2026 IC North Pole Express

Join Immaculate Conception School on Saturday, December 5, 2026, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the IC North Pole Express!

For 25 years, families have gathered at the Newburyport Commuter Rail Station to embark on a magical journey filled with holiday wonder, cherished traditions, and memories that last a lifetime.

A limited waitlist will be available through Eventbrite. Should additional tickets become available, Eventbrite will offer them to customers on the waitlist.

Please understand that ticket availability is extremely limited once trains sell out. In previous years, we have typically been able to accommodate only the first two or three customers on the waitlist.

9:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:30 PM

All trains depart from the Newburyport Commuter Rail Station.

The magic begins the moment you arrive!

Our approximately 45–50 minute round-trip adventure is filled with Christmas cheer and special surprises for the entire family.

During your journey, enjoy:

• A special reading of The Night Before Christmas
• Visits from festive Christmas characters
• Santa and his cheerful elves
• A delicious cookie to enjoy along the way
• A special silver bell presented to every child
• The excitement and wonder of a journey to the North Pole!

Each train car has its very own conductor to help guide the adventure. And, of course, Santa will visit every train car after we reach the North Pole!

Children are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas, although festive outfits and everyday attire are equally welcome.

Don't forget your camera! You'll want to capture these magical Christmas memories.

Location: Newburyport Commuter Rail Station, Newburyport, MA

Please plan to arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. This provides time to explore the Polar Village, have your tickets scanned, receive boarding wristbands, and get comfortably settled.

All passengers should be seated at least 10 minutes before departure.

Please note: We cannot hold trains for late arrivals.

Parking is included in your ticket price.

To help make arrival and departure as smooth as possible, please use the designated parking area for your train:

Train Departure

Parking Location

9:30 AM

Boston Way Parking Lot

11:30 AM

Route 1 Side Parking Lot

1:30 PM

Boston Way Parking Lot

3:30 PM

Route 1 Side Parking Lot

5:30 PM

Boston Way Parking Lot

Important: Boarding access is through the Polar Village on the Boston Way side of the station. Guests parking in the Route 1 lot should follow designated pedestrian access to reach the Polar Village.

Before boarding, take some time to enjoy our festive Polar Village, where the Christmas spirit comes alive!

Browse a delightful selection of holiday merchandise, gifts, and keepsakes, and stop by Mrs. Claus' Bakery for delicious treats.

• Seating: There is no reserved seating. Boarding begins approximately 45 minutes before departure.
• Restrooms: Portable restroom facilities are available in the Polar Village. There is only one restroom aboard the train, so we encourage families to plan ahead.
• Accessibility: Designated accessible areas are available aboard the train. Guests requiring accommodations should contact us in advance at [email protected] so we can assist with arrangements.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers, please review the following information before purchasing tickets.

Ticket Sales & Refunds

• Tickets are sold exclusively online through Eventbrite and processed immediately.
• All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
• Tickets may not be resold for more than their original purchase price, including applicable fees.
• No refunds will be issued for missed departures.

Weather

The IC North Pole Express is a cherished New England Christmas tradition! Our trains are scheduled to operate in rain, snow, sleet, or hail, subject to safe railway operations.

Onboard Safety

• The entire experience takes place aboard the train. Passengers may not exit when the train reaches its turnaround point at the North Pole.
• Strollers and car seats are not permitted aboard the train.
• Aisles must remain clear of bags and other personal belongings.
• Bags must be stored in designated overhead areas.
• All seats are expected to be occupied. Please bring only what you need for the journey.
• Infants under one year must remain on an adult's lap.

For 25 years, Immaculate Conception School has brought the wonder and magic of Christmas to life right here in Newburyport. What began as a special school tradition has grown into one of the North Shore's most cherished holiday experiences, bringing families together and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Over the years, more than 70,000 passengers have climbed aboard the IC North Pole Express. For many families, the journey has become a treasured Christmas tradition, with children who once experienced the magic now returning to share that same wonder with a new generation.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2026, more than 4,000 passengers will once again board the train for a magical journey to the North Pole, filled with excitement, laughter, and the timeless spirit of Christmas.

25 Years of Christmas magic and cherished traditions

70,000+ Passengers have experienced the magic over the years

4,000+ Guests expected aboard in 2026

2,148 Miles from Newburyport to the North Pole

7 Train Cars bringing the magic to life

35 Conductors helping create unforgettable journeys

Hundreds of Volunteers sharing their time and talents

3 Feet of Snow during the unforgettable 2003 North Pole Express!

Behind every magical journey are countless volunteer hours, generous supporters, and a community that comes together to make this extraordinary tradition possible.

The IC North Pole Express is more than a holiday adventure. It is Immaculate Conception School's largest annual fundraiser, bringing our community together in support of Catholic education.

Located in the heart of Newburyport, Immaculate Conception School has proudly served families throughout the North Shore and Seacoast regions since 1882.

Our school fosters a love of learning, encourages curiosity and creativity, and helps students grow into confident problem-solvers, compassionate leaders, and individuals guided by faith and strong values.

100% of the net proceeds from the IC North Pole Express directly support the school's operating expenses, helping us continue our mission of providing an exceptional educational experience for our students.

When you ride the IC North Pole Express, you are not only creating special Christmas memories for your family—you are also making a meaningful difference for our school community.

Thank you for 25 wonderful years of Christmas magic, generosity, and support!

Ticket Purchases & Eventbrite Orders: Please contact Eventbrite directly for assistance with ticket transactions.

General Event Questions: Email [email protected].

Our dedicated parent volunteers will do their best to respond within 72 hours.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard the 25th Anniversary IC North Pole Express!

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Newburyport Commuter Rail Station, 25 Boston Way, Newburyport, United States

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