Why You Should Ride the Polar Express in Williams, AZ

Are you thinking about planning a trip to the Polar Express in Arizona?  Multidimensional TravelingMom has taken her son to the Polar Express in Arizona on two different occasions, and experienced holiday magic both times.  Here are several reasons why you should ride the Polar Express in Arizona!

Why You Should Ride the Polar Express in Arizona

1. Based on a Beloved Children’s Book
2. Takes Place on a Train
3. Extremely Family Friendly
4. Santa Makes an Appearance
5. Guests Receive a Momento from the Train Ride
6. About the Journey, Not the Destination
7. Location of the Polar Express in Arizona

If you are looking for a holiday moment to cherish forever, The Polar Express in Arizona has done an excellent job to help create those memories. My family and I have taken the Polar Express in Arizona twice now, and we loved it both times!  From the train itself to the family friendly atmosphere, here are several reasons why you should ride the Polar Express in Arizona!

1.  Based on a Beloved Children’s Book

The Polar Express in Arizona is located in Williams (near the Grand Canyon) and is based off a beloved children’s book (which was later adapted into a movie starring Tom Hanks).  It’s about a boy who is starting to doubt the existence of Santa Claus.  A mysterious, magical train appears outside his home and he’s met by a conductor who allows him to get on the train.  While on the train, he meets other children and acrobatic chefs, drinks hot chocolate and eats cookies, and travels to the North Pole to see Santa Claus himself.  The Polar Express is my son’s favorite holiday book and movie.

2.  Takes Place on a Train

The Polar Express in Arizona takes place on the Grand Canyon Railway. The historic trains are available to ride throughout the year, but starting in November, it becomes a magical journey to the North Pole. Hop on the train, sing Christmas carols, drink hot cocoa, and listen to the story of The Polar Express. The Polar Express in Arizona recreates the experience portrayed in the book (and the movie) and does a great job with it, especially since it takes place on a train!

The Polar Express in Arizona is offered from November through January, with special trains running from Williams, Arizona to the North Pole on select nights, including Christmas Eve, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Additional matinee trips are also be available on select dates.

For more information on dates or to make a reservation visit www.thetrain.com.

3.  Extremely Family Friendly

The Polar Express in Arizona is one that family members of all ages will enjoy.  I first took my son on the Polar Express when he was 2 years old and he loved it even then.  At the time, my parents went with us and they loved it as well.  My husband and I then took our son to the Polar Express for a second time when he was preschool aged, this time with friends.  It is a spectacular, not-to-miss event for families and friends.  The train ride is about 30 minutes each way- to and from the North Pole- with the story, singing, hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa.  If you’re traveling with little ones, especially, the train ride isn’t too long to where they will start losing interest.

4.  Santa Makes an Appearance

After the train visits the North Pole (more about that below), Santa hops on the train and appears at the end of the train ride, handing kids (and adults, too!) a memento of the Polar Express.  For children who are still uncertain of Santa, it’s a non-stressful way of meeting him.

When my son was younger, he did not enjoy taking a photo with Santa.  So I wasn’t sure how he’d react to Santa during our first visit to the Polar Express.  To my surprise, he was fine and more intrigued by the memento that Santa handed him.  So if your child is scared of Santa, this might be a turning point in how your child views Santa!

5.  Guests Receive a Memento From the Polar Express in Arizona

The memento that Santa hands out to the kids and the adults?  A silver bell that says the Polar Express on it!  My family and I love collecting ornaments from our vacations, so we use our silver bell as an ornament on our tree.  It brings a smile to my face every year whenever I decorate our tree.  Plus, I love that it’s included in the price of the train tickets.

6.  About the Journey, Not the Destination

The Polar Express Train Ride is more about the journey, not the destination.  While the train visits the North Pole, it doesn’t actually stop at the North Pole.  Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen from the train window, along with holiday lights.  Some kids may be disappointed that the train doesn’t stop at the North Pole, so you’ll want to prepare them beforehand.  However, the train ride is more about the experience.  It’s also a great lesson in life – it’s about the memories you make along the way, with the people you are with.

7.  Location of the Polar Express in Arizona

Are you familiar with the song “Route 66”?  Route 66 is a famous route and one that will lead you to Williams, Arizona.  Kids who love the Disney Cars movie will especially appreciate it since it will remind them of the town of Radiator Springs.  It does seem a little like that with the roadside diners, comfort food cafes and gift shops.  The few streets that make up the town are lined with old-fashioned light poles wrapped in tinsel and completed with wreaths. It’s a very sweet, friendly town.

If time permits in your travel plans, consider taking a slight detour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you have never seen the Grand Canyon, do not miss this opportunity. It is breathtaking to see in person.

Restaurants in Williams, AZ

Even though the destination is the train ride, the road trip and stay in Williams, Arizona really lends to the entire experience. There are two restaurants in Williams, Arizona, which are worth mentioning: Cruisers Cafe 66 and Pine Country Restaurant.

Pine Country Restaurant is a great breakfast spot, but it also has delicious pies.  Pop in after dining at Cruisers 66, grab a pie and bring it back to your hotel room for a late night dessert with the family. Or just head over after you get back from your trip to the North Pole.

Hotels in Williams, AZ

The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is a AAA Three Diamond property and offers packages for those who want to purchase room and tickets. The nice thing about staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is the close proximity to the Williams Depot where you will board The Polar Express.  The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel also offers a package, which not only includes a one night’s stay, but it also includes a buffet-style dinner the night of the train ride, as well as a breakfast buffet the following morning at the Grand Depot Café.

There are also several locally owned and chain hotels in Williams, like the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Rodeway Inn, and The Lodge on Route 66. 

Tips for the Polar Express in Arizona

• As soon as you can, book your trip on The Polar Express in Arizona. It’s a very popular holiday destination in the West, and certain dates and times tend to sell out sooner.
• Kids can wear their pajamas on the Polar Express, and so can the adults!
• If you have younger children, try to book the earlier of two trains that leave the station. Don’t be fooled by it being located in Arizona- it gets very cold, can be windy or possibly snowing while you are there.
• Plan your time accordingly so there is time to walk around the Williams Depot and visit Santa.  They take beautiful photos of the kids, or your whole family, with Santa.

Are you looking for more tips?  Click here for 8 tips for the Polar Express train ride in Arizona!

Get your Polar Express in Arizona tickets now!

Tickets for Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express Train Ride in Williams, Arizona, are now available for purchase for next year, due to popular demand.  Reserving your ticket for the train ride is a good idea, especially if you’d like to reserve a specific date.  As you can see, there are several reasons why you should ride the Polar Express in Arizona!

This is an update of a post originally written by Stefanie Akin and updated by Alexandra Olsen.