The Historic Railpark in Bowling Green KY

SAVE THE DATE: Polar Express Storytime 2026
2026-12-01 16:30 - 2026-12-10 19:00 (America/Chicago) | The Historic Railpark Train Museum, 401 Kentucky St, Bowling Green, KY, 42101, United States
Join us for the 24th annual event! This year’s storytime will take place in the Duncan Hines Diner Rail Car. This family tradition is sure to be a magical evening as you enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with your family in our historic L&N Depot.
This free community event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the continued preservation efforts of our building and railcars.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Become a MemberFollow us on Facebook for Polar Express UpdatesBecome a Sponsor Today Select nights December 1-10, 2026 at Historic RailPark & Train Museum,
401 Kentucky Street,
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Event Storytimes:
Tuesday, Dec. 1,
Wednesday, Dec. 2,
Thursday, Dec. 3
Monday, Dec. 7,
Tuesday, Dec. 8,
Wednesday, Dec. 9,
Thursday, Dec. 10
Evening Storytimes:
4:30 pm
5:00 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
What to Wear: All guests are encouraged to wear Christmas-themed clothing including pajamas! Many families even come in matching pajamas!
Pictures: Photos with Santa are permitted upon exiting the train. There will be a photo booth opportunity available. Shopping: We now have a limited quantity of Polar Express merchandise available in our gift shop. We even have Polar Express robes.
Event Entrance: All guests will enter through the main front doors. Cookies and cocoa will be available in our grand lobby.
Seating: Storytime will be held in the Duncan Hines Diner Railcar. Upon entering the railcar, seating is first come first serve.
Santa: Guest will exit through our Presidential Railcar and will have a brief opportunity to meet Santa.
Tickets are FREE to the community. Our RailPark Members get advance ticket registration.
Ticket Registration Dates:
Oct. 28-30th- RailPark Members -Call or In-person
Nov. 3 – General Public 9am-11am – In-person only at the RailPark

RailPark Membership Information
Train Master – Get 2 Polar Express Storytime Tickets $35.00
Yard Master – Get 4 Polar Express Storytime Tickets $65.00
Engineer – Get 6 Polar Express Storytime Tickets $100.00
Conductor – Get 8 Polar Express Storytime Tickets $150.00
Purchase a MembershipWhy Polar Express StorytimeThe Polar Express is one of the most beloved Christmas Movies centered around a train ride. Having been hosting the Polar Express for 20+ years means that there is now a second generation that are coming and sharing this holiday tradition. Oftentimes this is children’s first introduction to the magic of trains and helps to build a lifetime love of this mode of transportation, thus keeping it alive! We offer this as a FREE community event, thanks to our sponsors, to help grow that love of trains and be a part of families Christmas traditions.
Why Become a SponsorThere are so many ways to support the Historic RailPark throughout the year with our many events… but the Polar Express is different. As a sponsor, not only are you and your company getting tickets, but you are ensuring that others in the community are able to attend as well, since your sponsorship helps to cover the costs. You are helping to ensure that the Polar Express is a part of many families’ Christmas traditions.
Of course, in doing so you are also helping to:

Preserve the historic L&N Depot
Preservation efforts of our 8 vintage railcars
Provide a fun place to learn about history for children, adults, and families

Check out all of our sponsorship levels and their benefits!
2023 Sponsorship Form (PDF)
Thank you to the following sponsors so that we can offer this Free Community Event
Presenting SponsorGold SponsorSilver SponsorBronze SponsorHot Cocoa Sponsor
