Deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado a train rumbles down a mountain valley. A steam engine leads the way, pulling train cars filled with children anxious to see Santa and get “the first gift of Christmas” first popularised by The Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg.
There is perhaps no better setting for a recreation of The Polar Express story than Durango, Colorado, a mountain town home to a vintage steam train. The steam locomotive, which was built in the early 1920s, makes the journey over the mountains between Durango and Silverton year-round but adds a special Polar Express-themed trip to the “North Pole” during the holidays. This year, it’s running on most days between November 22 and January 4, 2025.
Here’s what a ride aboard the Polar Express looks like
The magical journey begins at nightfall at the Durango Depot, where travellers anxiously wait for the powerful steam engine to chug around the corner. Tickets are collected, train cars are boarded, and the fun begins.
As the train departs the depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa, onboard chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, while dancing and acting out a reading from The Polar Express book. Upon arrival at the North Pole, a village of lights welcomes the train, with glimpses of Santa and Mrs. Claus and dancing elves. On the return trip, holiday music sets the mood for Santa’s visit to each train car where he gives the first gift of Christmas to each passenger.
After returning to the depot with Santa, everyone makes their way to the adjacent railroad museum where Santa listens to Christmas wishes and takes photos.
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The experience, while aimed at children, is really for anyone looking for a bit of magic and theatrics. It is an experience that’s so loved that it has become the railroad’s most popular event of the year and an annual holiday tradition for many.
The Polar Express train journey takes roughly 65 minutes, but the entire experience, including photos with Santa, takes around two hours. The train cars are all heated and have bathrooms, and every guest is treated to hot chocolate, cookies, and a small gift from Santa.
The Polar Express’ three seating tiers — coach, deluxe, and first-class — are mainly distinguished by seat type. The standard coach class fare includes padded, forward-facing seating, while the deluxe class cars have roomy, overstuffed seats and face-to-face seating. Travellers booking a seat in the first-class car enjoy padded seating surrounding a table and specialty-themed Christmas decor. Those travelling in deluxe or first-class get a souvenir mug and tote.
Rates for the winter journey to the North Pole start at USD 39 (HKD 303) for adults (and kids ages 12+) and USD 29 (HKD 225) for children ages 2–11.
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
(Feature Image Credit: Anthony D’Amato)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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