You Can Ride the 'Polar Express' in Upstate New York This Holiday Season
You're in for one special night.
Frank DeBonis/Getty Images
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, literally, everywhere you go. Including aboard the Adirondack Railroad.
The Adirondack Railroad, which departs from Utica Union Station, is bringing back its Polar Express train to bring a little holiday cheer to its route. The 90-minute train, which travels through a gorgeous section of forest in upstate New York, will delight kids (and kids of all ages) with live music and a live reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg. And, to make the entire experience feel all the more authentic, the ride takes place on the railway’s vintage train car, which includes a 1955 dome car built for the Union Pacific Railroad. There's also a vintage dining car, which was built in 1948 for the New York Central RR.
The train, the company explained on its website, will travel north to its version of the North Pole. En route, guests will get the chance to snack on hot chocolate and cookies. On the way, guests can expect a visit from Santa himself, who will visit with each family and hand-deliver a small silver bell as their first Christmas gift of the season.
The train also noted that it highly encourages passengers to rock their PJs for this voyage, just as a homage to the book and the movie. And, as a bonus, you’ll be cozy for the ride too.
The train also warns those interested in joining to book their train tickets as early as possible, as the trains sell out every year. (And naturally, weekends are the most popular.)
Travelers can choose between first class and coach, the only difference being that those traveling in first class get access to four-person tables and are given a commemorative hot cocoa mug. Tickets for first class are $58 for children (ages 2 to 12) and $68 for adults. Tickets for coach class are $39 for children and $47 for adults. Learn more about the train rides and book your ticket at adirondackrr.com.
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