Actors ready to bring smiles to children’s faces while onboard the “Polar Express”

On Nov. 16, the Mount Rainier Railroad will begin its annual train ride to “The North Pole.” Families from all over Washington come up to the mountain to experience the trains’ reenactment of the 2004 film “The Polar Express.”

According to the Mount Rainier Railroad’s website, families can expect to feel like they are in a winter wonderland filled with hot cocoa, cookies and a lot of smiles. Everyone is encouraged to come in his or her pajamas for a more comforting experience and to join in on the holiday tradition. When the train arrives at the “North Pole”, Santa will board the train and give each child a silver sleigh bell, their first gift of Christmas.

“A delightful holiday tradition and outing for families around the country, The Polar Express train ride has become a highly popular event series for the (Mount Rainier Railroad) and its sister railroads, and one which continues to garner more interest nationwide with each passing year,” CEO of American Heritage Railways Allen C. Harper said. “These charming excursions bring immense enjoyment to families visiting the Mt. Rainier area. Additionally, these special events further validate the MRRR’s deep commitment to staging fun, family-friendly excursions which are enjoyable for parents and children alike, and offer distinctive, memorable experiences for guests of all ages that last a lifetime.”

American Heritage Railways is the parent company of the Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum and Rail Events Inc. on the railroad’s website.

This is a great community event as it is child friendly so parents do not have to worry about their children not having any fun. Plus, who doesn’t love a train ride through our beautiful Mount Rainier? Customers also have the choice to choose between an old-fashioned steam engine and an up-to-date diesel engine.

“The best part is being able to see the kids’ cheerful faces and also being able to act funny to put the cheer on their faces,” Polar Express Cast Member Jordan Remynse said. “There really isn’t anything hard about working on the Polar Express. It’s so much fun.”

Remynse has been an employee and cast member for the Mount Rainier Railroad since the company started in 2016.

“I auditioned for the Polar Express because I wanted to help bring in the spirit of Christmas,” Nicole Howell, a first time cast member, said.

The cast members want to be a part of this holiday tradition and bring smiles to the faces of many.

Coming from far away? Not to worry, Elbe and the surrounding areas have multiple lodging choices for you and you will find many restaurants in the area as well.

The Polar Express runs most days until Dec. 31 and the average hours of operation are at 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. For more information, hours of operation and to purchase tickets, call (360) 492-6000 or e-mail info@mtrainierrailroad.com. You can also view prices and reserve your tickets online at http://mtrainierrailroad.com.