North Pole Express — Heber Valley Railroad

The Heber Valley Railroad runs its North Pole Express from its depot in Heber City, Utah. The railroad calls it a fun, traditional train ride and a family favorite: a 90-minute round trip to the North Pole that includes singing along to new and traditional Christmas favorites and entertainment by hosts, elves, cocoa chefs and special guests.

On board, every passenger receives hot cocoa, a chocolate chip cookie and bottled water. When the train reaches the North Pole, Santa joins it for the return trip and greets each child, presenting them with a special gift. The railroad says infant tickets, which do not include a seat, still receive all of the North Pole Express amenities, including the cocoa, cookie, gift from Santa, water and souvenir mug.

Ticket prices vary by coach and date, and all passengers receive the same on-board service. The railroad offers a range of coaches, from standard coaches to a luxury observation car, a luxury parlor car, tables for four and private cars. Seats are assigned before boarding.

The Heber Valley Railroad also runs scenic excursions and other seasonal trains with steam and diesel locomotives; this page covers only the North Pole Express.

A 90-minute round trip with singing of Christmas favorites and entertainment by hosts, elves and cocoa chefs. Every passenger gets hot cocoa, a chocolate chip cookie and bottled water, and Santa joins the train at the North Pole to greet each child and give them a special gift. Seats are assigned, all coaches are heated and toilets are on board.

The train departs from and returns to the depot at 450 South 600 West, Heber City, Utah. The railroad asks guests to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure, says all trains leave on time, and asks for extra time for weather and traffic in Provo Canyon and Parley's Canyon. The train runs in all weather. All coaches are heated and toilets are on board. Anyone occupying a seat needs an adult or child ticket, and an infant/lap ticket is required for infants aged 1 and under. Seats are assigned before boarding, so large groups who want to sit together should buy tickets in a single order on the same coach. Car seats and strollers are not allowed on the train. Because of the historic equipment, wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on the train; they are stored at the ticket office and passengers must be carried aboard. The railroad does not offer refunds for North Pole Express tickets, and instead issues a credit for future train rides if a train or ticket is cancelled. It warns against reselling or buying tickets from private parties.