Special Events

Special event ticket sales are final. Events are held rain or shine. No refunds or date changes permitted.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Departing the Palestine Depot

Coming again in 2010!

Dates & Times will be listed soon!

All Aboard! The Polar Express™comes to life at the Texas State Railroad.

Inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, come experience the magic of The Polar Express™. Read along with the story as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas!

Arrive early to take a memorable picture in front of The Polar Express movie backdrop with SharpShooter™ Imaging. Enjoy shopping in our Polar Express Gift Shop with exclusive Polar Express Items! Also, come hungry and enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, and more in our Polar Food Court.

First Class Seating in Private Car 1511

Climate Controlled - Limited Seating

Enjoy The Polar Express™ Train Ride on our First Class private car. You will experience first class service at your table by Chefs, enjoy a variety of cookies served on silver trays, drink delicious hot chocolate with whip cream and chocolate sprinkles in our collectable Polar Express™ mugs as well as an additional choice of coffee, tea, or sparkling cider. Enjoy a First Class experience on board The Polar Express this Christmas! Table seating for 2 and 4 individuals.

Parking Fee

(collected at entrance)

$5 per car

The Lone Ranger® Train Ride Event

Departing the Rusk Depot

Coming again in 2010!

If you missed our 2009 events, click here to learn about special appearances with The Lone Ranger on Saturdays throughout the year.

Join the fun as America's Favorite Hero, The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto save the day!

Come take a ride on this special train that pays tribute to America's most beloved western hero. The train ride will bring to life the old west. As bandits take charge of the train, the masked rider and his faithful companion, Tonto, will come save the day! Before or after the ride enjoy the many family-oriented activities at the depot. There will be live musical entertainment, western themed activities, and much more!

Day Out With Thomas™ 2009: Hero of the Rails Tour

Departing the Rusk Depot

Coming again in 2010!

Take a 30 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine™, meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy live storytelling, live musical entertainment, build with LEGO® DUPLO® Bricks, temporary tattoos, food vendors, & Much Much, More!

Families will enjoy hours of fun during this special event!

Click here to also visit the DOWT Information page - Take a look at the Frequent Questions and Answers

* Please note that tickets for this event are not sold directly through the Texas State Railroad Reservation Office. Tickets are sold through TicketWeb. For specific questions or information regarding this special event at the Texas State Railroad, you may call our reservation office: 1-888-987-2461.

Tickets are $18 (plus tax and service fees) for ages two and up. Special discount for groups of 20 or more.

Visit TicketWeb or call 1-866-468-7630 to book your tickets today!

The Little Engine That Could™ Rail Tour Event

Departing the Palestine Depot

Coming again in 2010!

If you missed our 2009 event, click here to learn about special appearances with The Little Engine That Could on Thursdays during May, July & September.

Enjoy meeting a full-sized replica of The Little Engine That Could! Meet the Bear and Elephant as well as other characters from the original book by Watty Piper. Event includes a 30-minute train ride with The Little Engine That Could, meeting characters from the book, live musical entertainment, book readings, and fun children activities and games. Visit www.thelittleenginethatcouldtour.com for more information.

Peanuts™ - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express

Departing the Palestine Depot

Coming again in 2010!

Take a train ride to the "Great Pumpkin Patch"! There you will meet Snoopy, pick your own pumpkin & decorate them, visit trick or treat street, enjoy live musical entertainment, hay ride, food vendors, and more! Children are encouraged to wear costumes for this fun event! Total event lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

*The pumpkin patch is in a field so please wear appropriate socks and shoes to protect your feet.

Click here to download the event flyer

Peanuts™ - The Valentine Express

Tickets On Sale Now!

Saturdays, February 6 & 13

Sunday, February 14

11:00am to 3:30pm

Tickets

Coach:

$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $36.50 Adult

Climate Controlled:

$21 Child (ages 2-11) and $39.50 Adult

Infants under 2 ride free

Meet Snoopy at the Texas State Railroad!

