Experience the North Pole Express This Holiday Season
Slip into your favorite pajamas or 1940s/50s attire and embark on a nostalgic journey back to Christmases of the past aboard the North Pole Express, pulled by the renowned Pere Marquette 1225! Departing from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, this four-and-a-half-hour round trip takes you to the charming Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas.
A Festive Celebration Awaits
Upon arrival at the Village of Ashley Country Christmas, you’ll disembark for a delightful two-hour Christmas party reminiscent of yesteryear! Engage in a variety of activities, including live entertainment, capturing memorable photos in front of the train, and even meeting Santa Claus himself!
Your entire North Pole Express experience will last about four and a half hours. Please note that departure times may vary due to freight traffic or mechanical issues.
For a smoother ticket purchasing experience, we recommend reviewing the seating class options before starting the ticket buying process. The “Book Now” link will open on Tuesday, June 24th, at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
Secure Your Tickets Early
Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience, as it’s a cherished tradition that often sells out quickly. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a holiday festivities lover, or simply looking to create magical memories with family and friends, the North Pole Express promises a journey filled with joy and wonder.
Be sure to dress warmly and bring your holiday spirit, as the village will be alive with festive cheer and twinkling lights. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard for a memorable holiday adventure that captures the essence of Christmas magic from a bygone era!
Helpful Information
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 12:00pm (noon).
Tickets sell out extremely fast. Once tickets are sold out, we do NOT keep a waiting list. If you experience any difficulty during the ticket purchasing process, we are unable to accommodate for this.
When tickets are returned, they will go back on sale to the public. Please keep an eye on our website and social media platforms to take advantage of the opportunity to buy a trip on the North Pole Express.
We do offer Trip Protection at 9% of your total purchase. Our policy is:
With Trip Protection
– Full refund, excluding fees, will be granted up to 48 hours prior to trip
Without Trip Protection
– Trips cancelled 60+ days or more before departure will receive a 90% refund (10% penalty)
– Trips cancelled between 30 and 60 days prior to departure will receive a 75% refund (25% penalty)
– No refunds will be granted within 30 days of the trip
If your plans change, please leave a voicemail at: (989) 720-3957, and the SRI office staff will process the cancellation.
NOTE: Tickets are only available on this website.
We DO NOT partner with third-party ticket vendors. Please be aware of scams.
Review class options below to expedite your booking experience!
Choose from four different classes of service. From vintage coaches to historic cabooses, each offers a different type of comfortable accommodation and Christmas ambiance! All classes receive complimentary admission to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas, a souvenir ticket and “Believe” bell.
Please note that due to the historic nature of our passenger car fleet, they cannot be made ADA accessible. By booking, you agree that all guests in your party are able to climb up and down stairs.
*We no longer offer the Adult-Only Parlour class.
November 21 – 5:00pm (Friday)
November 22 – 10am & 5pm
November 23 – 10am & 5pm
November 28 0 5:00pm (Friday)
November 29 – 10am & 5pm
November 30 – 10am & 5pm
December 5 – 5:00pm (Friday)
December 6 – 10am & 5pm
December 7 – 10am & 5pm
December 12 -5:00pm (Friday)
December 13 – 10am & 5pm
December 14 – 10am & 5pm
December 19 – 5:00pm (Friday)
December 20 – 10am & 5pm
December 21 – 10am & 5pm
9:30am Boarding begins
10:00am Train departs Owosso
11:15am Train arrives in Ashley
Two Hour Layover: Enjoy your visit at the Village of Ashley Country Christmas!
1:15pm Boarding begins
2:30pm Train arrives back in Owosso
Thank you for riding with us!
9:00am Gates open and tickets can be claimed
9:30am Boarding begins
10:00am Train departs Owosso
11:15am Train arrives in Ashley
Two Hour Layover: Enjoy your visit at the Village of Ashley Country Christmas!
1:15pm Boarding begins
2:30pm Train arrives back in Owosso
Thank you for riding with us!
Each trip will duration will be 4.5hours.
If there is a delay of departure, you will still be given a 2 hours layover to enjoy all the festivities in the Village.
Coach Class
- Assigned seating in a coach car
- Car host service
- Complimentary admission to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas
- Souvenir ticket and “Believe” bell
- Cup of hot cocoa
Cocoa Class
- Assigned seating in a deluxe, vintage 1950s coach car
- Car host service
- Complimentary admission to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas
- Souvenir ticket and “Believe” bell
- Souvenir “North Pole Express” mug
- Unlimited hot cocoa
Claus Club
- Assigned seating in a vintage 1950s dining car
- Car host service
- Complimentary admission to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas
- Souvenir ticket and “Believe” bell
- Souvenir “North Pole Express” mug
- Unlimited hot cocoa
- A special sweet treat
Caboose
- A historic caboose reserved exclusively for your party
- Private Conductor
- Upper and lower-level seating
- Complimentary admission to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas
- Souvenir ticket and “Believe” bell
- Souvenir “North Pole Express” mug
- Unlimited hot cocoa
A Christmas Movie Star!
Pere Marquette 1225, the largest and most impressive piece in the Steam Railroading Institute’s collection, is one of the largest operating steam locomotives in Michigan. The 1225 was built in October of 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio for the Pere Marquette Railway. It’s part of the National Register of Historic Structures and is renowned for its role in the 2004 Warner Brothers Christmas Classic, THE POLAR EXPRESS™. 1225’s blueprints were used as the prototype for the locomotive image as well as its sounds to bring the train in the animated film to life!
