B&O Railroad Museum Polar Express Review: A Magical Christmas Train Ride for Families

There are Christmas traditions you try once… and then there are the ones your kids talk about all year long. For us, the B&O Railroad Museum’s Polar Express Train Ride fell solidly into that second category. We went a few years ago when my daughter was still in that perfect “wide-eyed Christmas magic” phase, and honestly? We grown-ups were just as swept up in it.

If you’re looking for a holiday adventure that’s easy to get to from the DMV area, feels special but not overwhelming, and delivers bigger-than-expected moments of joy, this train should be on your list.

Here’s what our experience was like.

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Arriving at the B&O Railroad Museum

Pulling up to the B&O Railroad Museum at Christmastime feels like stepping into a movie set. The roundhouse is all lit up, the historic trains are dressed with garlands and wreaths, and families in matching pajamas (ours included!) are making their way toward the entrance with that excited pre-train buzz.

We checked in, took the obligatory photos in front of the “Polar Express” signage, and then joined everyone heading into the big roundhouse.

If you’ve never been inside the B&O roundhouse before, it’s impressive. It has vaulted ceilings, giant locomotives, and a warm glow from the Christmas lights wrapped around columns and railings.

Before boarding, you can explore the winter activities area. My daughter made a beeline for the kid-friendly games, legos, and the beanbag toss with the snow bear. My husband and I grabbed a few pictures and admired how much effort the museum puts into making the pre-train experience fun.

Meeting the Characters Before Boarding

One of the best parts of the B&O’s Polar Express experience is how the characters mingle with families before the train even begins moving. The Conductor, complete with brass buttons, cap, and the serious-but-kind demeanor straight from the storybook, was greeting children, checking “tickets,” and setting the tone for the adventure.

When the “Boy” character (in his blue robe and pajamas) walked through, my daughter whispered, “MOM! That’s really him!” You can’t buy that kind of childhood wonder.

The actors are genuinely talented. They stay in character, they engage, and they make the whole thing feel like you’ve stepped directly into the pages of the beloved book.

Boarding the Train: The Magic Begins

When it was time to board, excitement bubbled through the crowd. The train cars were lined with decorations. There were tons of twinkle lights, wreaths, ribbons, and garlands. And once you step inside, it’s warm, cozy, and full of that old-fashioned holiday charm.

We settled into our seats, surrounded by families in matching PJs (pro tip: wear festive pajamas; it makes everything more fun). Christmas music played softly overhead, and the conductors moved through the aisles checking the golden tickets.

Yes, the golden tickets. The ones every kid dreams about.

My daughter clutched hers like it was made of solid gold. When the Conductor kneeled next to her and “punched” it with a flourish… well, let’s just say her face made the ticket worth more than its weight.

Hot Chocolate and Dancing Chefs

If your kids know the movie, they know what’s coming next: the Hot Chocolate Dance.

The chefs burst into the aisle with so much energy, it instantly becomes one of the best parts of the ride. Ours had the entire car clapping, laughing, and singing along within seconds. There’s something wonderfully ridiculous about grown adults dancing with trays of imaginary cocoa, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Then the hot chocolate appeared… actual steaming cups of it, complete with the “Hot! Hot! Hot!” logo on the side (such a fun touch). Cookies followed. My daughter held her cup like it was a treasure, sipping it cautiously at first and then guzzling it like she was really on her way to the North Pole.

The Story Comes to Life

After the cocoa and cookies, the story narration began. A staff member moved through the car reading aloud from The Polar Express, holding the pages open so everyone could follow along.

As the story unfolded, characters reenacted key scenes in the aisles. The Boy wandered past us, looking nervous and excited, and the Conductor was every bit the firm-but-kind presence he is in the book. The whole thing created this layered experience. You’re hearing the story, watching it unfold, and living it all at once.

The best part? The kids were transfixed. No fidgeting, no “Is it almost over?” Just total immersion.

A Surprise Visit from Santa

And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

The train slowed. Bells jingled. And Santa Claus appeared.

Not “a guy in a Santa suit”. A proper Santa with a deep red velvet coat, fluffy cuffs, boots polished to a shine, and a hearty laugh that filled the car. He moved slowly, taking his time with each child, kneeling down to talk with them and handing them a shiny silver bell, straight from Santa’s sleigh.

If you know the book, you know how important that bell is.

When Santa placed the bell gently into my daughter’s hand, she held it up to her ear and shook it, listening for the sound.

A Few More Magical Touches

There are a dozen little details I loved about this train ride:

The musically talented hobo outside the station standing by a fire pit, playing instruments and adding an atmospheric touch.
The way the car felt immersive without being overwhelming– perfect for younger kids.
How the characters never broke character, even when chatting casually.
The lighting and décor that made the train feel like a warm bubble of Christmas cheer rolling through the city.

The B&O has clearly refined this experience so that it feels polished but still incredibly heartfelt.

Back at the Station: Post-Ride Fun

Once the train returned, we had time to explore more of the decorated museum, check out the massive locomotives in the roundhouse, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Kids were still carrying their silver bells, shaking them just to “check” that they could still hear the magic.

We grabbed a few more family photos (the roundhouse gives you dozens of beautiful backdrops) and reluctantly made our way back to the car, warm, tired, and happily sugared up.

Tips for Visiting the B&O Polar Express

Here’s what we learned from the experience:

🎟️ Buy tickets early

This train sells out fast, especially weekend and evening departures.

🎄 Wear pajamas

Kids LOVE it, adults feel festive, and it makes the photos adorable.

⏱️ Arrive early

Parking downtown can take a minute, and you’ll want time for pre-boarding activities.

📸 Bring your camera

There are so many good photo ops both on and off the train.

🥤 Hot chocolate warning

It’s actually hot! Let it cool a little before handing it off to younger kids.

The B&O Polar Express isn’t just a train ride. It’s a Christmas experience that wraps story, nostalgia, and pure childlike wonder into one unforgettable hour. Whether your kids love the movie, the book, the idea of trains, or simply Santa himself, this is the kind of holiday outing that hits all the right notes.

We left with jingling silver bells, warm cups, flushed cheeks, and that cozy, lingering feeling that something magical had just happened.

And honestly? That’s what the season is all about.

All Aboard the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum: Our Magical Christmas Train Experience