserves the right to close for extraordinary conditions or other interruptions. Winter roads can be difficult even when the train runs. Check the official page and messages from the museum before leaving, allow extra travel time, and know the cancellation terms before purchase.
Make it part of a broader trip
For other seasonal and year-round ideas, browse Kantuckee’s Kentucky activities guides. If the train is the centerpiece, avoid placing another timed reservation too close to it; the recommended early arrival and post-ride Santa visit extend the total visit beyond the train ride itself.
