Meet Santa Aboard The ‘North Pole Express’ Heber Valley Railroad

The historic Heber Valley Railroad is offering a “North Pole Express” train ride that has strong family appeal.

For many years the railroad offered a train ride themed around the “Polar Express” story. That tradition has ended, but the new ride is providing comparable entertainment.

The event focuses on children. They are encouraged to wear pajamas. Along the way they receive treats and gifts and eventually meet Santa, as the train makes its way along the historic route.

The Daily Herald has this new article describing the train ride. Below are excerpts.

As we arrived at the “North Pole” we spotted Santa waving from a picturesque scene of lit Christmas trees. Santa then boarded the train and paid a visit with each child. Santa took his time with each child, posing for photos and making sure everyone was being good and listening to their mothers. All the tiny tots aboard our train car definitely had eyes all aglow as Santa made his way through. It’s moments like these that help you understand what they’re talking about in those Christmas songs.

This year, passengers are serenaded by local choirs. The night we rode the train, we were entertained by small groupings from the Wasatch High School Choir all wearing red scarves and gloves, singing silly songs like “I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ for Christmas” and kid-friendly songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” plus traditional songs like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and “Carol of the Bells.”