THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — V&T Railway

The V&T Railway Commission runs THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from the Eastgate Depot in Carson City, Nevada. The operator says families return year after year to board its diesel-powered train in pajamas for a live retelling of the holiday story, in a one-hour ride to the North Pole and back that is always at night.

The operator lists a fully staged performance with costumed actors, music and narration; cocoa and treats, including gluten-free options, delivered to your seat; the first gift of Christmas, a silver bell from Santa; and a North Pole stop with new lights and decor each year. Storybooks are on board so passengers can read along, and the conductor will sign a personal copy of the book.

Seating ranges from classic and deluxe coaches, where one bench seats two people and the whole bench must be bought, to a VIP parlor car sitting room with individual seats, a VIP private table for four in a historic dining car, a VIP family lounge in the 1907 parlor car Ardelle Mae for up to 12, and a VIP private room for a party of 15. VIP options include a keepsake ceramic mug.

The V&T Railway also runs steam and diesel excursions between Carson City and Virginia City; this page covers only the Polar Express event.

A one-hour round trip at night with a staged performance by costumed actors, music and narration, cocoa and treats delivered to your seat, a North Pole stop with a light display, and Santa's visit with a silver bell for each child. Storybooks are on board, and passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas. The train is diesel-powered and runs rain or shine.

Boards at the Eastgate Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road, Carson City, Nevada. Tickets can be picked up at the depot 30 minutes before the train departs, and the operator asks guests to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. Guests two years and older need a ticket; children under 24 months ride free on a parent's lap unless a separate ticket is bought. Seats are assigned when you buy, but the operator cannot guarantee that groups sit together. Seating is limited and cannot hold extra baggage such as strollers and large diaper bags, which should stay at the depot or in the car. Wheelchair ramps are available on site; contact the operator before arrival for help boarding, but wheelchairs, walkers and strollers stay at the depot because of narrow aisles and doors. The operator says it is not able to offer group discounts for this event, its booking page states no refunds, and the diesel train runs in all weather. Coach and deluxe fares are per bench of two people, plus fees; the VIP parlor car sitting room is sold by individual seat. Tickets typically go on sale in September.