Enjoy A Magical Polar Express Train Ride Aboard Grand Canyon Railway In Arizona

The weather is getting chillier by the day in parts of the state and some people are even starting to get into the holiday spirit. If you are looking for a magical way to bring on Christmas in your household, you might want to consider leaving the house for one special train ride. Your kids can change into their favorite pajamas, enjoy sweet treats, watch live entertainment, and even meet the big guy himself, Santa. Check out the Polar Express train ride in Arizona for the ultimate holiday extravaganza.

Hop aboard the Polar Express, based on the Chris Van Allsburg picture book by the same name and hosted by the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams.

If you never had the opportunity to read the award-winning book, you can read a quick summary here. The basic plot is about a boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole and later receives a humble gift from Santa.

This train ride is chance for kids to re-live the book, enjoy Santa's favorite snacks (any guesses to what those may be?), and read the story again or for the first time.

Much like the book, kids and their family get to experience some pretty cool entertainment and even have a chance to speak with Santa face to face.

The trip starts from the depot in Williams and slowly makes its way through the woods, which looks especially pretty on a snowy day, and eventually you'll reach...

...the North Pole!

Here, you'll encounter Santa, workers in the village, and receive a gift from Santa himself.

Overall, the entire trip takes about 90 minutes, just long enough for most kids' attention spans.

The entire ride is one incredibly magical journey, especially for the children.

Here’s a short video produced by the Grand Canyon Railway that shows what you’ll encounter on a typical ride.

Looks amazing, doesn’t it? It makes me wish there was something like this when I was a kid!

This Polar Express train ride in Arizona is hosted by Grand Canyon Railway, located in Williams. Rides start at $25 for children and $35 for adults. Details on pricing and booking a trip can be found on their website, www.thetrain.com.

Not sure you want to sit on a train with a ton of children fawning over Santa? You can enjoy another train ride in a reasonably quieter environment with the Verde Canyon Railroad. Read up on the ride in Take This Fall Foliage Tran Ride Through Arizona For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience.