Santa's Wildlife Express 2025
December 12, 13 & 14
Bundle up for Your North Pole Departure Time to take the Express Train through the Enchanted Forest to the North Pole! Then continue your magical holiday adventure at Santa’s Workshop in the Visitor Center to decorate a cookie, play games, make crafts, enjoy FREE hot chocolate and coffee, and of course meet with Santa!
Ticket Prices
AGES | PRICING |
|---|---|
Members Ages 3+ | $15 per Guest |
Non-Members Ages 3+ | $17 per Guest |
Santa’s Wildlife Express is a precipitation or shine event. Most of the train cars are covered.
Ticket Information
Ages 2 & under are FREE.
Online purchases only (no exceptions). Your ticket is valid for the date and time of purchase only.
The ticket time you purchase, is the time you will depart the Train Depot for your train ride. Once tickets are purchased, your ticket times cannot be exchanged.
Your email receipt serves as your entry ticket to Santa’s Wildlife Express, please show it to the ticket gate staff when you arrive.
Parking is FREE.
Please arrive 20 minutes before your North Pole Departure Time to check in, park, and leave a letter for Santa at the Train Depot Museum!
Dress warmly and bring blankets if desired.
Wheelchair Accessible Ticket Information
The ADA Train Car is designed for wheelchairs and can hold ONE per ride. If your scooter does not fit safely, you will be required to ride in a wheelchair.
To ride in the wheelchair accessible spot, you must purchase the Wheelchair Accessible Train Ticket for that time.
We recommend arriving 20 minutes before you ticketed time to check in, get inside the Train Depot, and leave a letter for Santa at the Train Depot Museum!
Those riding in the wheelchair spot will board and unboard at the Train Depot. You will drive from the Train Depot to Santa's Workshop at the Visitor Center.
Please dress for the weather and bring blankets if desired because the ride will last approximately 15-20 minutes.
Please email epeterson@wildlifeprairie.org to make arrangements and discuss event details.
Don't Miss These Fun Activities!
Express Train to the North Pole
All Aboard! Take the Prairie Zephyr Train through the Enchanted Forest to the North Pole while listening to holiday themed music. Bring your blankets! Show your North Pole Departure Ticket to the train conductor to ride the train. Make sure to stop by the Train Museum to leave a letter for Santa before your ride!
North Pole & Shuttle to Santa’s Workshop
Walk through the North Pole and board a shuttle to see SANTA at Santa’s Workshop in the Visitor Center.
Santa’s Workshop
Complete your Santa’s Wildlife Express Experience at Santa’s Workshop in the Visitor Center by decorating cookies, playing games, making crafts, enjoying FREE hot chocolate and coffee, purchasing local holiday gifts, capturing memories at our holiday photo ops, and of course, meeting SANTA!
Frozen Forest Hall
Don't forget to visit the Frozen Forest Hall Education Center and visit with our animal ambassadors!
We Need Volunteers!
Grab your favorite Santa Hat, Elf Suit, or Reindeer Antlers and help spread holiday cheer! Santa’s Wildlife Express welcomes volunteers of all ages, and it’s a great opportunity for families to volunteer together. School groups are also welcome. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sign up below or email questions to volunteer@wildlifeprairie.org.