Passengers eagerly waiting to board the Polar Express wave at travelers making their return trip to Williams Depot. The Polar express makes a round trip from Williams Depot and runs until December 22. - Chad Sexton/ The Lumberjack

The Grand Canyon Railway will be running the Polar Express train ride and a visit to a simulated North Pole, inviting people of all ages to experience a Christmas-themed adventure.

From Nov. 6 to Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. (times may vary), the Grand Canyon Railway will host the 17-mile train ride based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express. Pajamas are highly encouraged for the ride.

Director and reservation sales representative of the Grand Canyon Railway, Bruce Brossman, said this year marks the eighth year the Polar Express has been in existence.

“We were the original Polar Express,” Brossman said. “Now there are many around the country where there are shortline railroads.”

With a conductor to greet riders on this hour-long journey to Santa’s village and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies served by Santa’s elves and a chef, the railway appeals to families.

Riders get the full Polar Express experience: the lights are turned off and the Brossman’s book is read over a loud speaker.

Upon arrival in Santa’s village, an announcement is made while Santa and his elf Bernard wave to the passengers.

Then, the dual-engine train changes directions and Santa and his elf leave to be  found later on the train. Santa then hands out the famous jingle bells to children and adults alike. 

Photo opportunities with Santa and Christmas carols conclude the journey to the North Pole and the train rides back to Williams, located about 30 miles north of Flagstaff.

“It’s pretty neat,” Brossman said. “We do a good job and I was amazed. The kids just go nuts.”

Steven Martin, the public relations manager of the Grand Canyon Railway, said tickets usually sell out very quickly, possibly because of the location and word of mouth.

“(Most) Fridays and Saturdays are already sold out,” Martin said.

Each year, the Polar Express admits around 70,000 people. The maximum limit per trip is 960 people. 

Although the Grand Canyon Railway gets international riders, most participants come from Phoenix, Las Vegas and California.

Many people take advantage of the opportunity to visit this annual event.

Frank Dowhan, the facilities manager of the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, said in preparation for the first run on Nov. 6, they have to start decorating extremely early.

“We start decorating at the end of September,” Dowhan said. “We have a polar team dedicated to it. It is quite a bit to set up.”

Pushing close to a million miniature lights, the decorations are worked on by five to seven workers every day.

“This is why it takes so many weeks,” Dowhan said. “They all have to be attached and water(proofed) and they have to take a bit of abuse because of people touching them.”

Dowhan also said they are concerned with being environmentally-friendly and, accordingly, are using all LED lights and setting up many recycling bins throughout the show.

Sarah Kuhn, a sophomore elementary and special education major, has ridden the Polar Express in previous years.

“I thought it was cute for little kids, but I think I was too old,” Kuhn said. “If I had little kids I would go again.”

During the event, Dowhan said their maintenance group helps to provide transportation and a handicap shuttle.

“We are very involved,” Dowhan said. “We get riders on and off the train safely and try and maintain the highest level even though we have so many customers. It will be a fun and responsible event.”

Dowhan said tickets for next year’s rides are already available for purchase.

To purchase tickets  for the train ride, call 1-800-THE TRAIN, or for more information regarding availability this holiday season, visit www.thetrain.com/polarexpress.