Every year, the Grand Canyon Railway transports thousands of visitors to the south rim of the Grand Canyon from Williams, Arizona. At holiday time, the Grand Canyon Railway operates The Polar Express, transporting children and adults alike to the magical world of Santa Claus and the North Pole. The Grand Canyon Railway started The Polar Express in 2001.
All Aboard The Polar Express
The Polar Express departs the Williams Depot and heads to the North Pole, where a winter wonderland awaits. During the journey, passengers will be served hot chocolate and cookies, while listening to The Polar Express, the popular children's story by Chris Van Allsburg.
When the train arrives at the North Pole, guests are greeted by Santa and his elves. Each child on board will receive his or her own special gift from Santa.
The Polar Express Christmas Eve Limited
The Christmas Eve Limited is new for 2009. On December 24, all guests will receive special gifts available only on the Christmas Eve Limited. These special gifts will include a unique bell commemorating the Christmas Eve excursion on The Polar Express.
2009 Polar Express Schedule
The Polar Express runs from November 13, 2009 through January 9, 2010. Departure time is 6:30 PM, with an additional 8 PM departure on most dates.
- November 13 - 6:30 PM departure only
- November 14, 15
- November 19 - 6:30 PM departure only
- November 20, 21, 22, 23
- November 25
- November 27, 28, 29, 30
- December 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7
- December 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
- December 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
- December 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
- January 2
- January 3 - 6:30 PM departure only
- January 8, 9 - 6:30 PM departure only
Hotel Packages for The Polar Express
Combination packages that include tickets on The Polar Express and a hotel stay in Williams are available.
A stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams includes dinner and breakfast for each guest.
Tickets Prices for 2009
Polar Express tickets only are $29 for adults age 16 and older. Tickets for children ages 2 to 15 start at $14.
Tickets for the Christmas Eve Limited are $58 for adults and $38 for children.
Hotel packages start at $308 for two adults and two children.
As an additional bonus, purchase tickets on The Polar Express and get 50% off of tickets for the daily train to the Grand Canyon. The discount is valid November 14, 2009 through February 28, 2010 except for November 26 through 29, 2009 and February 14 and 15, 2010.
Tickets for The Polar Express generally sell out. Reservations can be made now for the 2010 holiday season.
Arizona Law Enforcement Toy Drive
The Arizona law enforcement agencies are hosting a toy drive during the Polar Express dates at the Grand Canyon Railway. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Polar Room at the Railway Depot, or drop off a cash donation.
Polar Express Photo Contest
The Grand Canyon Railway is holding a Polar Express photo contest until January 31, 2010. Submit Polar Express memories and be eligible for one of three prize packages.
- A family four-pack of Grand Canyon Railway tickets
- A one-night Grand Canyon Railway Getaway package
- An exclusive Grand Canyon Railway Getaway Plus package
To enter, submit a digital, color photo taken between November 13, 2009 and January 9, 2010. Photos must be relevant to the 2009 Polar Express Grand Canyon Railway excursion. Entrants may submit up to three photos.
Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express
Polar Express Reservation
Beth VanHoose - Blogger/article writer with a fondness for history, pets, ghosts, bargain-hunting, travel destinations/sight-seeing, and life in ...
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