Never too early to plan for Polar Express on the V & T Railroad

Tickets to board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride via the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, the annual Carson City family holiday tradition, go on sale online beginning August 20. (www.vtrailway.com)

Now in its fifth season, the all-ages holiday train will depart Carson City for a series of one-hour round-trip journeys to the magical North Pole. The ride is filled with stories, adventure and characters that come to life. What’s rapidly become an annual family tradition for residents and visitors alike has sold-out every year, with record numbers of pajama-clad kids — true to the story — expected again.

“Even with adding more trips and experiences to this to this year’s schedule, we recommend folks reserve early as growing annual demand will stretch availability,” said Candy Duncan, sales and marketing director. “Booking early guarantees the kids and grandkids get their holiday wish – and parents and grandparents stay happy, too!”

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride begins Thursday, Nov. 19 with evening runs at 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with special final runs Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Set to the sounds of THE POLAR EXPRESS motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on the holiday train. 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 and his helpers will 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 aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Carson City.

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 mythical 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 magical 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.