Michigan North Pole Express Tickets for 2026 Are on Sale Now, and Going Fast

It's May in Michigan. The tulips are blooming, grills are firing up, and thanks to all the rain, we've already mowed our lawns at least five times.

So, naturally, it's time to talk about Christmas. Right?

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The Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso has announced that tickets for the 2026 North Pole Express are on sale now, and if history tells us anything, these seats will disappear fast, and if you don't act fast, your kiddos will hear 'maybe next year' again.

Ride Michigan's Real-Life Polar Express

This isn't some mall train that circles a food court a few times. The North Pole Express is a nearly 5-hour round-trip adventure aboard Michigan's legendary Pere Marquette 1225, the massive steam locomotive that inspired and provided sound recordings for The Polar Express. Yes, the actual train that Tom Hanks' animated Christmas locomotive was modeled after.

Passengers depart from Owosso and travel to Ashley for Ashley's Country Christmas, where the entire town is transformed into the North Pole. Complete with Santa Claus, festive activities, and enough holiday cheer to make even the grumpiest of uncles mutter, "Fine... this is pretty cool."

Don't Wait Until November

Whether you've always wanted the perfect seat aboard the 1225 or you're starting a family tradition in 2026, now is the time to book. Because in Michigan, we may not be ready for Christmas music (yet), but we are absolutely ready to panic-buy Christmas train tickets in May.

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Purchase tickets now at MichiganSteamTrain.com/North-Pole-Express/. As of publication, many trips have already sold out in Coach Class, leaving only tables and private cars available... in May!