Is this the UK's best Christmas attraction? The Polar Express returns to Kent this winter - with tickets already selling fast

Published: 08:59 EDT, 23 September 2026 | Updated: 09:22 EDT, 23 September 2026 Put on your pyjamas, grab your golden ticket and hop on board – festive favourite the Polar Express is returning to Kent this Christmas. After welcoming a whopping 45,000 passengers last year, the popular train ride will be back at Spa Valley Railway, in Tunbridge Wells, and spreading its magic. Visits are available to book between November 7 and December 30, with tickets already selling fast. Prices range from £37.95 to £73.95 and at the time of writing, there are just a few seats left on multiple time slots in December already. Passengers will be treated to an enchanting journey with the chance to experience a fully immersive theatrical performance and magical light show all inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s famous Christmas book, published in 1985.Guests are given a milk chocolate cookie, hot chocolate and the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell – presented by Santa himself. Tickets for the Polar Express at Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells are now on saleIt marks the sixth year that the Polar Express attraction has taken place at Spa Valley Railway.The beloved event is organised collectively by Warner Bros, Rail Events Inc and PNP Events.Theatre director Pip Minnithorpe, who has worked on the likes of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well as Mamma Mia!, is behind the magic, Kent Live reports.'From pyjamas on the platform to the first chime of a silver sleigh bell, the approximately one-hour theatrical journey transforms a train ride into a family Christmas adventure,' organisers said.'On board, performers bring the story's characters to life as the conductor punches golden tickets, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie, and passengers read along with the original tale on their journey towards the North Pole.'The Polar Express attraction has received glowing reviews over the years and boasts 4.9 stars out of five on Google.One pleased guest said: 'We boarded The Polar Express at Spa Valley Railway in December 2022, and it was a truly magical experience that perfectly captured the spirit of Christmas! 'From the festive atmosphere and engaging performers to the storytelling, singing, and visit from Santa himself, every moment was filled with wonder and joy. Passengers will be treated to an enchanting journey with the chance to experience a fully immersive theatrical performance'The children had the most amazing time, completely immersed in the magic, and receiving their silver bells made it even more special. It was a heart-warming and unforgettable journey that left us all feeling the true joy of Christmas.'Another, who visited in 2025, gushed: 'We went in December last year! Simply amazing time had by all.'Fun, magical and engaging with both children and adults! Extremely well organised and the team were absolutely brilliant! Well worth it! Amazing memories made on The Polar Express!'Someone else said: 'We have been as a family a couple of times on The Polar Express and it is a magical experience for everyone. 'We had three generations and everyone enjoyed it immensely. The characters are brilliant and just like the film and they involve everyone. 'If you have never been you should definitely give it a try and you won't be disappointed.'