D&SNGRR News:
DURANGO, Colo. – The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) announces the return of The Polar Express™ Train Ride for the 2024 holiday season.
The festive journey begins Friday, Nov. 22, and runs most days through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
This beloved experience brings to life the holiday classic, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, through an immersive, theatrical re-creation. Families board the historic steam train, painted like the one from the book and movie, and beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Departing from the downtown Durango Depot, the vintage steam locomotive transports passengers through winter landscapes on the way to the North Pole. Onboard, guests enjoy readings from the book while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Upon arrival at the North Pole, a dazzling light show set to holiday music delights passengers. On the return trip, Santa and his elves board the train, visiting each coach to present the first gift of Christmas to every passenger.
The roundtrip journey lasts approximately 65 minutes. However, guests should plan on spending at least 2 hours to enjoy the full experience, including a holiday-themed display at the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum and optional photos with Santa following the train ride. Passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas to capture the Christmas spirit and dress in layers for warmth, although the train cars are heated.
The Polar Express™ starts Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, and operates most days through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, with multiple evening departures. The train will not operate Nov. 28, Dec. 2-4, Dec. 9-10, or Dec. 25.
Adult ticket prices range from $39 to $93, while children’s tickets range from $29 to $83, depending on the train, class of service and date. Guests can enjoy savings by booking a “value” day for the Polar Express on select dates, subject to availability. Reservations may be made online: durangotrain.com/events/the-polar-express-train-ride/.
About Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad established Durango in 1881 to supply miners working in the San Juan Mining District. Since then, the narrow gauge railway has connected passengers to the rugged wilderness and high-mountain landscapes of the San Juan Mountains for over 142 years. Voted “Best Scenic Train Ride” by USA Today, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) is a registered historical landmark by the National Park Service and attracts thousands of visitors annually. Passengers can experience the historic charm of the 1880s, discovering Colorado’s colorful pioneering and mining histories while exploring some of the state’s most scenic and impressive terrain. D&SNGRR offers year-round excursions to Silverton from May to November and to Cascade Canyon in the winter. Learn more at durangotrain.com.