Polar Express returns to Carson City

CARSON CITY — Carson City (VisitCarsonCity.com) is getting a big present this upcoming holiday season with the return of The Polar Express train that will roll through the frosty Northern Nevada landscape on 15 different dates throughout November and December.

For the second year, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad is one of the officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride events nationwide this holiday season. This historic 100-year train, complete with decorated passenger cars and Christmas music, leaves the Carson City Eastgate Depot and travels nearly two miles before staging at Santa’s mythical North Pole retreat.

The Polar Express train rides are based on the holiday feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures and the children’s book, by Chris Van Allsburg, about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The Virginia and Truckee Railroad has partnered with Rail Events Inc. (through Warner Brothers Consumer Products Inc.) to bring the officially licensed train ride event to Carson City this holiday season.

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pajama clad passengers will relive the magic of the story as this nighttime train whisks families away for an unforgettable ride to the North Pole. During the journey, the conductor will punch tickets and chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, followed by a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train and greet the children. And Santa has a gift for those who truly believe — a silver sleigh bell.

Tickets include keepsake silver bell, hot chocolate, cookies, entertainment and reading of “The Polar Express.”

The Polar Express departs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m., from, Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. Times are subject to change.

Tickets are $27 for children ages 2 to 12 and $34 for 13 and older. A limited VIP Parlor Car ticket features entertainment, more time with Santa, a special holiday treat and souvenir ceramic cocoa mug. VIP Parlor Car tickets are $59 for ages 2 to 12 and $68 for ages 13 and older.

Tickets are available through the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Seating is limited.

Last year’s event, with 7,500 tickets available, sold out two weeks before the holiday train tour began. To book tickets in advance call 775-687-7410 or online at vttrain.activitytickets.com/activityInformation or polarexpressride.com.

For more information on the travel deals, dining, lodging, activity information and further details on the V&T train visit VisitCarsonCity.com or call 800-Nevada-1.

Nestled 30 minutes between Reno and Lake Tahoe, Carson City boasts an array of fine restaurants, challenging golf courses, historical attractions, museums and gaming opportunities. Visitors will find plenty of open space, fresh mountain air and friendly residents.