During the excursion you will meet Snoopy and enjoy a live reading of the book, "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown". At the Rusk Depot (during the lunch layover) enjoy Valentine card making, watch "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" in the theatre, take pictures with Snoopy, and listen to live musical entertainment.

Press Release

Peanuts™ - The Easter Beagle Express

April 1, 2, & 3

*This event will depart from both depots - check below for details & schedule.

Enjoy a relaxing train ride on The Easter Beagle Express! During the train ride you will meet Snoopy, enjoy a live reading of the book, "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown". At the Rusk Depot during lunch, enjoy Easter Egg Crafts, watch "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" in the theatre, take pictures with Snoopy, and listen to live musical entertainment. It is a fun event for the whole family!

Thursday, April 1

Enjoy the event during our Maydelle Turntable Special Diesel Excursion departing the Rusk Depot. This special event will depart at 11:00am and return to the Rusk Depot at 12:30pm. Lunch & the special event activities will take place upon return to the depot.

Friday, April 2

Enjoy the event during our Maydelle Turntable Special Steam Excursion with Engine 201 departing the Rusk Depot to the Maydelle Turntable. This special event will depart at 11:00am and return to the Rusk Depot at 12:30pm. Lunch & the special event activities will take place upon return to the depot.

Saturday, April 3

Enjoy the event during our Pineywoods Steam Excursion with Engine 300 departing the Palestine Depot. The train departs at 11:00am and returns to the Palestine Depot at 3:30pm. Enjoy the special event activities during the lunch layover at the Rusk Depot.

Tickets

April 1

Coach & Open Air:

$19 Child (ages 2-11) and $36.50 Adult

Climate Controlled:

$21 Child (ages 2-11) and $39.50 Adult

Infants under 2 ride free

April 2 & 3

Coach & Open Air:

$23 Child (ages 2-11) and $40.50 Adult

Climate Controlled:

$25 Child (ages 2-11) and $43.50 Adult

Infants under 2 ride free

*lunch included with ticket price on April 1 & 2

Dinner Trains

Valentine's Dinner Train

"Our Love is on the Line"

Departing the Palestine Depot

Two dates to choose from:

Saturday, February 13th & Sunday, February 14th

6:30pm - Champagne Reception & Entertainment

7:30pm - Dinner train departure

Enjoy a romantic evening for you and your special someone! Enjoy a champagne reception at 6:30pm. At 7:30pm the train will depart from the Palestine Depot for an elegant evening complete with a three-course meal and musical entertainment. Train will return to the Palestine Depot at approximately 10:00pm.

Tickets:

$100 per person

Advanced reservations required. Seating is limited.

Dinner Menu

Salad:     Italian Romaine with Chateau Classic Dressing & Feta Cheese

Entree:   Choice of USDA Choice Carved Prime Rib or Shredded Parmesan Italian Chicken Breast

Sides:     Sauteed Zucchini & Mushrooms and Bacon Cheese New Potatoes

Bread:    Italian Twist roll

Dessert: Choice of Layered Chocolate Cake or Strawberry Cheesecake

Drinks:    Sweet & Unsweet Tea, Water, & Coffee during dessert

               *Couples may bring one bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal

Download the event flyer

Press Release

Special Appearances

The Lone Ranger® Special Appearances

Meet The Lone Ranger during special appearances on Saturday excursions departing the Palestine Depot during April, June & August. Watch for the bandits on the train. There may just be a shootout in Maydelle!

Regular Steam Excursion fares apply. Visit Schedules & Fares for ticket prices .

Appearance Dates:

2010 Dates Coming soon!

The Little Engine That Could™ Appearances

Meet The Little Engine That Could™ during special appearances (not to be confused with the event) on Thursday excursions during May, July & September. During these excursions, the train will depart from the Palestine Depot to the Jarvis Wye and then return to Palestine. The total trip is approximately one hour. Regular diesel excursion fares apply. Visit Schedules & Fare for ticket prices.

This trip is great for families and groups! The original story of The Little Engine That Could™ by Watty Piper will be read during the train ride.

Appearance Dates: