Polar Express aboard V&T sells out for fifth season; other holiday train options available
The Polar Express on the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad has sold out for the fifth consecutive year, with more than 15,000 passengers securing rides to the North Pole.
A wait list sign-up is available online here that could offer a last chance to ride the Polar Express in 2015. Tickets for next year’s holiday train go on sale in August 2016.
Because of the demand, more trips and passenger cars totaling 1,000 more seats were added this season.
“What this train represents to families drives the demand to ride the Polar Express and has made it a holiday tradition here in Northern Nevada,” said V&T spokesperson Candy Duncan. “It’s a gift that reflects the spirit of the holidays.”
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on the train. The ride is full of holiday cheer with hot chocolate and treats served to passengers and a reading of the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
Santa and his helpers greet passengers upon arrival at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. The holiday characters aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Carson City.
The all-ages ride from the frosty Northern Nevada landscape to the North Pole departs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with special final runs Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22.
Demand for tickets began immediately when they went on sale in August. Among the first tickets to sell out were the highly sought premium Parlor Car that features window seats, additional time with Santa Claus, a special holiday treat and souvenir ceramic Polar Express cocoa mug.
In 2011, the V&T partnered with the Polar Express to license the rides, which are based upon the holiday feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures and the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The V&T’s diesel engine and holiday decorated passenger cars leave the Carson City Eastgate Depot (seven miles east of downtown Carson City) and travel nearly two miles before stopping at Santa's mythical North Pole retreat.
For families looking to keep the kids happy, other holiday train rides include the Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. Thanksgiving weekend includes rides every half hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27 and 28. Santa Trains will follow on weekends Dec. 5 to 20. Tickets are available on-site on a first come first serve basis. Call 775-687-6953 for details.
The Candy Cane Express train in Virginia City will offer rides, hot chocolate, hot cider, Candy Cane Sisters, elves, singing and storytelling. Trains depart at noon and 2 p.m. on Nov. 27, 28, 29 and again Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13. Departure is from the original 1870 V&T depot in Virginia City at 166 F Street, next to St. Mary’s Church. Reservations are needed for these rides. For more information, call (775) 847-0380.
The Northern Nevada Railway in Ely, Nev., offers their version of the Polar Express. Call 1-866-40STEAM or 1-866-407-8326 for tickets.
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