Photos: Saratoga & North Creek Railway
As the shopping malls get busier and busier, families can escape the crowds for an Adirondack getaway promising sing-alongs and Santa aboard everyone’s favourite holiday train.
The Saratoga & North Creek Railway Polar Express departs Saratoga Train Depot and transports guests to the North Pole on an unforgettable story-book journey complete with hot chocolate, dancing chefs and vintage dome train cars.
At the North Pole, Santa and his helper elf board the train for the return trip, greeting each child with holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas – a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring. Passengers then join in Christmas caroling.
A Family Getaway Holiday Package pairs Polar Express train tickets with hotel accommodations at a choice of three Saratoga Springs hotels for a weekend getaway or mid-week escape.
Package prices begin at $105 per person, based on double occupancy, and include standard seats aboard Saratoga & North Creek Railway’s The Polar Express; one-night at either the Courtyard Marriot, Saratoga Downtowner, or The Inn at Saratoga; 10 per cent off at Circus Café plus complimentary, homemade cotton candy; and a steam train collectible ornament plus one coloring book per child.
Amtrak is also providing an economic deals to travel to Saratoga Springs on the scenic Adirondack route running between New York and Montreal.
Polar Express departures take place at 5:30p.m. and 7:30p.m. daily, until January 6.