Montana Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Last revised: September 9, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Montana’s Christmas train is the Charlie Russell Chew Choo North Pole Adventure from Hanover, about 10 miles northwest of Lewistown—1.5 hours, cocoa and cookies, Santa and Mrs. Claus, not Polar Express. There is no licensed Polar Express host in Montana. See the Polar Express hub if that is the ticket you want.
The Charlie Russell Chew Choo's North Pole Adventure at the "North Pole." Charlie Russell Chew Choo photo.
On this page: At a glance · Christmas hosts · Planning tips
Montana Christmas trains at a glance
| Host | City | 2026 product | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Russell Chew Choo | Hanover / Lewistown | North Pole Adventure Nov. 27–Dec. 19, Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. ~1.5 hr. $71; under 12 months free. Sale Oct. 5, 8:00 a.m. | Lewistown Christmas page |
Schedules and fares change. Confirm on the railroad before you book. Information compiled September 8, 2026. These are Christmas trains—not licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ events. Montana has no Polar host.
Christmas hosts
Charlie Russell Chew Choo
(Hanover / Lewistown): Central Montana Rail on the old Milwaukee Road Northern Montana Lines. Summer is the 56-mile dinner train. Christmas is a shorter North Pole Adventure: stories, songs, cocoa, cookies, a North Pole stop, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. About 1.5 hours. Board at Hanover Station—not downtown Lewistown. Allow 20–25 minutes from Main Street. Trains board 30 minutes before departure. Tickets bought together sit together. All sales final.
2026: Fridays and Saturdays November 27–28; December 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19. Each night 5:00 p.m. (board 4:30) and 7:30 p.m. (board 7:00). $71 per person; children 12 months and under free. Tickets go on sale Monday October 5 at 8:00 a.m. Book at montanadinnertrain.com. Overview: Lewistown North Pole Adventure.
Planning tips
- Montana has no licensed Polar Express. Do not treat Hanover as a Polar substitute.
- GPS Hanover Station, not Lewistown Main Street. The boarding lot is 10 miles out.
- Tickets open October 5.
Related Reading on American-Rails.com
- Charlie Russell North Pole Adventure
- Montana scenic train rides
- Christmas Train Ride Locations 2026
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Locations 2026
Always verify 2026 schedules, fares, and event names on each railroad’s official website before you travel. American-Rails.com does not sell tickets.
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