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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

November 10 – December 23, 2023

  • November 21, 2023
  • 5:10 pm

Do You Believe? THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Returns to GALVESTON

 

GALVESTON, TX – With the holidays quickly approaching, the Galveston Railroad Museum is celebrating the return of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride on GALVESTON ISLAND! This immersive family-oriented experience hosted over 1.4 million riders at 54 locations in the US, Canada, and the UK in 2019. Popular dates and times are expected to fill quickly, but seats are now available for departures beginning NOVEMBER 10 and continuing through DECEMBER 23. Tickets go on sale August 22 at www.GalvestonRRMuseum.org and guests are encouraged to book soon as this beloved holiday tradition is expected to sell out.

The adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a one-hour trip to meet Santa. Once on board, the conductor will work his way through the coach and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment – just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Just like the kids in the book, families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!

Located in the heart of historic downtown Galveston, the Galveston Railroad Museum  celebrates their 4th year of presenting this popular family friendly event where pajamas are encouraged!! Kids of all ages will begin their experience in the train depot to begin their journey and then board the train for a trip to the North Pole. All aboard! Golden tickets are checked by the conductor to kick off the fun with live performances, a special appearance by Santa Claus, hot cocoa and cookies, and at peak at the North Pole arrival where Santa and his helpers are busy preparing for Christmas. The fun continues upon return to the train depot for photo ops and visits with Santa and his helpers. A family tradition for some, the Polar Express Experience is the perfect way to immerse yourself into the holiday spirit. 

Refreshments and light food fare are available at the Whistle Stop Café and Riondo’s Food Truck located in the Garden of Steam. 

The Galveston Railroad Museum is open daily 10 – 5 year ‘round for visitors to enjoy exhibits, learn about the history of the railroad, and immerse themselves in the golden age of rail. A full range of exclusive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ gifts and keepsakes are available for purchase at the museum store - the perfect place to do your holiday shopping before or as you exit the railyard after your ride. 

Exact dates, times, and fares are available by visiting www.GalvestonRRMuseum.org  Ticket prices range from $30 (Coach) to $100 (Premium), depending on the date and time of the ride. 

Credentialed press members and influencers covering the event are welcome to complimentary tickets during opening night. Please contact M.J. Naschke at MJ@MJNPR.COM to reserve tickets for your group if you qualify.

About THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Inc. Since 2007, Rail Events Inc. has held exclusive license to operate THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

About THE POLAR EXPRESS Book

THE POLAR EXPRESS film is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic Christmas picture book, which tells the story of a boy who takes a magical Christmas Eve train ride to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa. First published by the Houghton Mifflin Company in 1985, The Polar Express became an instant family favorite and has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. In 1986 it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Illustration.   

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, the Wizarding World, Looney Tunes, and Hanna-Barbera.

The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Rail Events Inc.

Rail Events Inc. is the industry leader in rail-related special events management. In 2019, the company licensed events that hosted over 1.4 million guests at 54 partner railroads in the US, Canada, and the UK. Rail Events Inc. and Rail Events Productions are wholly owned subsidiaries of American Heritage Railways, which is the premier operator of heritage railroads in the United States.

About Galveston Railroad Museum

Located in the heart of historic downtown Galveston, the Galveston Railroad Museum  celebrates their 4th year of presenting this popular family friendly event where pajamas are encouraged!! Kids of all ages will begin their experience in the train depot to begin their journey and then board the train for a trip to the North Pole. All aboard! Golden tickets are checked by the conductor to kick off the fun with live performances, a special appearance by Santa Claus, hot cocoa and cookies, and at peak at the North Pole arrival where Santa and his helpers are busy preparing for Christmas. The experience continues upon return to the train depot for photo ops and visits with Santa and his helpers. A family tradition for some, the Polar Express Experience is the perfect way to immerse yourself into the holiday spirit. 

The Galveston Railroad Museum is open daily 10 – 5 year ‘round for visitors to enjoy exhibits, learn about the history of the railroad, and immerse themselves in the golden age of rail. A full range of exclusive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ gifts and keepsakes are available for purchase at the museum store - the perfect place to do your holiday shopping before or as you exit the railyard after your ride. 

About ETC (East End Theater Company)

Galveston’s own ETC Theater shines as the performing cast of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Professional actors and set designers have partnered with the Galveston Railroad Museum to make the event truly magical. ETC, Galveston’s only live theater venue, presents world class performances each season. Located at 2317 Mechanic, directly across from The Tremont House, the cast brings home a memorable, magical experience. 

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