Planning a Polar Express Williams Arizona adventure this Christmas? Here’s everything families need to know before climbing aboard.
Sponsored Content | In partnership with Grand Canyon Railway
All aboard! One of Arizona’s most magical Christmas traditions is back, and if you’ve ever dreamed of stepping inside the pages of The Polar Express, this is your chance.
Every holiday season, the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona, transforms into the beloved Polar Express, taking families on a nighttime journey to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols and a very special visit from Santa Claus.
We took our kids years ago, and it was truly one of those magical Christmas experiences you don’t forget. There’s something about seeing your children dressed in their pajamas, sipping hot chocolate aboard a real train and watching their faces light up when they spot the North Pole. It’s the kind of holiday memory that stays with you long after Christmas morning.
Thinking about taking your family this year? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Polar Express experience in Williams, Arizona.
What to Expect on the Polar Express Train Ride
Your adventure begins at the historic Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams, where families board a train inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book, The Polar Express.
Once aboard, the magic begins!
During the approximately 90-minute round-trip journey, families can expect:
- Hot chocolate and cookies: Just like in the story, passengers are treated to hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.
- A reading of The Polar Express: Follow along as the beloved Christmas story comes to life.
- Christmas carols and holiday cheer: The festive atmosphere makes the journey just as exciting as the destination.
- A visit to the North Pole: Watch out the windows as the train approaches a beautifully illuminated North Pole, where Santa and his reindeer are waiting.
- A special visit from Santa: Santa boards the train to greet passengers and give each child a special keepsake gift.
For little ones who believe in Christmas magic, it’s an experience unlike any other.
Yes, Wear Your Christmas Pajamas!
One of the best parts of the Polar Express experience? Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas! Whether you go all out with matching family Christmas pajamas or let each child pick their favorite cozy pair, dressing for the occasion makes the evening even more memorable. And yes, parents can wear pajamas, too!
A tip from our family: Bring warm coats and comfortable shoes to wear over your pajamas. Williams gets chilly during the winter, especially after dark. While the train cars are heated, you’ll want those extra layers while waiting to board and exploring the depot.
Polar Express Tickets and Prices for 2026
The Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express operates on select dates from November 6, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
There are two evening departures:
- 5:30 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m.
Each round-trip ride lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Ticket prices vary depending on the date, with lower rates generally available on select earlier-season and weekday departures.
2026 ticket prices:
| Ticket type | Adults (16+) | Children (2–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Value | $64.99 | $49.99 |
| Standard | $74.99 | $59.99 |
| Holiday Limited | $84.99 | $69.99 |
Prices are per person, before applicable taxes and fees. Check the booking calendar for specific dates and availability.
Book early! Popular December dates, especially weekends and the days leading up to Christmas, can fill quickly.
Purchase Polar Express Tickets
Make It an Overnight Christmas Getaway
If you’re traveling from the Phoenix area, Williams is approximately a three-hour drive, making the Polar Express a fun holiday getaway.
Families can book a Polar Express package through Grand Canyon Railway that includes:
- One night’s stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
- Round-trip Polar Express tickets
- Dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant
- Breakfast the following morning
The hotel is conveniently located next to the train depot, so there’s no need to drive anywhere after your evening adventure.
Staying overnight also gives families extra time to explore Williams, enjoy the holiday atmosphere and experience historic Route 66.
More Holiday Fun Before You Board
The fun doesn’t have to wait until the train pulls into the station!
Grand Canyon Railway offers additional holiday activities around the depot, including story time with Mrs. Claus, photo opportunities with Mr. Claus and a Naughty or Nice Meter where kids can find out which list they might be on.
You may even encounter wandering elves or the Polar Express Hobo!
Plan to arrive early so your family can enjoy the festivities, pick up tickets and take plenty of photos before boarding.
Tips for Taking Kids on the Polar Express
A little planning can make your North Pole adventure even more magical.
Choose the departure that works for your kids. We booked the later departure when we went, and while we had a wonderful time, in hindsight I wish we’d chosen the earlier train. With little kids, a 7:30 p.m. departure means you’re not finishing until around 9 p.m., which can make for some very tired passengers! If you’re traveling with toddlers or preschoolers, I’d definitely recommend considering the 5:30 p.m. departure. You’ll still get the nighttime magic without pushing bedtime quite so late.
Read the book before you go. If your kids aren’t familiar with The Polar Express, reading it together before your trip makes the experience even more exciting. You can even bring your copy along to follow the story aboard the train.
Arrive early. Grand Canyon Railway recommends arriving approximately 90 minutes before departure for train-only guests. Boarding begins about 15 minutes before the train leaves.
Bring warm layers. Pajamas are part of the fun, but Williams can be very cold in November and December. Pack jackets, hats and warm shoes.
Plan for food allergies. The complimentary cookies and hot chocolate are not dairy-, gluten- or nut-free. Families with dietary restrictions are welcome to bring their own treats.
Keep the stroller at the depot. Strollers can be parked outside the depot, and the railway recommends bringing only what you need aboard the train.
Don’t forget your camera! From the excitement of boarding to the moment Santa appears, there are plenty of opportunities to capture special family memories.
Is the Polar Express Worth It?
If your family loves Christmas traditions, trains or the magic of Santa Claus, the Polar Express is a wonderful experience to consider.
It’s more than a train ride. It’s the excitement of getting dressed in pajamas, heading out after dark, sipping hot chocolate together and watching a favorite Christmas story come to life.
Our kids absolutely loved it when we went, and it’s one of those holiday outings I still remember fondly years later.
The toys under the tree may eventually be forgotten, but experiences like this have a way of becoming treasured family memories.
Plan Your 2026 Polar Express Adventure
Location: Grand Canyon Railway Depot, Williams, Arizona
Dates: November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (select dates)
Departure times: 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Ride duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Tickets: Starting at $49.99 for children ages 2–15 and $64.99 for adults, before taxes and fees
Website: Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express
Grab your Christmas pajamas, gather the family and get ready for a magical journey to the North Pole!
This article is sponsored by Grand Canyon Railway. All opinions and personal experiences are our own.
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