polar express

Many have experienced the trip aboard a restored 1914 Pullman coach led by a 1916 Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive from Carson City to Virginia City, or the annual Polar Express train rides, but with COVID-19 closures these experiences have not been available for 2020.

Now people can pedal their way through history aboard a Freedom Railbike along the historic Virginia & Truckee (V&T) train route into the Carson River Canyon along an exciting, curved, and gradual two percent grade track system to the historic Eureka Mill rest area.

Kicking off its 2019 season, V&T Railway will hold a special Mother’s Day train on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. Guests will experience a 24-mile round-trip ride through the historic Comstock, departing Carson City (Eastgate Depot) at 10 a.m. and will arrive in Virginia City at approximately 11:30 a.m., before returning to Carson at 4:15 p.m.

Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for seniors and $25 for children ages 3 to 16. Children two and under ride free when they sit on a parent's lap. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vtrailway.com or (877) 724-5007.

The Beach Retreat in South Lake Tahoe is not your normal lake front hotel this season. It has been transformed into something from the North Pole. Walk through the grounds and look at their lights and holiday decor that cover every inch of the resort and stay on display until mid-January. All Winter Wonderland events are family friendly, and some are even pet-friendly. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all events.

Catch the annual holiday treat, a ride aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ from Carson City to "the North Pole."

Even though all VIP tickets are sold out, there are a few regularly priced coach tickets available for the magical train ride that runs through December 23. There is even a special 25 percent off day on Sunday, November 27.

The train ride has completely sold out for five consecutive years.

Use the promo code “FLASH” for rides Nov. 27. With this special promotion coach tickets are $34.50 for adults and $27 for children.

PDATE 10:15PM: Carson City Sheriff's deputies have arrived at the disabled Polar Express train and passengers are now being taken off the railroad cars to meet up with JAC and Virginia City shuttle buses, said Carson City Sheriff's Sgt. Scott McDaniel.

"There's lots of kids, lots of adults and they are in good spirits," said McDaniel of the effort. The diesel train stalled after 8 p.m. north of Linehan Road in Lyon County. No injuries were reported. There's upwards of 240 passengers on the train.

A family favorite trip aboard the Polar Express to the North Pole awaits, but tickets are selling quickly.

Most trips are sold out, but as of Sunday evening there are still some seats available for the 8 p.m. rides on Dec. 7, 11, 13, 14 and 18. You may purchase tickets on line.

Charlee, from the K-TAHOE morning radio show of Charlee Simons & Jen, brings you along for a ride on the Nationally famous V&T Railroad's "POLAR EXPRESS" out of Carson City, NV. All aboard!

Barton Foundation’s fourth annual Festival of Trees and Lights will begin this Thursday, Nov. 29 and run through Sunday, Dec. 2 at Montbleu Resort Casino and Spa, Convention Center.

Throughout the last three-years, Barton Foundation has dedicated funds raised from The Festival to Barton Health’s Community Clinic expansion and renovation. A Level III trauma center, located in Barton Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department (E.D.), is this year’s fundraising initiative.