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There is nothing better than holiday traditions. What will your next one be? Perhaps you try something new every year or maybe you are looking to add a new tradition as your family changes and grows. If you’re looking for something truly fantastic, consider adding a ride on the Polar Express or Santa Steam Train at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum. Starting the day after Thanksgiving and scheduled on weekends through December 17, there are many opportunities to enjoy these local favorites.

The Polar Express

polar express train
The classically adorned interior of the train will enhance anyone’s holiday spirit. Photo credit: Dave LaClair.

Imagine the excitement building in your family as you anticipate this fun adventure. You’ll be filled with joy as you pick up your tickets in the sweet ticket office and gift shop (or tickets also available online). Of course, you know the kids will want a souvenir. And why not? Your purchase will put a big smile on their faces and support this deserving non-profit, volunteer-run organization.

As you wait for your turn to board – not just any old train – but the famous Polar Express, you’ll delight watching the kids play together. Then it’s finally time! Everyone boards the train, giggling with anticipation and excitement. First up is that classic winter beverage – hot cocoa. Then you’ll savor the smell and taste of fresh warm cookies. Afterward, everyone is led in a rousing sing-along of traditional Christmas Carols. Finally, it’s time to kick back, relax and listen to a reading of The Polar Express. The story is delightful, even if you’ve heard it a thousand times.

Once the story is finished, there may be time for more carols before arriving at the North Pole. And then – magic! The man in red himself boards the train – Santa Claus! You’ll get plenty of time with good old Saint Nick as you ride back. He loves listening to kids share their Christmas wishes and this is an experience they’ll never forget. But even more special is when Santa himself gives each child their first present of Christmas.

And don’t worry, with two coaches each holding 55 to 57 guests, the kids are always entertained. While Santa is in one coach talking to the children, the other coach is keeping the party going with more entertainment and Christmas Carol singing.

The Polar Express is a jam-packed hour of fun for the whole family.

Santa Steam Train

santa train
There is no better way to see Santa than aboard the Polar Express and Santa Train! Photo courtesy: Chehalis-Centralia Steam Train.

If you are interested in a different experience or a shorter ride, check out the 30-minute Santa Steam Train. Here Santa boards the train with the kids at the station. Then he rides along the entire time, giving out candy canes and listening to those precious Christmas wishes.

A Look Behind the Scenes

These holiday excursions are just as enjoyable for the volunteers as for the attendees. Eight helpers are on board for each run and an additional five or six are working to clean up and get ready for the next run.

Wanda Thompson, the Chehalis-Centralia Steam Train’s secretary/treasurer, is in charge of the depot and special events on the train. One of Thompson’s favorite memories is watching one very large family ride the train. “A family of 57 reserved a whole coach,” she recalls. “The woman who coordinated it also provided all kids ages ten and under with matching pajamas and nightgowns. There must have been 31 or 32 kids there. That was a really fun one.”

Another memorable experience for Thompson was when a woman, her two children and her mother all bought tickets for the Polar Express. “She called and needed one more ticket because she just received a foster child and didn’t want to go without her. So we worked it out and got her another ticket. The little girl did not like Santa. He went by once, and then when he came back by she decided she liked him and just clung to him. That was really special,” recalls Thompson.

santa train
You’ll be enchanted by the Polar Express train come to life. Photo credit: Dave LaClair.

The Polar Express and Santa Steam Train are beloved by all ages. “We’ve had babies as young as one week old, as well as a lot of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. It’s usually three adults per child on average,” laughs Thompson. “Seniors enjoy it as well and often come by themselves.”

This is a holiday experience you don’t want to miss. The old-fashioned fun of a steam train ride with Santa Claus will create lasting memories for years to come. And who knows? It just may become your next favorite holiday tradition.

Polar Express

Schedule:
November 24 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
November 25 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
November 26 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
December 1 – 7:00 p.m.
December 2 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
December 3 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
December 8 – 7:00 p.m.
December 9 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
December 10 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
December 15 – 7:00 p.m.
December 16 – 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
December 17 – 5:00 p.m.

Prices:
Adults over 16 are $38.
Kids 3-15 are $28.

Children under two can ride for free if they can sit on an adult’s lap. However, if they need a seat, a ticket will need to be purchased for them.

Santa Steam Train

Schedule:
December 2 – 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
December 3 – 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
December 9 – 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
December 10 – 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.

Prices:
Everyone three years old and up is $10.
Children under two are free if they can ride on their parent’s lap.

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