November 30th, 2009 by admin

“All aboard,” the conductor cried out. I ran up to him. “Well, are you coming?” asks the conductor. “Where?” I asked.“Why, to the North Pole, of course,” was his answer.  “This is the Polar Express!” A select number of

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“All aboard,” the conductor cried out.
I ran up to him.
“Well, are you coming?” asks the conductor.
“Where?” I asked.
“Why, to the North Pole, of course,” was his answer.  “This is the Polar Express!”

A select number of railroads nationwide will bring The Polar Express to life and take passengers on a magic ride to the North Pole this holiday season. Many rides run from Thanksgiving to the end of December; check each railway location for specific train ride dates and times. Although each railroad has its unique ride and sites, the journeys are based on fantastical the book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg and the holiday film with Tom Hanks. Travelers are encouraged to wear their pajamas and enjoy the North Pole – with hot chocolate and cookies, caroling, a story reading…here are eight Polar Expresses you can catch to see Santa!

Grand Canyon Railway
Journeying through Arizona’s quiet wilderness, the Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express depart from Williams, AZ. Passengers are treated to cookies and hot chocolate while listening to the story. Santa and his reindeer greet the train and has a special gift for each child. A special ride, “The Christmas Eve Limited,” is new for families who want to travel on the night the Polar Express actually travels in the book. Extra special gifts will be given to passengers to commemorate the special night. A family package that includes lodging, Polar Express tickets and some meals is available. (Adults , children 2-15 – ; check website for specific days and prices and prices for The Christmas Eve Limited.)

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Running from now till December 28, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad brings the Polar Express to life in Colorado. Passengers enjoy a story reading while sipping hot chocolate special souvenir mug; a holiday song book is also part of the magical ride. (Adults -, childrean - depending on travel date and type of fare.)

Nevada Northern Railway Museum
All aboard at Ely, NV, as the Nevada Northern Railway heads for the North Pole to visit Santa. Santa will meet passengers as they arrive at the North Pole and his elves present a special silver gift to each guest. The magical trip includes hot chocolate, treats, caroling and a story reading. Reservations are suggested. (Adults , children 4-12 , children under 3 are free.)

Texas State Railroad
Departing from the Palestine Depot, the Texas State Railroad’s Polar Express offers passengers Southern hospitality with a story reading, caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. The Polar Express runs on specific days and times and passengers are encourage to book tickets early. This historic train travels through the scenic wilderness of East Texas’s rolling hills. Passengers can take a souvenir photo with the movie backdrop, shop the Polar Express Gift Shop and enjoy delicious treats at the Polar Food Court. (Coach: adults , children 2-11 ; check website for climate controlled cars, Saturday and First Class ticket prices).

Branson Scenic Railway
The Branson Scenic Railway welcomes pajama clad passengers who enjoy this unforgettable nighttime train ride to the North Pole. Hot chocolate is served during the reading of the Polar Express and Santa greets everyone when they arrive at their holiday destination. Each child receives a special gift – only if they “believe.” The train departs from Branson. Missouri’s historic depot until December 19. (Adults -, children 2-12 -; check website for fares.)

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
The Great Smokey Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express departures from Bryson City, NC. There is a special Polar Express schedule and ticket prices includes admission to the Smokey Mountain Trains Museum (consult the website). Everyone gets steamy hot chocolate and a treat and children receive a special gift. (13 and up , children 2-12 ; special day and rate for home schooled children.)

National Railroad Museum
The entire family will enjoy hot chocolate and a dramatic reading of the book on board the train. The National Railroad Museum’s adventure to the North Pole departs from Green Bay, WI on scheduled weekends in November and December; check their website for exact dates. (Adults , adult member , children ; premium tickets available.)

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co.
Leaving from Portland, ME the Maine Narrow Gauge Polar Express travels past sparkly holiday light displays along the way to pick up Santa, who gives special holiday bells to kids (only the ones on the “nice” list). Travelers will also drink their hot chocolate from official Polar Express mugs – which they get to keep after the trip. (Adults ; Children 2-12 ; 1 and under is free; flat first class.)

The Real Polar Express

The steam locomotive that pulls the Polar Express is modeled after an actual locomotive displayed at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. The Pere Marquette 1225 Berkshire-type (2-8-4), was built 1941 at the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio, and was part of the Pere Marquette Railway system. It was decommissioned in 1951 and Michigan State University (MSU) acquired it in 1957 to exhibit on campus. In 1971, an MSU restoration project began and  was completed in 1985. Number 1225 started pulling excursion trains in 1988 and is now listed on the United States National Register of Historical Places.