FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) — From storybook to the big screen, The Polar Express has been a staple in children’s Christmas since 1985.
The Grand Canyon Railway has been bringing the story to life for 24 years with its Polar Express experience.
The railway’s communication manager Sam Langner said the experience is immersive and a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
“It’s based on the book and the movie by Van Allsburg,” Langner said. “When you get on board it’s everything you expect and more. You have chief characters, the conductor, there’s hot chocolate, cookies.”
Joel Elis is one of the conductors who brings the magic of Polar Express to life. He has been with the railway for a year, and this is his first Polar Express season.
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“It’s that magical age between three and five or six, and you can see it in their eyes and that’s what I enjoy about it,” Elis said.
For him, it’s not only his job but a fond memory between him and his son.
“He was about three, so that would have been about 2001,” Elis said. “So we took the Polar Express then, and he’s 27 now.”
It’s that generational shared experience that Langner said brings people back year after year from around the Southwest and the world.
“The ones that came up and enjoyed this experience when they were young are now bringing their family to enjoy it as well,” he said. “But we have folks from around the world that come and experience Polar Express here in Williams.”
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The train’s journey includes the North Pole, where Santa will get on and visit every cart.
“The most exciting part is when Santa shows up,” Elis said. “That’s the most exciting part. I call it pandemonium management.”
When people get off, they keep their golden ticket and the memories.
“That regardless of age if you’re young at heart you’ll really enjoy and it’s something that you can’t find just anywhere,” Elis said.
Day tickets are still available, and people can ride the Grand Canyon Railway to the canyon every day except Christmas. You can find more information about tickets and dates here.
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