Are you planning a family trip to The Polar Express or The North Pole Experience?
ALL ABOARD! The holidays are always so much fun and there are so many activities to see and do! Years ago we started a family tradition of visiting the Grand Canyon railway in Williams , Arizona. Each year they have a fun filled experience called THE POLAR EXPRESS. The Polar express is a fun adventure for all ages! Curious and want to hear all about it? Below you will find some helpful tips and more info about booking your very own Winter Wonderland family adventure!
Oh please tell me more!
I thought I would put this together for all you patents that are on the search for fun family activities to do in the Winter. I’m sure by now that most of you have heard about both these fun Holiday events. But, do you know all the details? Here is some info to help you out!
BTW… I have to admit, I was a little teary eyed putting this together! My boys were so little here in these photos! Time sure does fly by! Blessed to have these memories though!
Williams, Arizona
Williams is a small town located near Flagstaff, Arizona. People flock from all over the World to ride the Grand Canyon Railway which is a direct route to the Grand Canyon. Stay at the Grand Canyon Hotel and hop on the train and head to view the beauty that the Canyon has to offer!
During the Holidays the Railway has their special event; “The Polar Express train”. Williams, Az is so beautiful during all Seasons. Even more of a treat during the Winter when its turns into a Winter Wonderland! Holiday lights, hot cocoa and Snow is always a treat! There are a few hotels and restaurants located in town. Williams also has many other great family activities within a short distance. I recommend Spending 2 days in the area.
Lodging
Most visitors opt to stay at the Grand Canyon Railway. It is a hotel and restaurant on the same property as the railway. They also offer “packages” for their guests. More info on the link below. https://bit.ly/37RyLzf
Polar Express
The Polar Express is fun for all ages young and old! All aboard!!!
Each guest receives a “keepsake ticket” as you board the train and head to “The North Pole”. Along the way you sing, dance, laugh and even get to meet Jolly old Saint Nick! Santa and his helpers greet you, they read the famous Polar Express story to you and even had out a few goodies and treats (snack & also a very special keepsake)!!!
You also have the opportunity to visit Santas workshop before or after the train ride. Meet Mr. & Mrs.Claus for photos, grab some snacks and enjoy the activities that are offered. It is a fun experience for the whole family!
The Polar Express is a train ride, operated by Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel, that recreates the classic holiday story, by Chris Van Allsburg- The Polar express. The train departs from Williams, Arizona at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Only two departure times means that The Polar Express sells out quickly! After the train leaves the station it enters a magical tunnel that transports you from Williams to the North Pole. Outside you’ll see Santa’s village and then the Jolly Old Man in the red suit himself gets on the train and visits each car and each family. The kids love this!
They do offer Christmas Eve and Christmas Day train rides.
We enjoyed this event for many years. Its a great Family tradition to start!
PS.- for added fun, grab some matching PJs for your trip! Amazon has a great selection! https://amzn.to/2SbWvHT
Have you had a chance to check it out?
8 TIPS FOR THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE IN ARIZONA
- Book as early in the Year as possible
- Book the Hotel/Train Package for convenience
- Check in Early & enjoy some family time
- Wear Pajamas on the Train
- Be patient, some days there are a lot of families
- FOOD ALLERGY- bring alternative snack (cookie /cocoa) for children with food allergies
- Pick the Earlier Time for Younger Children
- Enjoy outdoor activities before or after train ride
- Don’t forget Pictures with Santa
- PACK WARM CLOTHES!!!
Over the years… he still loved ringing that bell!
https://www.thetrain.com/events/polar-express/
Flagstaff, Arizona
One of my favorite Mountain towns! Yes, Arizona does have Mountains that are full of Snow during the Winter! Flagstaff is a funky and hip College town. Lots to see and do! Fun shops, eclectic places to browse and good food!!
