North Pole Express 2025: A Magical Christmas Train Ride to Santa’s Village at Boothbay Railway Village
- Gerry Caron
- Dec 1, 2025
- 4 min read
North Pole Express 2025: Ride the Magic to Santa’s Village at Boothbay Railway Village Museum
🎅✨ All Aboard the North Pole Express 2025 — A Magical Maine Holiday Tradition. Step into a world of twinkling lights, vintage charm, and true Christmas magic aboard the North Pole Express at the Boothbay Railway Village Museum. Running on three festive weekends leading up to Christmas, this beloved family event invites children and adults alike to experience a nostalgic holiday adventure through a winter wonderland.
This year promises more magic than ever — including a brand-new 21+ North Pole Nightcap event!
📍 Event Location & Contact Information
Boothbay Railway Village Museum
586 Wiscasset Rd. (Route 27)Boothbay, ME 04537
📞 (207) 633-4727
📅 2025 North Pole Express Dates & Times
Weekends Leading Up to Christmas
December 6 & 7, 2025
December 13 & 14, 2025
December 20 & 21, 2025
Train departures every 45 minutes:
10:45 am | 11:30 am | 12:15 pm | 1:00 pm |1:45 pm | 2:30 pm | 3:15 pm | 4:00 pm
⏰ Event grounds open:
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
🎟️ Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
🎟 Ticket Information
Standard Tickets: $21 (ages 3+)
Museum Members: $17 (save $4)
Children Under 3: Free if riding on a lap
Tickets Online Only: https://railwayvillage.org/events/north-pole-express
This event sells out every year, so early ticket purchase is highly recommended.
🚂 Your Journey to the North Pole Begins…
The adventure starts inside the historic 1912 Freeport Station, warmed by a crackling wood stove. Here, families can:
✨ Write letters to Santa
✨ Take festive photos
✨ Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere
When the conductor calls “ALL ABOARD!”, guests board vintage rail cars — including the classic enclosed passenger coach and the charming open-air Little Red Caboose No. 551 (built in 1904!).
As the train rolls through the snowy forest (weather permitting), travelers are transported into a world of twinkling lights and holiday magic.
🎅 Meet Santa at the North Pole (Thorndike Station)
When the train arrives at Thorndike Station, a very special guest climbs aboard — Santa Claus himself!
Kids receive a special keepsake to spark the magic of their journey. Santa greets every child, making this one of the most heartwarming Christmas experiences in Maine.
After Santa’s visit, the train returns to the village for even more festive fun.
🎄 After the Train Ride: Explore the Christmas Village
Back at the museum, families can enjoy:
🔥 Town Hall Activities
Arts & crafts
Hot cocoa bar
Holiday treats
🔥 Outdoor Fun
Fire pit with s’mores
Festive scavenger hunt
Open exhibits on the lower campus (weather permitting)
There’s something magical around every corner — perfect for families, couples, and holiday tradition seekers.
🍸 NEW FOR 2025! — North Pole Nightcap (21+)
December 14, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 PM | Ages 21+ Only
Enjoy an adults-only evening of holiday magic with:
Festive cocktails
Holiday music
A nighttime train ride
After-hours access to activities and exhibits
Perfect for date night, local outings, or a holiday gathering with friends.
🚨 Important Notices
Arrive 15 minutes before departure — trains sell out and seats cannot be moved to later times.
No car seats or strollers allowed on trains.
Wheelchair access is available in the open car only (email to arrange):📧 RailwayVillageEvents@gmail.com
Event may run steam or diesel depending on conditions.
Refunds: Only available 14+ days before event date.
🎁 Create Magical Holiday Memories in Boothbay
The North Pole Express is more than a train ride — it’s a cherished Maine holiday tradition filled with nostalgia, joy, community, and Christmas spirit. Whether you're visiting Boothbay for the weekend or creating an annual family tradition, this event is sure to become a treasured part of your holiday season.
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Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
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Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
This beloved family event invites children and adults alike to experience a nostalgic holiday adventure through a winter wonderland.
