Popular V & T Railroad Polar Express tickets go on sale August 19

Tickets for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad’s wildly popular holiday adventure to the North Pole via THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will go on sale starting Friday, Aug. 19 at 6 a.m.

The schedule of enchanted train rides runs from Nov. 17 through Dec. 23. For the past five years, every seat on every train has sold out for the V&T’s magical trip to the North Pole, making it imperative for parents and grandparents to make arrangements early.

Set to the sounds of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ motion picture soundtrack, families aboard the holiday train can relive the story’s magic in a one-hour journey filled with music, songs and a cast of characters all the way to the North Pole. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa Claus and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Elves in each train car lead families in Christmas carol favorites on the ride back to Carson City.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride begins Thursday, Nov. 17 with evening runs at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Thursday - Sunday with special final runs up to the week of Christmas.

Limited VIP tickets aboard the historic 32-seat Parlor Car are available with additional entertainment, extra time with Santa, a special holiday treat, and an exclusive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic hot chocolate mug. Passengers in this car enjoy the best views of the North Pole and room for dancing and games during the trip.

VIP tickets are $82 for adults and $72 for children 2-12 – free for children under 2 who sit on a lap. Coach tickets are $46 for adults and $36 for children. Arrival at the station 30 minutes prior to departure is recommended. The V&T’s engine and holiday decorated passenger cars leave the Carson City Eastgate Depot (seven miles east of downtown Carson City) and travel nearly two miles before stopping at Santa's North Pole retreat.

The boarding area at the Carson City Depot, Eastgate Siding Road offers indoor heated areas where riders can take photos with Santa Claus and purchase holiday souvenirs. Every ticket includes hot chocolate, cookies, entertainment, a reading of “The Polar Express,” and a keepsake silver bell that preserves the special memories.

To purchase tickets, call 877-724-5007 or 775-291-0208 or visit www.vtrailway.com. Information is also available at www.polarexpressride.com.