The holiday season in Ellis, Kansas, wouldn’t be complete without the glow of thousands of lights and the sound of a miniature train rolling through downtown.
For 16 years, the Ellis Polar Express, (brought to you by the Ellis Recreation Commission), has been creating magical memories for families—and this year promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.From Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 7th, downtown Ellis will transform into a winter wonderland.
Recently ranked #7 on “Only in Kansas: 7 Christmas Light Displays That Are Pure Holiday Magic,” the event features a one-mile train track surrounded by dazzling displays. This year’s theme brings a playful twist:
Yeti sightings and a heartfelt tribute to First Responders.But the magic doesn’t stop at the tracks. Families can warm up at Santa’s Workshop in the Ellis Public Library, where the Friends of the Library will be the helping elves serving nightly cookies, hot chocolate, and a Saturday night visit from Santa await. On Sunday evening, kids can join the Free Candy Cane Hunt at Twilight Baseball Field—a sweet way to wrap up the weekend.
The Ellis Polar Express isn’t just about holiday cheer; it’s about community. From the beginning, the Polar Express has been guided by the Ellis Recreation Commission, Ellis Public Library, providing cookies and hot chocolate and supported by Arthur’s Pizza.It has grown into a major event supported by the Ellis Railroad Museum, Ellis Pride Committee, Community Foundation of Ellis, EHS Alumni Association, and more than 25 local sponsors.
Behind the scenes, it takes 20 volunteers each night and over 250 hours of setup and teardown to make this tradition possible.Train rides are by donation—just $5 per rider—and every dollar goes toward programs for local kids. So when you hop aboard, you’re not just enjoying the lights; you’re helping make a difference.
Event Details:
- Dates: December 5–7, 2025 (Friday–Sunday)
- Time: Starting at 6 PM each evening
- Location: Downtown Ellis
- Follow: Ellis Polar Express on Facebook for updates
So bundle up, bring the family, and get “Yeti” for a holiday experience that’s pure magic. The Ellis Polar Express is waiting for you!