Ticket sales brisk for upcoming Polar Express

By BETH FOLEY

PALESTINE — Tickets sales are booming for the upcoming Polar Express trains at the Texas State Railroad, according to railroad officials.

As of Thursday morning, the ticket office had taken orders for more than 18,500 tickets, with sales expected at 25,000, said TSRR general manager Chapman Boaz.

Although talk of an economic slowdown has consumers watching their spending, tourist railroads around the country are reporting strong ticket sales for the Polar Express, which is designed to give riders the experiences described in the popular children’s book and movie.

“It’s not just us,” Boaz said. “The Polar Express is successful around the country. Everybody’s numbers are fantastic.”

Boaz said he thinks parents and grandparents are opting to give children the gift of an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime, rather than a toy that might not be played with for long.

“Kids get presents,” Boaz said. “Parents are looking at the experience of family time together that no one will be able to throw away.”

Currently, workers are readying Santa’s North Pole Village for the special Polar Express trains, Boaz said.

Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their books to follow along as the story of the Polar Express is read aloud on board the train as it makes its way to the North Pole. Hot chocolate will be served, carols sung and children will be able to meet Santa.

And, as in author Chris Van Allsburg’s story, children receive a special gift from Santa if they believe.

In addition, a food court with four different vendors will be offered this year in a heated tent, Boaz said.

The Polar Express trains will be Nov. 22, 28-30; Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 17-23, with special school runs on Dec. 4 and 11. After Christmas, the Polar Express will take Santa back to the North Pole on Dec. 26 and 27.

The Polar Express will depart the Palestine Depot at 5:10 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 5:10 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays.

Extra days and times may be added if needed, Boaz said.

“We still have tickets available,” he said. “We might add some more. Saturdays sell out. We may add an 8:15 p.m. train on Sunday nights.”

On Fridays, Sundays and weekdays, general seating is $18 for children ages 2-11 and $28 for ages 12 and up. For climate controlled seating, tickets are $19 for children and $32 for adults.

On Saturdays, general seating is $19 for children and $34 for adults and climate controlled seating is $19 for children and $36 for adults.

First class tickets, a new option for this Christmas season, are now sold out for the current dates.

For ticket information or to place an order, call 1-888-987-2461 or visit the railroad’s Polar Express Web site at www.texasstaterr.com/polarexpress.php or the Rail Events Inc. Polar Express Web site at www.polarexpressride.com.

Rail Events Inc. has signed a license agreement with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. to license and help coordinate train ride events around the country based on the movie and book. Rail Events is owned by American Heritage Railways.

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Beth Foley may be contacted via e-mail at bfoley@palestineherald.com

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On the Net:

Texas State Railroad, http://www.texasstaterr.com

Rail Events Inc.’s Polar Express Web site, http://www.polarexpressride.com

American Heritage Railways/Rail Events Inc., http://americanheritagerailways.com/corporate-family.html