By Melissa Wynn
Photos by Virginia & Truckee Railroad
What could be more magical this holiday season than a ride aboard the Polar Express? Departing from the station at 4650 Eastgate Depot Siding Road in Carson City, this exciting journey brings the classic story to life with a fanciful trip to the “North Pole.”
The adventure begins with the revered golden ticket. Music from the movie and a reading of the book with characters aboard the train allow the children to be part of the fancy along the way. A troop of merry elves are on hand at the “North Pole” to greet the children, along with Mrs. Claus, when the Polar Express rolls in to welcome Santa aboard. A silver bell for everyone is the perfect gift to enjoy the Christmas caroling on the return trip. Virginia Truckee RR Polar Express trains depart Carson City Nov 20 – Dec 23 at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. $42 adults/ $32 kids 3-16.
Book now to begin your holiday season aboard the cozy V&T Candy Cane Express. Sip hot chocolate and cider with your little ones while enjoying candy canes and cookies with Santa Claus. Christmas caroling with the fanciful characters aboard this nostalgic vintage train is sure to put a twinkle in every eye. Build a Christmas memory with your children that will last a lifetime while chugging down the tracks through the historic Comstock. V & T Candy Cane Express trains depart the station at 166 F Street Station in Virginia City on Nov 28-29, Dec 6-7 and Dec 13-14 at Noon and 2:00 p.m. Tickets: $15 Adult/$7 Child and children under 2 yrs ride free on lap. More information for V&T train rides can be found online at www.virginiatruckee.com or call 775-847-0380. Experience an amazing Christmas railroad adventure and help those in need while you’re at it! The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is proud to once again host their annual Santa Train rides. Bring the whole family and enjoy a festive nightime train ride, hot chocolate and cookies aboard a locomotive with Santa Claus.
Share this years wish list and watch the seasons magic come to life aboard the Santa Train. Admission is $10 per carload, or $5 with donation of three non-perishable food items. Train rides begin at 5:00 p.m. on Dec 6, 13 and 20 at 700 Western Pacific Way in Portola. For more information call 530-832-4131 or visit www.wplives.org.
