Polar Express train ride returns to Moor Street

The Polar Express train ride is returning to Birmingham Moor Street station this Christmas, with passengers encouraged to arrive in their pyjamas as the story comes to life around them.

The festive experience will run on selected dates from 22 November to 23 December.

What to expect

Based on the much-loved book and film, the ride recreates the story with live performers, storytelling, singing and dancing on board.

It is presented by PNP Events in partnership with Birmingham Moor Street, Rail Events Inc and Warner Bros. Worldwide, the Polar Express ride welcomes more than 1.5 million passengers a year across 54 locations, making it one of the most popular festive rail experiences of its kind.

"A first class ticket includes the full immersive onboard performance, a hot chocolate and cookie plus an exclusive The Polar Express Train Ride bag per group," the organisers said.

Prices

Tickets start at £56 for a classic ticket and £71 for first class, depending on the date and time, and flexible payment plans are available.

A Christmas day out

Moor Street's central location means families can combine the ride with Birmingham's other festive attractions, including the Frankfurt Christmas Market, seasonal food and lights, all within easy walking distance.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest outdoor Christmas markets in the UK, and draws millions of visitors to the city centre each year. Its dates for this year have already been confirmed by the city council.

Moor Street station

Moor Street is one of Birmingham's most charming stations. It opened in 1909 for the Great Western Railway, closed for a time in the 1980s when a new station was built alongside, and was beautifully restored in the early 2000s to its 1930s appearance, with period signs, lamps and a traditional booking hall. Its heritage feel makes it a natural setting for an event inspired by a classic steam train story.

The station sits beside the Bullring and Selfridges, and will be close to the new HS2 terminus at Curzon Street when it opens.

Book early

Festive events like this often sell out quickly, especially at weekends and in the final week before Christmas. Families who want a particular date are advised to book well ahead.

Other Christmas events across the city are also beginning to announce dates, from light trails in parks and gardens to pantomimes at the Hippodrome and other theatres, as Birmingham prepares for one of its busiest times of the year.