Polar Express Holiday Snack Board

Featured in: Evening Glow Plates

This holiday snack board brings the magic of the Polar Express to your table with a delightful mix of sweet and savory treats. Using mini sandwich rolls as train cars and chocolate wafer cookies as wheels, the arrangement offers festive colors, flavors, and textures perfect for family movie nights or gatherings. Candy canes add a whimsical “smoke” effect, while cheeses, pretzels, caramel popcorn, and peppermint bark provide satisfying variety. This easy, no-cook assembly takes about 25 minutes and can be adapted to include vegetarian options or dietary swaps for gluten-free and dairy-free needs.

Updated on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:02:58 GMT
A colorful Polar Express Train Treat Board, filled with sweet and savory holiday snacks for everyone. Save
A colorful Polar Express Train Treat Board, filled with sweet and savory holiday snacks for everyone. | cheerfulchefs.com

Celebrate the magic of the holidays with the Polar Express Train Treat Board, a delightful snack spread that captures the whimsy of a cozy winter journey. With sweet and savory treats thoughtfully arranged to mimic a festive train, this board is perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or movie nights that call for something both fun and delicious. The combination of colorful candies, crunchy pretzels, and comforting bites invites everyone to hop aboard and enjoy a memorable snack experience.

A colorful Polar Express Train Treat Board, filled with sweet and savory holiday snacks for everyone. Save
A colorful Polar Express Train Treat Board, filled with sweet and savory holiday snacks for everyone. | cheerfulchefs.com

This treat board brings joyful nostalgia while allowing creativity in how you present the components. Perfectly portioned for eight people, it encourages mingling and sharing as guests choose their favorite train cars and treats. Whether you follow the suggested snacks or add your personal flair, this Polar Express-themed board transforms any gathering into a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Treats
    • 1 cup mini marshmallows
    • 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels
    • 1 cup peppermint bark pieces
    • 12 chocolate wafer cookies (for train wheels)
    • 8 mini candy canes
    • 8 chocolate truffles
    • 1 cup red and green M&Ms
  • Savory Snacks
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
    • 1 cup mini pretzel rods
    • 1 cup popcorn
    • 8 mini sandwich rolls or croissants (for train cars)
    • 1/2 cup baby carrots
    • 1/2 cup cucumber slices
  • Decorative & Assembly Elements
    • 1 rectangular wooden board or platter
    • Assorted festive sprinkles (optional)
    • Edible gold stars (optional)

Instructions

1. Arrange the mini sandwich rolls or croissants in a line on the board to create the train cars.
2. Use chocolate wafer cookies to represent train wheels, placing two under each roll.
3. Position mini pretzel rods or baby carrots as the train tracks beneath the rolls.
4. Fill each train car with a different snack: cheddar cheese cubes, popcorn, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, chocolate truffles, and peppermint bark.
5. Place chocolate-covered pretzels and cucumber slices around the board for extra color and crunch.
6. Use candy canes as festive smoke coming out of the lead engine roll.
7. Sprinkle edible gold stars and festive sprinkles for decoration, if desired.
8. Serve immediately and encourage guests to board the train by picking their favorite snacks.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Prepare this treat board shortly before your event to ensure everything stays fresh and the marshmallows remain soft. Use a large wooden board or platter for ample space and easy presentation. Small serving bowls can be used for loose candies if you want a tidier arrangement. Consider using tongs or small serving spoons for easy guest access and to keep things sanitary.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap in gluten-free pretzels or dairy-free chocolates to accommodate dietary restrictions. For those who prefer a more savory selection, adding deli meats or olives creates a nice balance to the sweet elements. Customize the candies or snacks to fit your family's favorites or seasonal availability.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this enchanting treat board with hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for the ultimate cozy holiday experience. It also makes a charming addition to movie nights featuring the Polar Express or other festive family films.

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| cheerfulchefs.com

With just a little assembly and a mix of festive treats, the Polar Express Train Treat Board turns simple ingredients into a joyful holiday centerpiece. Its ease and versatility make it a beloved option year after year, inviting everyone to savor the season one delicious bite at a time.

Recipe FAQs

What are the main components of the snack board?

The board features mini sandwich rolls, chocolate wafer cookies, cheddar cheese cubes, mini pretzels, popcorn, peppermint bark, marshmallows, M&Ms, candy canes, and chocolate truffles.

How do I create the train effect on the board?

Arrange mini sandwich rolls in a line as train cars, place chocolate wafer cookies underneath as wheels, and use mini pretzel rods or baby carrots as tracks beneath the rolls.

Can this snack board accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolates can be swapped in to suit dietary needs. Vegetarian options are included by default.

What beverages pair well with this snack board?

Hot cocoa or spiced apple cider complement the sweet and savory flavors and enhance the festive experience.

How long does the assembly take?

The entire snack board can be assembled in about 25 minutes with no cooking required.

Polar Express Holiday Snack Board

A holiday snack board featuring sweet and savory treats styled as a Polar Express train for festive gatherings.

Prep Time
25 minutes
0
Overall Time
25 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Evening Glow Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American, Holiday

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Sweet Treats

01 1 cup mini marshmallows
02 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels
03 1 cup peppermint bark pieces
04 12 chocolate wafer cookies (train wheels)
05 8 mini candy canes
06 8 chocolate truffles
07 1 cup red and green M&Ms

Savory Snacks

01 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
02 1 cup mini pretzel rods
03 1 cup popcorn
04 8 mini sandwich rolls or croissants (train cars)
05 1/2 cup baby carrots
06 1/2 cup cucumber slices

Decorative & Assembly Elements

01 1 rectangular wooden board or platter
02 Assorted festive sprinkles (optional)
03 Edible gold stars (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Arrange train cars: Line up the mini sandwich rolls or croissants on the board to simulate train cars.

Step 02

Add train wheels: Place two chocolate wafer cookies under each roll to represent the wheels.

Step 03

Create train tracks: Position mini pretzel rods or baby carrots beneath the rolls as train tracks.

Step 04

Fill train cars with snacks: Fill each roll with a variety of snacks including cheddar cheese cubes, popcorn, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, chocolate truffles, and peppermint bark.

Step 05

Add surrounding snacks: Arrange chocolate-covered pretzels and cucumber slices around the board to add color and texture.

Step 06

Place candy canes as smoke: Use mini candy canes positioned on the lead engine roll to resemble festive smoke plumes.

Step 07

Decorate board: Sprinkle edible gold stars and festive sprinkles over the board if desired to enhance appearance.

Step 08

Serve and enjoy: Present immediately and invite guests to enjoy their favorite treats from the train setup.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Rectangular wooden board or platter
  • Small serving bowls (optional for loose items)
  • Tongs or small serving spoons

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains milk, wheat (gluten), soy, possible tree nuts (in chocolates), and eggs (in baked goods). Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams