All aboard! The popular Polar Express returns Dec. 5 and 6 for its only Canadian visit at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
It's the third time the spectacle has come to Squamish and general manager David Thomson said the newly expanded event will make this year the best yet.
The CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre will be transformed into the "North Pole" with a number of activities to keep the whole family occupied.
Thomson also pointed out that the annual Christmas Craft Fair, which was formerly held at the Brennan Park conference room, will now be at the Roundhouse.
"It's going to be a bigger environment for the crafters and we're thrilled to be hosting them," he said of the fair, which will take place on Dec. 3 and 4.
Thomson said he expects this year's journey on the train to be "magical."
"It's about a 48 to 60 minute trip and we'll have hot chocolate and candies for passengers to nibble on," he said. "The Polar Express story will be read over the sound system and it's just a really fun train ride for people of all ages."
The train goes south down the tracks all the way to the Squamish Estuary and then returns to the railway park.
"There will also be a Santa's Workshop in our North Pole and a number of other Christmas activities going on," said Thomson.
At the workshop, kids will get an opportunity to build things, similar to Santa's elves in the North Pole. There will also be a chance to visit and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and ride the mini-rail.
The park will be adorned with carbon neutral trees by local company Carbonsync, which grows trees specifically for Christmas at a farm in the Fraser Valley.
Carbonsync customers receive a potted, live Christmas tree, which is picked up after the season and given to habitat restoration groups for re-planting.
It's the first year that the company has been on board with the park and Thomson said he's looking forward to the arrangement.
Tickets for the Polar Express are available for purchase by calling 604-898-9336 or by dropping into the park.
Coach seats are $19 for children aged two to 12 and $22 for adults aged 13 and up. Those wanting to splurge can experience the train ride in first class for $32.
The train ride runs Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5 with departure times of 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
