Polar Express rides the rails for holiday run
The Catskill Mountain Railroad’s popular Polar Express rides return in time for the holiday season.
The rides depart from Kingston Plaza starting Friday, Nov. 15, and run through Saturday, Dec. 28.
Riders will journey to the “North Pole” on a special train ride themed after the Warner Bros. animated motion picture “The Polar Express,” starring Tom Hanks.
On board the train, the conductor will punch each rider’s golden ticket while they’re served hot chocolate and cookies by a team of chefs. Passengers will also read along with the classic children’s book “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg.
At the North Pole, Santa and his elves will board the train and greet each passenger. who’ll get a Christmas gift, a silver sleigh bell, to take home. According to the railroad’s website, characters on each train car will lead passengers in caroling and on-board entertainment, just like in film.
Passengers are requested to arrive approximately 45 minutes before their departure time and check in at the will call desk located at the Polar Express tent.
Boarding at the railroad’s station at the Westbrook Lane side of the Kingston Plaza parking lot (55 Plaza Road) takes place 20 minutes before departure time.
Limited wheelchair seating is available in the railroad’s 1950s-era coaches. To book a ticket in coach with wheelchair access, call (845) 332-4854.
Limited seats with softer lighting and audio levels are reserved for families with sensory sensitivities. Call (845) 332-4854 to book these seats.
Seating is assigned on board the Polar Express. Passengers can pick their seat during the online checkout in a similar man
ner to booking airline tickets. The railroad urges all passengers to review seating charts carefully.
Off-peak tickets are $40 for adults and $32 children for children ages 2 to 12. Toddlers under 2 sitting on laps ride free. Off-peak dates are Nov. 15-17, 22-24, and Dec. 6, 12-13 and 26-28.
Peak tickets are $50 for adults and $40 for children ages 2 to 12. Toddlers under 2 sitting on laps ride free. Peak dates are Nov. 29-30, and Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15 and 18-23.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://catskillmountainrailroad.com/.