“One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” The Polar Express Train Ride in Williams, Arizona is an easy decision. Get on.
The train, the punch of the ticket, the hot chocolate and cookie, the singing, Santa and the bell are all part of the classic story, The Polar Express. The magic of Christmas lives within those pages written by Chris Van Allsburg. And there is nothing quite like the magic of Christmas. Just like there is nothing quite like the magic of riding the Polar Express.
All aboard!
Every winter a very special experience boards at the train depot in Williams, Arizona. From the second week of November thru the first week of January The Polar Express Train Ride brings the magic of the storybook to life. In just over an hour the train makes it’s way from Williams to the North Pole and back.
The Polar Express storybook is read aloud on the way to the North Pole. And just like the story tells there are chefs aboard who serve hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. Upon arrival to the North Pole Santa Claus boards the train. At that point the train switches gears and follows the same route back to the depot.
While Santa Claus makes his way from train car to train car there is singing and dancing led by Santa’s chefs. Train car to train car and row by row Santa visits with each child on board. He hands out Polar Express bells to every person on the train. It is truly magical.
Polar Express Train Ride
The ticket prices vary depending on the day and time selected. I highly recommend purchasing tickets by the end of October. And if the Christmas Eve Limited ride is your desire I would book even sooner. You will want to arrive in Williams half an hour or so before your scheduled trip to the North Pole. There is plenty of nearby parking however you will need to pick up your tickets from the ticket booth inside the train depot. Santa’s workshop, a gift shop and small cafe can also be found at the depot.
It does snow in Northern Arizona during the winter months; if a snowy experience is what you are looking for I recommend booking a date closer to Christmas. I also recommend you wear your pajamas, take The Polar Express book along with you and have the little ones bring along a stuffed animal or blanket. Then climb aboard and allow The Polar Express to take you away from the rush of life and take in a little Christmas magic!
When in Williams, Arizona…
Grand Canyon
Bearizona
Flintstone’s Bedrock City
Click here for more information on The Polar Express Train Ride via The Grand Canyon Railway.
