The owner and operator of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway have announced that, later this year, ‘The Polar Express’ will be coming to Yorkshire.
The animated, live action and motion-capture computer animation, tells the story of a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, sees a mysterious train bound for the North Pole stop outside his window, and is invited aboard by the conductor.
The boy joins several other children as they embark on a magical journey to visit Santa Claus preparing for Christmas.
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 one hour trip to meet Santa.
Once on board, the conductor will work his way through the coach and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and cookies are served by dancing chefs.
Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas.
During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment.
Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
Just like the kids in the book, families are encouraged to wear their pyjamas for the ride!
Trust Director, Rob Shaw said,
“With ‘The Polar Express’ a very popular film for all the family, we are very excited by this new opportunity to bring our railway to potentially a much greater audience in the lead up to this coming Christmas.
“We will be utilising professional actors drawn from across the country to bring the best possible ‘The Polar Express’ experience to Yorkshire.”
“As a Charitable Trust, we will be using the proceeds to further develop, maintain and enhance our Grade-II listed infrastructure, steam locomotives and internationally important collection of historic carriages.”
Tickets can now be booked via their website – here..
The first batch of tickets released has already proved extremely popular, so book now to avoid disappointment.

New aesthetics clinic opened in Ilkley
Care home's Plank Against Cancer challenge
Candidates announced for Ilkley and Wharfedale wards at Bradford local elections
Line-up for Ilkley Pride 2026 announced as tickets go on sale
Conservative candidates announced for Ilkley & Addingham
Calls for a referendum into water industry ownership from Ilkley clean river campaigners
Police seek public help after £23k worth of goods stolen
Ilkley MP says fireworks consultation must lead to action
Ilkley boxer plans comeback after life-changing reunion
Upcoming 'not to miss' author events at The Grove Bookshop
The moving 'Stabat Mater' Friday lunchtime at St Margaret's
Get ‘In The Mood’ at King’s Hall Ilkley
Exploring Ilkley Manor House: A morning talk and family fun this Saturday
Countdown begins to 2026 Ilkley Cycle Races
Ilkley Board Gamers return for Easter
Food waste collections in Ilkley from this autumn
Local artist announced retirement with ‘the big thank you’
Yorkshire’s premier sportive returns to Ilkley in May
Ilkley Bandstand announce 2026 programme
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket to perform in Silsden


