THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from its depot in Williams, Arizona, as a winter evening event around Christmas. The operator describes it as the classic children's story brought to life: the train leaves Williams after dark for "the North Pole", where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting.

On board, passengers are served hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while the story is read. The ride lasts a little over an hour, and the operator gives about 90 minutes as the total round-trip time. The train station is directly behind the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, and the operator also sells a Polar Express package that bundles train tickets with a hotel stay and meals.

The depot area has activities of its own around departure time. The operator lists story time with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Mr. Claus in the Polar Room, a Naughty or Nice Meter, and staff elves and a hobo wandering the platform. Every family is encouraged to bring a copy of the book to read along on the journey.

The Grand Canyon Railway also runs trains to the Grand Canyon; this page covers only the Polar Express event. A separate version, The Ultimate Polar Express Experience, has its own page on the operator's site.

The operator says the ride runs after dark, so passengers see the season done up in lights at every departure. Expect hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies, a reading of the story, and a North Pole stop with Santa Claus. The depot has Mrs. Claus story time and Mr. Claus pictures before departure. The operator encourages families to bring their own copy of the book.

Boards at the Williams depot, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., directly behind the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The operator recommends arriving at least an hour and a half before departure; tickets are available at will-call from noon on the day, and boarding starts 15 minutes before departure. Parking is free around the hotel and depot complex, and the operator warns that up to 3,000 people can be on property. Strollers can be left outside the depot; the cars have luggage racks. Not all rail cars are ADA accessible: the operator asks for a call to 1-800-843-8724 at least 7 days before arrival, and wheelchair, lift or scooter needs can be noted at checkout. The operator quotes fares for adults (age 16 and over) and children (2 to 15); train-only tickets are per person. It opens each season's bookings on the first of November of the previous year.