Sacramento Polar Express & Ice Rink

Ride The Polar Express in your pajamas, climb into giant steam engines and skate outside under the city lights.

1.5 hrs drive · Overnight · Best for babies to big kids · Nov–Dec

Day 1: Trains all day

11:00 California State Railroad Museum
1:30 Lunch in Old Sacramento
2:30 Walk the wooden boardwalks and see the big holiday tree
5:00 The Polar Express from the Central Pacific Passenger Station (1 hr, then Santa)

The Polar Express has no restrooms on board, and the ride is about an hour. Use the ones at the Central Pacific Passenger Station first. 510 Families
Your car is assigned, but seats inside it can be first come. Lines open about 30 minutes before departure and grow fast. Send one adult to hold a spot while the kids do the letter-to-Santa area. One family boarded last and barely sat together. Henry and Andrew's Guide
Sit on the left side, facing the direction of travel. The North Pole scene with Santa and the elves is on that side. Henry and Andrew's Guide
The only food on board is cocoa and a cookie, and none is sold in the waiting area. Bring snacks for little ones. Bring your copy of the book, because the conductor will sign it. It works best for kids who know the story and can sit for an hour. 510 Families
At the Railroad Museum, kids liked the walk-through sleeping and dining cars, the Thomas layout and the model trains. Keep your ticket for same-day re-entry so you can break for lunch in Old Sac. A weekday is less crowded. TripAdvisor reviews
At the 7th & K rink, skates come with admission, but reviewers found them uncomfortable, so bring your own if you have them. There are walkers for beginners. The ice can turn slushy on sunny afternoons. Wanderlog summary of Google reviews

Polar Express runs Nov 13 – Dec 21, not on Tuesdays; coach about $80–85, online only, no refunds
Ice rink is open Nov 4 – Jan 18: $15, kids 6 and under $8, skates included
Wear pajamas on the train, it's part of the fun
Railroad museum is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Fairytale Town is open Thursday to Sunday only in winter, 10–4, and closes on rainy days
The ice rink is closed Mondays except holidays