Polar Express Tickets on Sale October 3rd | Community Spirit

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) has released October 3rd as the date that the popular Polar Express™ tickets will be sold to the general public for the 2011 season.  Tickets will be sold through the railroad’s website at http://www.cvsr.com/ starting at 6 am.  The Polar Express will be offered from November 17 through December 20, 2011 from the Rockside Station in Independence and the Akron Northside Station.  New this year is the addition of two afternoon matinee departures on December 17 and 18.

This holiday program is based on Chris Van Alsburg’s Caldecott-winning book and Warner Bros. motion picture, The Polar Express TM, where a young boy’s trip to the North Pole revives his belief in the Christmas spirit.

Tickets for this enjoyable event will be $38 for everyone ages 1 and up for standard seating and $43 - $68 for an upgraded ticket (available on select nights).  Processing fees will also apply.   “CVSR looks forward to another exciting season of the Polar Express.  The countless hours put in by elves, Santa and staff are rewarded in the expressions on children’s faces.  We feel honored to be able to bring this program to Northeast Ohio,” commented Steve Wait, President and CEO of the railroad. 

Trips depart nightly at 7 p.m. and return at 9 p.m. – with the addition of the two new matinees times which will be 10 am – 12 p.m. on December 17 & 18 only.

The Polar Express is offered in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and through a license agreement with Rail Events, Inc.   It has been an on-going tradition for families across Northeast Ohio for over 16 years.

Additionally, CVSR   will be collecting winter clothing for local charities at the Rockside Station and Akron Northside Station during the Polar Express Season.  Polar Express train riders can make a difference in the lives of others by bringing new or gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves to the train the night of their program. These items will then be given to local charities to assist those who may need a little help and warmth this holiday season. Charities wishes to participate in the program can contact the railroad at cvsr@cvsr.com.

CVSR is a private sector, not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) volunteer supported organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park and is dedicated to the preservation of passenger rail transportation in Cuyahoga Valley and the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway. CVSR will be celebrating its 40th anniversary of  providing excursion rail service.  For more information about the railroad, visit http://www.cvsr.com/ .

CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/cuva/ or www.dayinthevalley.com/ or call (216) 524-1497 or (800) 445-9667.