Weekend

Texas State Railroad officials invite parents, grandparents and children of all ages to take a magical journey on "The Polar Express" this weekend.

The event will run through Dec. 29.

Tickets for the ride are $16 for children ages 2 to 11, and $24 for ages 12 and older.

Tickets may be reserved by calling the Texas State Railroad reservation line at 1-888-987-2461.

Additional days and times are being added to try to accommodate the number of people wanting to ride, railroad officials said.

While riding the train, patrons will enjoy hot chocolate and treats as the story of "The Polar Express," set to music, is read over the loud speaker.

Then, passengers will visit the brightly lit and decorated North Pole, where Santa will board.

On the trip back to the Palestine depot, passengers will be encouraged to sing Christmas carols.

Children and parents who want to board the train may do so at the Palestine depot through Sunday.

Additional excursions have been added for after Christmas - Dec. 28 and 29 - "to take Santa back to the North Pole." Departure times vary.

Rail Events Inc., a subsidiary of American Heritage Railways, has an agreement with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. to license and help coordinate train ride events for "The Polar Express" across the United States.

For more information on the event, visit www.polarexpressride.com.

Riley Miranda, 2, has his photo taken with Santa Claus while riding the Texas State Railroad's Polar Express.
((Staff Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.))