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Polar Express Carson City holiday train tickets on sale now

Returning with more rides and seat options for its third season after two consecutive years of sold-out tours, tickets to the Carson City Polar Express aboard the historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad are on sale now for the 2013 holiday season.

With just 30 trains in the U.S. that travel to the North Pole, the Polar Express aboard the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad has captured the hearts, minds and imaginations of children, their parents and grandparents making the train tour into a holiday tradition for Carson City area families.

The Polar Express returns to Carson City with 15 additional train rides to accommodate 3,600 more passengers. This all-ages ride from the frosty Northern Nevada landscape to the North Pole will depart Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 22 through Dec. 22.

Polar Express rides are based on the iconic holiday feature film and beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The story is about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The V&T Railroad has partnered with Rail Events Inc. (through Warner Brothers Consumer Products, Inc.) to bring the magical experience to Carson City again this holiday season.

The V&T’s 100-year-old steam engines 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.

During the journey, the Conductor will punch tickets and chefs will serve hot chocolate, followed by a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic. At the North Pole, Santa will step aboard and greet the children.

A VIP ticket option aboard the 30-seat historic parlor car features additional entertainment, extra time with Santa Claus, a special holiday treat and a souvenir ceramic Polar Express cocoa mug. Passengers who upgrade to the parlor car will have seats facing the windows allowing the best views of Santa’s Village and room for dancing, games and caroling during the trip.

The boarding area at the Carson City Depot, Eastgate Siding Road, will feature heated tents where riders can take photos with Santa Claus and purchase holiday souvenirs. All tickets include a keepsake silver bell, hot chocolate, cookies, entertainment and a reading of the famous book that made it all possible.

The limited VIP tickets are $62 for children 2-12 (free for children under 2 who sit on a lap), $72 for adults, with coach tickets at $38 for adults and $29 for children. The Polar Express departs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22. Santa suggests everyone re-confirm times prior as the schedule could be subject to demands from his elves at the North Pole. Santa also recommends passengers arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.

To purchase tickets, call 877-724-5007 or 775-291-0208 or visit www.vtrailway.com. Information is also available at www.polarexpressride.com.

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