Polar Express Train aboard the V&T a holiday treat for all ages
Submitted by editor on Sat, 12/16/2017 - 5:54pm
One thing was evident as the special Polar Express Train departed the depot east of Carson City: You don't have to have kids with you to enjoy the annual holiday favorite on the historic V&T Railroad.
For eight years V&T has held the Polar Express during the Christmas season. Tickets normally disappear as quickly as they're posted for sale, but this year organizers are trying something new to give more people a chance to enjoy the experience.
"People can expect an hour of magic." said Candy Duncan, Sales and Marketing Director for the V&T Railway. "All rides are at night which makes it like the movie... traveling through the dark until you get to the North Pole. Along the way, people enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, sing the hot chocolate song, hear the story of the Polar Express. Then, at the North Pole, Santa and the elves will be there and then they hop on the train and ride back to the station with everyone."
A cast of 60 performers will participate in the Polar Express this season.
Duncan attended a Polar Express Camp this past summer in Durango, Colorado to learn how to give the Carson City participants a better experience. Durango is the headquarters for the Polar Express rail events, something that is done in only 55 locations around the world each year. Out of those 55, the Carson City event is ranked No. 7 in the world, according to Duncan.
At camp, Duncan learned about what new ideas for making the event more like movie and book with a new script, instructions on how to serve hot chocolate and cookies, how to perform and new characters. There was a sample train car on hand where the camp goers can see the vision.
"We learned how to get in the Christmas spirit in July," said Duncan.
She said those who've taken the train in the past will have a new experience and it won't be the same. "It appeals to kids of all ages!" said Duncan. "A bit of all of use believes in something special and Polar helps give that to you."
With two rides a night, and extending the schedule until after Christmas, the V&T hopes to get all people who are interested a chance to hop on board to the North Pole. With school not getting out until December 22 in many areas, this new option helps accommodate their schedules.
The pre-Christmas tickets are all sold out, but some are still available for December 27-30.
Go here for tickets or more information on future specialty trains starting on Mother's Day.
Just remember the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart — Santa Claus in the Polar Express
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