THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Durango & Silverton

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stages THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at its Durango Depot each winter. The operator calls it an immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story: a vintage steam train leaves Durango for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus.

On board, the railroad's chefs serve hot chocolate and a sweet treat while a reading of the Polar Express book is heard. On the return trip to Durango, Santa visits each coach and hands out the first gift of Christmas to each passenger. The operator describes the event as its most popular of the year and an annual holiday tradition for many riders.

The train excursion itself is roughly 65 minutes, and the operator recommends allowing two hours for the full experience, including a performance as the train steams into the station before boarding. Seating comes in standard, deluxe and first class cars, and the operator says certain dates and car types sell quickly.

The Durango & Silverton is a narrow gauge heritage line that also runs trains to Silverton; this page covers only the holiday event, which is alcohol-free and aimed at families.

The operator says the train excursion is roughly 65 minutes and recommends allowing 2 hours for the whole adventure. Expect a pre-boarding performance as the train arrives, hot chocolate and a sweet treat, a reading of the Polar Express book, a light show at the North Pole, and Santa handing a first gift of Christmas to each passenger on the return trip. All cabins are heated, and the operator recommends layers and pajamas.

Boards at the Durango Depot, 479 Main Ave., Durango, Colorado. The operator's FAQ asks guests to arrive no earlier than half an hour before departure and not to miss the pre-boarding show; final boarding is 10 minutes before departure. The event is alcohol-free and passengers may not bring alcohol. A wheelchair-friendly coach with a hydraulic lift and an ADA restroom is available. Downtown parking is in the railroad's paid lot on College Drive, or public parking and city transit. Classes of service are standard, deluxe and first class; deluxe and first class guests receive a souvenir mug and a tote. Fares carry a historic preservation fee, payment in full is required at booking, and the operator sets a cancellation fee schedule with a 60-day nonrefundable window; read its terms before booking.