THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Stay & Play Package in Spencer NC
Event Dates:
November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29, 2026
and
December 4-6 & 10-23, 2026
Make your holiday season even more magical with a trip aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina! Book an eligible overnight stay in Rowan County and receive complimentary tickets to this unforgettable holiday experience.
Stay overnight and receive:
| 1 NIGHT STAY | 1 free standard adult and 1 free standard child ticket (while supplies last) |
| 2 NIGHT STAY | 2 free standard adult and 2 free standard child tickets (while supplies last) |
Complimentary tickets are Standard Class seating only. They cannot be exchanged or upgraded to higher seating levels. Tickets are available while supplies last.
This offer is nonrefundable and is available exclusively when booking eligible lodging through the designated Visit Rowan County or alternative lodging reservation process.
2026 Polar Express Package Booking Deadlines
Planning your Polar Express getaway? Each event weekend has a different deadline to reserve your Stay & Play Package. Be sure to book your qualifying overnight stay before the deadline for your selected event date.
| EVENT DATES | PROMOTION BOOKING DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| 2026 Dates | 2026 Dates |
| November 6-8 | November 4 at 4 p.m. |
| November 13-15 | November 11 at 4 p.m. |
| November 20-22 | November 18 at 4 p.m. |
| November 27-29 | November 25 at 4 p.m. |
| December 4-6 | December 2 at 4 p.m. |
| December 10-23 | December 9 at 4 p.m. |
All deadlines are Eastern Time. Packages are subject to availability and must be completed by the applicable deadline.
How THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Stay & Play Package Works
Ready to plan your holiday getaway? The booking process depends on the type of lodging you choose. Follow the appropriate instructions below to reserve your stay and receive your complimentary Polar Express tickets.
Option 1: Book a Participating Hotel
Hotel reservations must be made directly through Visit Rowan County's website to qualify. Reservations made through individual hotel websites do not qualify.
Step 1: Book your hotel.
Visit our Polar Express Hotel Package page and select your travel dates to explore participating Rowan County hotels. During the booking process, select THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride special offer to qualify for complimentary tickets.
Step 2: Receive your redemption code.
After completing your hotel reservation, you'll receive a confirmation email followed by a separate email containing your one-time-use redemption code within 24 hours of booking.
Step 3: Redeem your complimentary tickets.
Visit the N.C. Transportation Museum's website to select your tickets and enter your code at checkout. You can also call the ticketing center at 704-469-5231 for assistance. Your tickets will be emailed to you once your booking is complete.
Option 2: Book an Airbnb, VRBO or Camping Cabin
Prefer a vacation rental or cabin for your holiday getaway? Airbnb, VRBO and camping cabin reservations located in Rowan County are also eligible for the Stay & Play Package through a separate booking process.
Step 1: Book your lodging.
Reserve your Airbnb, VRBO or camping cabin directly through the lodging provider or property owner. Your lodging must be located in Rowan County, NC.
Step 2: Contact Rowan County Tourism.
Once your reservation is confirmed, email brooke@visitrowancountync.com or call 704-638-3100 (calls will be taken in the order in which they are received from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Friday) being sure to include the information below to request your one-time-use redemption code.
Please provide the following information: Your full name, phone number, email address, and ZIP code, property name, lodging confirmation number, name reservation is under, check-in and check-out dates.
Step 3: Redeem your complimentary tickets.
Once you receive your redemption code, visit the N.C. Transportation Museum's website to select your tickets and enter the code at checkout. You can also call 704-469-5231 for assistance. Your tickets will be emailed to you once your booking is complete.
The Polar Express™ in North Carolina
Did you know North Carolina has two destinations where you can experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride? Families can board a magical holiday train at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer or the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City.
Located in Rowan County, the N.C. Transportation Museum offers a convenient option for families traveling from Charlotte, the Triad and Raleigh. Just off Interstate 85 between Charlotte and Greensboro, the museum makes it easy to turn your Polar Express adventure into a holiday getaway.
The approximately 70-minute experience brings the beloved story to life with live performances, a festive train ride, hot cocoa, cookies, holiday music and a special visit from Santa at the North Pole.
For event schedules, ticket information and frequently asked questions, visit the N.C. Transportation Museum's official Polar Express page.
Click the image below to check out our Instagram Reel from last year to catch a glimpse
of what to expect on The Polar Express™!
Please select what type of lodging reservation you hope to make below. *Please note that the package process is different for hotels than for AirBnb, VRBO or camping cabins.*
