About

Event Information

The 10th Annual ICS North Pole Express will leave Newburyport Train Station for the North Pole on December 3rd this year. The 70 minute round trip adventure includes cocoa and treats, a visit from Mr. C and his elves, a silver bell presented to each child during a reading of “Night Before Christmas” by local storytellers.

Come in your pajamas or as you are. It is truly a magical experience for children and parents alike.  Remember to bring your camera!

  • Event Boarding & Location:  Please plan on arriving at the Newburyport Train Station [see map] 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.  This will allow enough time to enjoy the Polar Village, find your seats on board the train, and settle in without stress.  Your departure time is on your ticket.
  • Parking:  There is plenty of parking available at the train station.  Passengers may park in the parking lots on either side of the station, although access to the train will only be available from the Polar Village (the station off Boston Way – see map).  Passengers who park in the Route 1 parking lot may cross the railway tracks to get to the Polar Village.
  • Seating:  Seats are not assigned and no seats will be reserved.  There are roughly 100 riders per car.  If you wish to sit with a large group, simply plan on meeting in a particular car.  Each car will be named for one of the reindeer – Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, and Blitzen.  When we get a longer train, we can include Cupid and Comet!
  • Attire: Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.  Do not forget your camera!
  • Restrooms: There are restroom facilities at the station but only one restroom on the train.  You may wish to plan accordingly…
  • Format: Each train car will have its own reader, conductor, and snack service.  Santa will visit each train car after we reach the North Pole.

Event Protocol

  • Tickets purchased via PayPal will be processed immediately and will not be mailed before November 1st. Ticket orders will be filled in the order they are received until they are sold out.
  • Due to the enormous efforts required to put on this event (over 7,000 volunteer hours), the North Pole Express will run rain, snow or shine. No refunds will be made if you miss your train.
  • The entire event takes place on the train. No one will be allowed to leave the train when it stops for turnaround at the North Pole.
  • No strollers or car seats will be allowed on the train. No equipment will be permitted in the aisles of the train. All bags must be stored overhead.
  • All rides are sold out and seat are occupied. Please bring as little on board as possible.
  • Children age one and older MUST have a ticket. Infants under the age of one MUST sit on an adult’s lap.

Event History

This year marks the tenth time that ICS has recreated this story right in Newburyport! The event has become more popular with every passing year. In total, over 45,000 people have ridden the trains over the past several years in what has become the premier Christmastime event on the North Shore. This year, over 4,000 people will ride the rails on our magical journey to the North Pole.

Immaculate Conception School

Our school, in downtown Newburyport, MA, has been providing a quality education to children from the North Shore since 1882. The school is open to all students and focuses on a structured educational curriculum emphasizing good Christian values.

ICS North Pole Express By the Numbers

  • 7,000 Volunteer man hours are required to create the ICS North Pole Express Event
  • 4,000 People will ride the train in 2010
  • 2,148 miles from Newburyport to the North Pole
  • 700 Volunteer positions are filled on event days
  • 375 Gallons of Cocoa will be prepared
  • 180 Food Servers will serve delicious cocoa and brownies
  • 60 Readers and conductors will work the rides
  • 9 Local businesses have generously sponsored this event
  • 7 Train Cars will run the route
  • 3 Feet of snow fell during the 2003 ICS North Pole Express

The ICS North Pole Express is our school’s largest fundraiser.

100% of the net proceeds go directly towards funding the operating expenses of the school.

We appreciate your support!