Get ready to go!
Much like the book and movie, you can expect a lively bunch of elves, chefs, and other characters to provide constant entertainment. Photo-opts galore as you are encouraged to sing, dance, and act out old fashioned holiday songs, and read along to The Night Before Christmas. Fill up on chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate provided by Santa's chefs just before you arrive at the North Pole.
Upon arrival to Santa's Village, the train will fill with anticipation as Santa makes his way through the cars, visiting every boy, girl, mom, and dad, leaving them with a special gift. Santa will visit each car as the train returns to the Williams Depot.
Getting There: Williams is located about 30 miles west of Flagstaff along Interstate 40. If you're coming from Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff. As you get close to the city you can take I-40 west to Williams. Look for Exit 163, exit and go south on Grand Canyon Blvd. about a one-half mile. The property will be on the wet side of the street. From Phoenix, the trip is about two and one-half hours, but could take a little longer depending on weather conditions. To learn about current driving conditions, visit ADOT's website with up-to-date conditions.
An alternate way: If the roads are closed near Flagstaff, consider taking I-17 north and exit at Cherry Road on Highway 169 toward Prescott, which will eventually merge with Highway 69. Drive through Prescott and look for Highway 89 going north through Chino Valley. you'll end up on I-40, just west of Williams. Simply make a right on I-40 and travel about a mile until you see Exit 163.
Ticket Pick up: Tickets will be available at will-call inside the historic Williams Depot. In year's past, tickets were mailed in advance of travel, however, all tickets will be available via will-call this year. The guest who was responsible for payment will need to present a photo I.D. to receive train tickets.
Arrival time - train only guests: It's recommended arriving at least one hour before departure. This should provide enough time to pack up tickets at will-call and be ready to board The Polar Express. The train will begin boarding 15 minutes before departure. You can certainly pick up your tickets earlier. Tickets will be available at 11:00 a.m. on the day of your departure.
Arrival time - with hotel package: The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the Williams Depot. You can begin checking in at the hotel at 3:00 p.m. After you check in, you can pick up your tickets at will-call inside the Williams Depot. Dinner and breakfast at the Grand Depot Cafe, also located next to the hotel, is included in your package. if you're on the 6:30 p.m. departure, it's recommended arriving to Williams around 4:00 p.m. so you can check in, pick up your train tickets, and have plenty of time for dinner.
Allowed on the train: The passenger cars have luggage racks near the ceiling so feel free to grin coats, diaper bags, camera bags, backpacks, and anything else you need. Even though the cars have luggage racks, it's recommended you only bring what you really need on the train. Strollers ca be parked outside the depot. There is a limited amount of space in the vestibules (between the cars) on the train, but Grand Canyon Railway recommends parking strollers by the depot as there are plenty of covered areas. No alcoholic beverages are permitted aboard The Polar Express! Adult beverages are available inside the hotel at Spenser's Pub.
Hours of the Grand Depot Cafe: During Polar Express, the restaurant will be open for dinner from 4;00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Breakfast will be open at 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Parking: Parking is free and is available around the hotel and depot complex. There is a lot east of Grand Canyon Blvd. as you enter the Railway's complex as well as parking wet of the hotel. You may want to budge a few minutes extra to find parking as there will be as many as 3,000 people on property. |
