This Christmas, a truly magical live show has arrived at The Vale of Rheidol Railway: the award-winning POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

This fully immersive theatre experience, which runs until Christmas Eve, recreates the famous Christmas movie as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride brings the characters to life as it captures the joyful festive tale, as well as giving families the opportunity to travel by steam train on the spectacular Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth, in the heart of Wales.

Popular with all ages, visitors can expect heart-warming family fun and a truly special event for all generations, set to become one of Wales’s best Christmas experiences this year. In 2023, this immersive family-oriented experience hosted nearly 1.6 million passengers at locations across the US, Canada, UK and Australia. 

The POLAR EXPRESS™ 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 to meet Santa.

There is singing and dancing from favourite characters, iconic scenes straight from the movie and a special visit from Father Christmas himself. While passengers enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and cookie, courtesy of dancing chefs, the Christmas magic and seasonal wonder will help get everyone in the holiday spirit. 

Each guest takes home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket, in addition to the wonderful memories made on the trip. Just like the kids in the book, families are encouraged to wear their pyjamas for the ride!

Llyr ap Iolo, Managing Director of The Vale of Rheidol Railway, said: “We are very excited to be hosting Wales’s first Polar Express Christmas Experience on our railway at Aberystwyth, we are working closely with the production company to deliver an unforgettable experience for all.” 

The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs through 12 miles of Welsh countryside, from the seaside town of Aberystwyth to the village of Devil’s Bridge, home to the famous waterfalls, nestled in the Cambrian Mountains.

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “This exciting new experience is sure to be a smash hit for children and adults alike. It is fantastic news that the Polar Express has come to Wales and It’s a wonderfully festive way for people to enjoy a ride on the historic Vale of Rheidol Railway.”

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 favourite and has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. 

If you or your group would like to enjoy a winter tour of Wales, perhaps taking in some of the many magical Christmas experiences that take place each year, please do contact our friendly team today.

THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s24), based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters © & ™ 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

Credit for all photos: Angharad Bache.