{openx:1}All aboard The Polar Express! This magical journey is offered by the Grand Canyon Railway each year to help families experience the wonder and joy of Christmas. The Polar Express departs the depot nearly every evening at 6:30 and again at 8:00 p.m., beginning mid-November and going through early January. As the train takes you through the beauty of the night and the Arizona wilderness, you’ll sip hot chocolate and munch on cookies and listen to the story of The Polar Express. Just like in the holiday story, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, many children come in their pajamas and the heated cars keep them nice and toasty on the trip.

The big surprise is your arrival at the North Pole. A village of beautiful colored lights passes slowly by the windows, and Santa waves to the children as the train coasts to a stop. To the screams of excitement from the children, Santa boards the train and hands out a special gift to each child.

The Polar Express is a magical way to experience the joy of the holiday season, but it is also a way to teach your children about the spirit of giving. Arizona Law Enforcement officers hold an annual toy drive each year in conjunction with the Grand Canyon Railway. You can help by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the Polar Room at the Railway Depot and share the joy of the season with a child who may not have a very Merry Christmas without your help. Cash donations as also welcome.

As an added incentive, the Grand Canyon Railway is offering Polar Express customers a discount on the train to the Grand Canyon — 50% off the daily train to the canyon! This special offer is valid for travel November 14 through February 28, with a few exclusions.

Tickets aboard The Polar Express for 2009 are $29 for adults, children (ages 2 – 15) are $14 Sunday through Thursday in November and all of January, and children (ages 2 – 15) are $19 weekends in November and all of December (except Dec 24).

Tickets for this special event go quickly, so book online now or call 1-888-848-3511.

Grand Canyon Railway
01 West Route 66, #200
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 1-800-THE-TRAIN (843-8724)
E-mail: info@thetrain.com
www.thetrain.com