THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Alberta Prairie Railway

Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, based in Stettler, Alberta, runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride on its vintage 1920s passenger train. The operator describes an evening that begins with a grand entrance of the Polar Express train into the station platform and a scene between the Conductor and a young lad who is beginning to lose his belief in the magic of Christmas.

The experience includes an hour-long train trip. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a cookie treat by dancing and singing chefs and their helpers, then hear a reading of the Polar Express story from the book. At the North Pole, Santa and several of his elves board the train and walk through each coach on the return trip, giving a silver sleigh bell, the first gift of Christmas, to each child 12 years and under. Everyone is invited to join in singing Christmas carols, and at the end each family is invited to pick up a souvenir ceramic Polar Express mug.

All Alberta Prairie trains depart from and return to the railway's station in Stettler, east of Red Deer. The railway also runs themed day excursions, dinners and other seasonal trains; this page covers only the Polar Express.

The operator describes a grand entrance of the train into the station, an hour-long trip with hot chocolate and a cookie served by dancing and singing chefs, a reading of the Polar Express book, Santa and elves boarding at the North Pole to give a silver sleigh bell to each child 12 and under, carols, and a souvenir ceramic mug to take home.

All trains depart from and return to Alberta Prairie's station and passenger loading area at 4611 - 47 Avenue, Stettler, Alberta, in the south-east part of town; look for the burgundy grain elevator. The operator says it does not take online reservations: bookings are made by phone at 1-800-282-3994 in Canada or 1-403-742-2811 worldwide. Fares are quoted before GST, and a fuel surcharge per ticket applies. Check the operator's excursion policies for seating, cancellation and accessibility details before you buy.