Tickets are now on sale for The Polar Express Train Ride for the coming holiday season on the Sacramento Southern Railroad in Old Sacramento State Historic Park and on the Sierra Railway at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.

Tens of thousands of Northern California families enjoy festive and nostalgic rides aboard The Polar Express Train Ride each holiday season. Pulled by a historic locomotive and headed to the North Pole, dedicated staff and volunteers 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 train ride 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.

The festive and fun train rides kick off on Friday, Nov. 29 at both locations. After that initial holiday weekend, train rides are available Wednesdays through Sundays (in Old Sacramento) and Friday through Sundays (in Jamestown) through Dec. 22. In Old Sacramento, trains depart at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the days the holiday trains are running; in Jamestown, trains depart at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Train ride tickets must be purchased online, and the cost may be dependent on the train car selected and timing of the ride, depending on the location. Tickets are available from as low as $40 per person (coach seats for a group of four matinee departure in Old Sacramento) and as low as $50 per person (coach seats in Jamestown) in addition to a ticket service charge of $6 per ticket. Children under two years of age are free and must be seated on an adult’s lap. Group and first-class experiences are also possible, based on availability.

To find out more information and/or purchase tickets, visit www.californiarailroad.museum or www.railtown1897.org.