This year Polar Express passengers can experience Hero Boy’s snowy hometown at the V&T Railway’s Eastgate Depot, which is located five miles east of Carson City on US Highway 50.
At the Eastgate Depot, it is evident that Santa’s helpers migrated south this autumn and reconstructed a replica of Hero Boy’s home and neighborhood. The depot area, as well as the interior and exterior of the passenger cars, are well illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights. All passengers are welcome to wear their pajamas and take a selfie with Hero Boy in front of his home.
Now in its ninth year, many locals have made this V&T Railway event a holiday season tradition. Each excursion day, beginning at 2 p.m., passengers can shop before and after the ride at the on-site Polar Express Gift Shop, which features gift baskets and Polar Express gift items. Also, families and children can have their pictures taken with Mr. Claus himself.
Due to popular demand, the V&T Railway has added additional dates this year. Potential passengers, who still hear the bell ring and believe, can review the Polar Express calendar and departure dates online at vtrailway.com.
Golden ticket holders will board the famous V&T Polar Express, which runs three trains a night beginning this Friday, November 15th. During November, the V&T Railway’s Polar Express runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Thursdays are added to the schedule in December, with special runs on Monday, December 23rd and Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24th. The round-trip is one-hour and travels from Hero Boy’s hometown to the North Pole.
This popular train ride accurately replicates that of the novel written in 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg and the subsequent Warner Bros. motion picture in 2004 starring Tom Hanks. The Polar Express has become a holiday celebration with the production running in nearly 50 cities and the V&T Railway’s production is one of the premiere experiences in the nation.
It’s a special experience. Riders feel as if they are part of the actual Polar Express movie. There are characters directly from the film and cast members dance in the aisle of the train’s cars, while performing songs from the entertaining show.
Santa brings the story to life, with the first gift of Christmas—a souvenir silver sleigh bell. In addition to receiving a bell from Santa, all passengers enjoy delicious cookies and perfectly prepared hot chocolate.
As the train reaches its peak some five miles up the Virginia Range, the dark sky is suddenly illuminated by strings of lights around the well-constructed North Pole, which resembles that of the movie to a T and features an impressive clock tower.
In addition to the brightly lighted buildings, from the warmth and comfort of the train you will see a number of elves cavorting about along with a welcome-waving Santa before he boards the train to bring all the passengers their special gift. Those desiring a distinctive experience can book the VIP Parlor Car. November VIP tickets are still available!
The departure times for the trio of trains are 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and the final train at 8 p.m. Passengers are encouraged to show up a half hour to 45 minutes early to pick up their golden tickets at Will Call. Tickets range in price from $26 to $79 and all passengers must book their tickets online at vtrailway.com or by calling 877-724-5007.
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