THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway presents THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from its Stearns Depot in Stearns, Kentucky. The operator describes a departure from the depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus, with hot chocolate and a sweet treat served while the conductor recites the story.

Santa boards at the North Pole and, as the train heads back to Stearns Depot, walks through each car to give every rider a sleigh bell, the first gift of Christmas. Everyone joins in singing Christmas carols on the return to the station.

The railway says the ride lasts approximately one hour and that the depot has a gift shop, a restaurant and an activity area where children can color or write a letter to Santa.

A ride of approximately one hour from the Stearns Depot. Each ticketed passenger is served hot chocolate and a cookie treat by the Polar Express chefs. Santa boards the train at the North Pole and gives every rider a sleigh bell on the way back, and everyone sings carols on the return. Before boarding you can use the depot gift shop, the Whistlestop Restaurant in the depot, and the activity area to color or write a letter to Santa.

Boards at the Stearns Depot, 66 Henderson Street, Stearns, KY 42647 (KY Route 92). The railway says it is a little over two hours from Lexington, under two hours from Knoxville and about three hours from Louisville or Nashville. Free parking at the depot. Tickets are held on a will-call basis; guests need to arrive about 45 minutes before departure to pick them up, and tickets cannot be picked up in advance. Children aged two and under do not need a ticket and must be seated on an adult's lap. The railway operates on Eastern Standard Time. Trains must leave on time. Contact: (606) 376-5330.