North Pole Express NYC Enhanced Experience
About this activity
Celebrate Christmas NYC-style on a 1 hr 15 min ride through Midtown's holiday lights with Santa, two elves, the Express Conductor, storytelling, audio narration, hot cocoa, treats, and gifts.
Highlights
- See Midtown Manhattan’s famous holiday lights
- Sip hot cocoa with chocolate treats on board
- Meet Santa and Express conductor in NYC
- Enjoy a Christmas carol sing-along
- Receive a secret sleigh bell present
Full description
Get your advanced tickets to the good list, because Santa is bringing the North Pole to the heart of Manhattan, New York. Take a tour of Midtown Manhattan's storied holiday lights as you listen to thrilling Christmas tales told by one of Santa's Elves. End your journey at the North Pole to meet Santa himself. Tell him your deepest Christmas wishes and get a sleigh bell as a good luck charm. It's Christmas NYC-style like no other! Exclusive to the Enhanced Experience: on-board storytelling, audio tour narration, a visit from two of Santa's elves, and a longer 7-mile route with more sights to see.
Included / Excluded
- Visit with Santa, two of his elves, and the Express Conductor
- Hot cocoa and a festive cookie
- Guaranteed seating on the upper deck
- Golden Ticket and a secret present from Santa (sleigh bell)
- Complimentary winter hat and blanket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to the departure point
- Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary
North Pole Express NYC Departure - 42nd St
Board the North Pole Express at 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave, next to Bryant Park. Receive your Golden Ticket, holiday blanket and Christmas hat, and take your guaranteed upper-deck seat as two of Santa's elves welcome you aboard.
Rockefeller Center
Ride past the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and holiday displays, sipping hot chocolate as the elves share Christmas stories and the Express Conductor leads carols.
Meeting point
Start Location
North Pole Express NYC Departure - 42nd St
11 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Departs from 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave, across the street from 11 W 42nd St (next to Bryant Park). Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. The tour returns to the same location.
Get directions →Operating hours
- Sunday05:00 PM, 06:45 PM
- Monday05:00 PM, 06:45 PM
- Tuesday05:00 PM, 06:45 PM
- Wednesday05:00 PM, 06:45 PM
- Thursday05:00 PM, 06:45 PM
- Friday05:00 PM, 06:45 PM
- Saturday05:00 PM, 06:45 PM
Important information
Know before you book
- All tickets are non-refundable
- Mobile e-pass accepted; no printed ticket needed
- Seasonal departures run Nov 7, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before departure; the bus leaves on time
- Seating is guaranteed on the upper deck, and pajamas are welcome
- The tour operates rain or shine
- Infants under 2 ride free on the lap of a guardian (16+); buy a Kid ticket if a seat is needed
- Gluten-free and dairy-free treats on request; tell staff about any allergies at boarding
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
How the North Pole Express Enhanced Experience works: 1) Book your ticket online and choose the 5:00 PM or 6:45 PM departure. 2) Your e-pass is sent to your phone - no printing needed. 3) Arrive at 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave (across from 11 W 42nd St, by Bryant Park) 15 minutes before departure. 4) Scan your e-pass, receive your Golden Ticket, and take your guaranteed seat on the upper deck. 5) Ride a 7-mile route past Midtown's holiday lights, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, while two of Santa's elves and the Express Conductor share Christmas stories and lead carols, with audio narration about the sights. Enjoy hot chocolate and a festive cookie and write your wish list. 6) Arrive at the North Pole to meet Santa, share your wishes, and receive a sleigh bell from Santa. 7) The bus returns you to the same 42nd St departure point after approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.