Are tickets required for infants?

Infants under one year old may travel as lap riders without a ticket, but all passengers age 1 and up need tickets.

Is food included during the ride?

Unlimited cookies and hot chocolate are available at the North Pole venue, not during the train ride itself.

Can I bring a stroller or car seat onboard?

Strollers and car seats are not permitted onboard the train for safety and space reasons.

How long is the train ride portion of the event?

The train ride lasts approximately 35 minutes each way between the museum station and the North Pole site.

Are restrooms available on the train?

Yes, all First Class cars feature restrooms and climate control for passenger comfort.

Can I reserve seating for a large group?

Groups should book together in one reservation to ensure seating together; separate bookings may not be seated side by side.

First Class North Pole Express by Florida Railroad Museum | Guided Tour | Events

In the quiet town of Parrish, Florida, the Florida Railroad Museum offers a unique way to kick off the holiday season—the North Pole Express - First Class. This isn’t your typical train ride; it’s a 35-minute immersive journey that combines vintage rail charm with festive magic, designed to bring holiday cheer to all ages. Departing from 12210 83rd St East, Parrish, the ride features assigned seating in climate-controlled cars equipped with restrooms, making comfort a priority even in the cooler December air.

The journey itself is intimate and cozy. Passengers settle into plush, reclining seats with large windows that frame the passing Florida landscape, blending suburban backdrops with occasional pockets of natural Florida scrub and pine flatwoods visible along the tracks. The train’s mix of coach and lounge cars allows families and groups to choose seating arrangements that suit them, enhancing the experience with a personal touch.

Upon arrival at the so-called "North Pole," riders step into a festive scene complete with unlimited hot chocolate and cookies. Children and adults alike can enjoy themed activities such as making reindeer food, storytelling by the campfire, and visiting a toy tent that sparks the imagination. The highlight is a face-to-face moment with Santa Claus, who offers a free gift to every child, rounding out the joyful atmosphere.

This seasonal event stands out in Florida’s outdoor recreation calendar as a rare winter experience that combines nostalgia, community spirit, and the thrill of train travel. The Florida Railroad Museum itself preserves railroad history in the region, offering a setting that transports visitors beyond the typical holiday event. It invites locals and visitors from nearby urban centers to create holiday memories wrapped in the charm of a rail journey unlike any other in the Sunshine State.

About Florida Railroad Museum

Florida Railroad Museum is a living-history museum and heritage railroad located in Parrish, Florida. The museum operates historic steam and diesel trains over a scenic 6.5-mile line, offering public excursions, special-event trains, and hands-on experiences that preserve railroading history.

Visitors can ride in open-air coach cars, air-conditioned coaches, or upgrade to a locomotive cab ride for an engineer’s perspective. Seasonal events include the Pumpkin Patch Express with both Coach Class and First Class seating, immersive reenactments such as Von Kessinger’s Express, staged Train Robbery performances, and family-friendly Willow Express round trips.

Unique experiences include locomotive cab rides and a locomotive rental program that allows trained guests to operate a locomotive under museum supervision. The museum also offers a Party Caboose rental that accommodates up to sixteen guests for private celebrations. Florida Railroad Museum collaborates with volunteers and preservation experts to maintain historic rolling stock and interpretive exhibits, ensuring safety and authenticity.

Trains run on a six-point-five-mile route between Parrish and Willow, emphasizing accessible, educational, and entertaining experiences for all ages. Ticketed excursions, special events, and private rentals are scheduled regularly; visitors are encouraged to check official schedules and reserve tickets in advance. The museum’s combination of operational locomotives, curated events, and volunteer stewardship provides an engaging way to learn about rail history while enjoying scenic Florida countryside. Established preservation practices and clear safety procedures support trustworthy and memorable visits.

Public schedules, pricing, and accessibility information are available on the museum's official site and ticketing channels. Advance reservations are recommended. Seasonally.