Polar Express Making Journey through the Smoky Mountains en route to the "North Pole"

By Jeaneane Payne

The Polar Express is making its way through the Great Smoky Mountains on journey to the "North Pole." A 75-minute train ride departs from Bryson City several times a day from November 4 through Christmas Eve on its way for a visit at the North Pole.

The journey takes you through quiet wilderness and mountain vistas. Guests on board will enjoy warm hot chocolate and a treat as they listen to and read along with a story of a magical train ride on Christmas Eve. Sounds of the motion picture soundtrack will be heard throughout the trip.

Written in 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is a story about a train that takes a young boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus. The book became a contemporary holiday classic which sold over 6 million copies worldwide. An animated movie version made the big screen in 2004 when Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. reunited the Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad began operating The Polar Express in the same year. Over 30,000 passengers rode The Polar Express with GSMR in 2010.

As the train arrives at the North Pole, children will find Santa Claus waiting. He will board The Polar Express and greet each child as he gives them a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell.

The Polar Express depot in Bryson City, NC

On the return trip to the Bryson City Depot, Christmas carols will be sung.

Ticket prices begin at $39 for adults and $26 for children ages 2-12. Children under two years old ride complimentary. For more information and reservations please call 800-872-4681 or visit www.GSMR.com. Premium rates apply to Nov 25-27, Dec 17-23 and all Saturday trains.

Crown Class ticket prices are $49 for Adults, $36 for children 2-12 and $10 for less than two years. First Class seating upgrades are available. Each guest will receive a deluxe serving of warm cocoa in a souvenir POLAR EXPRESS mug and other treats in addition to the standard offerings. Upgrade to First Class at $59 for adults and $41 for children. Children under two years old are $15.

Ride THE POLAR EXPRESS Christmas Eve Limited for an evening you will never forget! Each guest will receive a special Christmas souvenir. Adult ticket prices are $51 and children 2-12 are $37. First Class seating upgrades are also available. Adult ticket prices are $72, children 2-12 are $50 and $20 for less than two years.

*All ticket fares subject to 4% Historic Preservation Fee. Premium rates apply to premium dates.

Smoky Mountain Trains Museum admission is included with all train excursion tickets. Without train excursion admission is $9 for Adults and $5 for Children.

Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters. ™ & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Publishd November 6, 2011