Dallas, consider this your cue to get the matching Christmas pajamas out. Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express invites families aboard a holiday train filled with Christmas songs, sweet treats and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus—all in the heart of the Christmas Capital of Texas.
The approximately 45-minute excursion begins at Grapevine’s Historic Cotton Belt Railroad District, which transforms into the Grapevine Christmas Market for the season. With decorated vintage coaches and elves leading the sing-alongs, the journey gives families plenty of reasons to get into the festive spirit before Christmas morning arrives.
What happens aboard the North Pole Express?
Once passengers settle into their seats, Santa’s elves Holly and Frosty lead Christmas sing-alongs inside the festive coaches. Santa also makes a special visit, and the experience includes moments with both him and Mrs. Claus.
Naturally, a Christmas train ride needs something sweet. Tickets include Mrs. Claus’ Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie and Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk served in a souvenir memory mug. So, while you might want to bring a coat for the platform, you can leave the train snacks to the Clauses.
The experience also includes one 4-by-6-inch photo with Santa per family at the Grapevine Christmas Market General Store. Families can stop for their photo before or after the excursion, with additional pictures available to purchase.
Yes, you’re encouraged to wear your Christmas pajamas
Matching family pajamas aren’t required, but they’re very much part of the fun. Organizers encourage children and adults to wear their festive sleepwear aboard the train.
The coaches are enclosed and temperature-controlled, so there’s no need to dress for an actual trip to the Arctic. Boarding takes place outside, though, so bring layers for whatever North Texas weather decides to do that day.
How much are North Pole Express tickets?
Tickets are sold by the bench rather than as individual seats. Each bench seats two people and costs $90, $96 or $100, depending on the departure date and time. Seating is assigned when you book.
Children under two need a lap-child ticket, which can be added during the booking process. Passengers ages two and older require a regular ticketed seat. Optional experiences, including Hometown Christmas, cost extra.
The railroad notes that this popular seasonal experience often sells out quickly. Organizers also warn against buying through unauthorized resale sites or social-media listings.
What to know before you go
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to reach the platform. Organizers recommend arriving in Grapevine at least an hour before your excursion on weekdays to allow for parking and walking, then checking in at the Christmas Market no fewer than 20 minutes before your ticketed departure. Allow extra time on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, when Historic Main Street closes to traffic during the Christmas season.
Train doors close five minutes before departure and won’t reopen once shut. Tickets are non-refundable, and missed departures aren’t refunded—so this is one festive outing where fashionably late won’t work.
North Pole Express: the essentials
- Where: Grapevine Christmas Market, Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine
- When: Santa’s North Pole Express dates run from November 27 to December 30.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes aboard the train.
- Price: $90–$100 per two-person bench, depending on the departure.
- Included: Christmas sing-alongs, Santa and Mrs. Claus moments, a chocolate chip cookie, Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk in a souvenir mug, and one Santa photo per family.