There are also tons of options for lodging. You can stay in a cabin, airbnb or a hotel. Flagstaff is a quick drive to Williams, Arizona. We normally stay in town and drive to Williams for the day. One of our favorite places to stay is at https://bit.ly/2vEZ1ic
Drury Inn is right next to the University. My Family and I love it because the rooms are clean and comfortable. My kids nicknamed the hotel “The POPCORN hotel”! You can probably guess why! They serve POPCORN!!! There is a self serve popcorn machine in the lobby and the kids love it! Mom and Dad love it for several more reasons… They offer a great breakfast buffet as well as evening “appetizer reception”. Oh and don’t let me forget….. HAPPY HOUR!!!! Even better it is INCLUDED in your stay!!!! When in the area I highly recommend to check this place out.
Activities-
There are many family activities to do in the area. Snowbowl- skiing and sledding are also close by. You can also drive a few hours to some of Arizonas other tourist spots. Flagstaff also has some amazing restaurants!
North Pole Experience
North Pole experience is another great family activity. I highly recommend this for younger children. Its very interactive and kids love it! The ‘Trolley Launch Station” is located at Little America Hotel. The Hotel was recently remodeled in the last few years and it is beautiful.https://bit.ly/2SfvtPI
After waiting to board the Trolley, you are ready to take off on your adventure! Families are transported into a magical world!
- The North Pole Experience is located in a building near a wooded Flagstaff area that has been recreated into Santa’s Workshop. A “trolley” (a tour bus) takes families on a short ride from the Little America Hotel through a “magical portal” (a winding road surrounded by trees) from Flagstaff to the North Pole. Once at the North Pole, the trolley makes a stop at Santa’s Workshop for a intimate tour of Santa’s very own magical area. Friendly, perky elves escort visitors through different rooms of the workshop: a toy factory where kids can create their own teddybear, Mrs. Claus’s bakery to enjoy milk and cookies, Elf University, Santa’s mailroom where children write a letter to St. Nick, and Santa’s sleigh hanger where little ones look around in awe at the North Pole command center as shadows of reindeer walk overhead. From the hanger, each family is taken into a visiting area where Santa himself spends time with the family members.
- The North Pole Experience is interactive, with an activity at each stop, so kids are allowed to touch, talk, and be kids. The elves give a short presentation at the beginning of each room visit, but soon after you’ll be up and walking around while doing that room’s activity. Strollers aren’t allowed and you’ll need to carry your things during the tour.
- The North Pole Experience has more time options than The Polar Express, offering tours from 8 am to 8 pm on weekends and later in the day on weekdays. More options means that you’re more likely to be able to go to The North Pole Experience than The Polar Express, but popular time slots do fill up quickly.
- Some people wear pajamas, Some don’t. So you’re good either way!
- The Little America Hotel is family-friendly and has a beautiful Christmas light display, so many families choose to spend the night there. Like The Polar Express and The North Pole Experience, Little America fills up fast so book your rooms early. Since Flagstaff isn’t a large city, most hotels are a short drive to The polar. Many families also make this a day trip.
- I would suggest to NOT do both the POLAR EXPRESS and North Pole EXPERIENCE in the same day!!! One year- we learned the hard way! Way too much activity for the lils!
https://flagstaff.littleamerica.com/north-pole-experience/
Lodging
Like I mentioned above, there are a few places to stay in Williams and many hotels available in Flagstaff. If you prefer to rent a cabin, check out airbnb and save $30 with this link- https://www.airbnb.com/c/christyo2?currency=USD
Over the years..
Over the years we enjoyed both these events. Now that my boys are a “tween” and adult, we have started a new tradition. Last year we went to Colorado. Check out my blog on our adventures-https://www.chasingthesunshineblog.com/family-fun-in-denver/
https://www.chasingthesunshineblog.com/adventures-in-denver/
TIP- Pack accordingly to the Weather. It does get chilly! Activities start up in November but if you are looking for a snowy adventure, I recommend the second week in December.
I hope this helps guide you on some ideas and helpful tips for your families trip to the Polar Express in Williams, Arizona or The Polar Experience in Flagstaff.
Blessings…
xo Christy
