Virginia's Christmas Trolley: The North Pole Express

Crozet Trolley’s The North Pole Express takes families to The North Pole every year! Tickets for this festive experience go on sale TODAY - Tuesday, October 15 - around noon.

Similar to “The Polar Express,” Crozet Trolley’s North Pole Express has a magical conductor, golden tickets, and jolly ol’ St. Nick himself. Once you reach the North Pole (Knight’s Gambit Vineyard), the conductor leads children in games, they have hot cocoa + cookies & everyone meets Santa. Parents can follow along or enjoy the tasting room.

Click here to grab your tickets! Please note that time slots do not show up until booking opens - the event won't even show on the calendar until it opens. It can be between 8am and noon - I will confirm as soon as I know! Once you are on the booking page, you will want to go to November and December on the calendar.

Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids in Richmond!

*Heads Up: My website uses affiliate links. This means I may get a commission or freebies if you book through or purchase items from my website. Clicking my links is no extra charge for YOU, and it makes sure my guides are available for FREE to the community. Thank you for supporting my small, mom-owned business!

Everything You Need to Know about Crozet Trolley's North Pole Express!

The North Pole Express has one big change for the 2024 season: this year there is only one trolley, instead of two. Clementine (trolley) has retired, and Belle is still operating. The fleet now has two 18-people shuttle buses. Crozet Trolley said they will do their best to ensure all children get a chance to ride the trolley - either one the way or on the way back.

1. Tickets go on sale for this event on Tuesday, October 16, 2024 at noon. Book your tickets on Crozet Trolley’s website. 

2. Tickets book very quickly - almost within the hour. If you miss out on a reservation, put yourself on the waitlist. There are cancellations! That's how we go tickets for our first year.

3. Dates: The North Pole Express usually starts the weekend after Thanksgiving, so that would be November 29, 30 & 31, 2024. You will find time slots available on every weekend leading up to Christmas Eve. Most likely, you will also find rides on Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24.

4. Times: The trolley usually has two rides a day. One will be around 11am and one will be around 3:30/4pm.

5. Who needs a ticket: Everyone 3 and older need a ticket. Children 2 years old and younger do not need a ticket, but they will not have a seat on the trolley. Your little one will need to sit on your lap. If you'd like your child who is 2 or younger to have his own seat, you need to purchase a ticket.

6. This experience is geared towards children 3 years old to 9 years old.

7. Tickets cost $39 per person, and this is an increase from last year. The last few years the tickets have been around $25 pp.

8. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the pick up location in Crozet (from Short Pump, Virginia).

9. Free parking is next to bike shop around Piedmont Place. It has Crozet Creamery, Morsel Compass & more. Crozet Pizza is walkable. 

10. We used the bathrooms in Piedmont Place. The trolley itself doesn’t have a bathroom. The vineyard has bathrooms.

11. You need to arrive at least 15 minutes before your trolley time.

8. When you check in, the conductor gives parents the golden ticket for you to sneak into your kiddos pockets.

9. The children wear name tags so the Conductor & Santa know them.

10.  The trolley ride is about 20 minutes to Knight’s Gambit Vineyard. Children can sit in their own seat or your lap. 

    
    

11. At the vineyard, the conductor leads games like Santa Says, present races, snow ball fights & reindeer tag. 

12. After games, children get hot cocoa & cookies while they wait for Santa. 

13. Everyone has an opportunity to talk with Santa & get their picture taken.

14. Dress for the weather. The majority of this experience is outdoor & the children run & play. 

    
    

15. Bring a baby carrier over a stroller. 

16. The entire event is around 3 hours. We arrived at 12:30 for our 1pm departure. We arrived back at the bike shop at 3pm.

Looking for more places to go around Crozet with kids?

Here are THREE places in Crozet, Virginia to add on to your Crozet Trolley experience. We have tried all three after taking The North Pole Express.

1.Crozet Pizza: This pizza shop is located within walking distance with little kids from the trolley stop. It's an easy spot to get lunch before or dinner after your trip to The North Pole.

Address: 5794 Three Notched Road, Crozet, VA 22932

2.Pro Re Nata: This family-friendly brewery is located very close to 64 -the exit you take to get back to Richmond. It has both inside and outside seating with fire pits, a playground and food.

Address: 6135 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet, Virginia 22932

3.Chiles Peach Orchard: Owned by the Chiles family, this orchard & market has pick your own peaches & apples, pumpkins, flowers and berries! Chiles Peach Orchard also has a treat shop, an outdoor patio & open air market. They also host a bunch of family friendly events, including Fall Into Fun Festival, live music on Saturdays + Cookies & Cocoa with Santa! 

Address: 1351 Greenwood Road, Crozet, Virginia 22932

(all images are of Pro Re Nata)

For more things to do with kids around Richmond, follow @thewestendmom on Instagram!

Don't forget to tag @thewestendmom and #thewestendmom in your adventures! I love seeing all the fun your family has!

things to do with kids in RVA, Christmas activities in Virginia, meeting Santa