Waterloo Region’s annual Polar Express train ride has once again chugged into the village of St. Jacobs, just in time for the holiday season.
It’s a wonderful idea for couples and families who are looking to get into the holiday spirit as early as November.
The popular Christmas-themed train ride operates Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays up until Dec 22 and runs between St. Jacobs and Elmira.
Tickets to board the train run from $50 to $100, depending on the seats and package chosen. The Polar Express was inspired by the popular book written by Chris Van Allsburg. Many movie fans may also be familiar with the 2004 box-office movie adaptation of the novel, starring Oscar award-winning actor Tom Hanks.
While aboard The Polar Express, passengers are entertained by a number of quaint novelties that only this train ride offers, such as a warm-hearted conductor and animated chefs serving hot chocolate and other yummy treats. And let’s not forget about the big guy in red. He, too, is known to make appearances on The Polar Express. Upon arrival to the North Pole, guests are greeted with the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell by Santa himself.
“When my daughter saw Santa walking down the aisle of our car, her face lit up like a Christmas tree,” said Darcy Moxly, a passenger from Cambridge. “The train ride really is a fantastic experience for families looking to share some particularly special quality time together for the Christmas season.”
Passengers who want to take a piece of The Polar Express experience with them can browse a special gift shop full of lovely souvenirs and trinkets for people young and old that truly capture the holiday spirit.
“The train ride was a little pricey but it was worth it because you get the full-on experience of the Polar Express,” said Angelina Margaret, also a resident of Cambridge. “My son just turned one and I think my husband and I are going to be turning this train ride into a family tradition that we do every year to kick off the holiday season. It’s a nice experience and really made us feel like we were in another world.”
The Polar Express will be running every weekend up until Christmas Eve for those who may be looking to give themselves or their families an especially authentic Christmas experience this year. For more information on tickets and hours, visit the Waterloo Central Railway website.
