For the fifth consecutive holiday season, California State Parks, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are staging The Polar Express Train Ride experiences this holiday season.

The festive train rides start the weekend after Thanksgiving and run on the following dates in 2018: Nov. 23, 24 and 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. Three festive train rides will be available each day the trains are running at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Pulled by the iconic Sierra No. 3 steam locomotive and headed straight to the North Pole, the staff and volunteers at Railtown 1897 SHP go to great lengths to re-create the holiday experience depicted in the classic children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The holiday experience includes keepsake souvenir tickets, hot cocoa, festive holiday cookies, Santa Claus sightings and even the coveted silver bells – the first gift of Christmas for those who still believe in Santa Claus. Additionally, guests who bring their cameras or smartphones can capture memorable holiday photos in the historic Roundhouse.

Tickets are $50 per person for coach seating and $70 per person for First Class seating that includes a commemorative mug (an additional service fee of $6 per ticket or $24 per table will apply at purchase checkout). Children under two years of age are free and must be seated on an adult’s lap.

Advance tickets are available online only at www.railtown1897.org. For questions, call The Polar Express Train Ride hotline at 209-984-3407.