A Magical Family Adventure on the Polar Express Arizona 2025

We love to crank the Christmas magic all the way up, so we surprised the kids with the Polar Express Arizona train ride! Yes, the real one that feels straight out of the movie. And if you’re planning your own Polar Express adventure, this guide gives you everything you need to know to make it just as magical for your family. We’re big on holiday adventures in this family, so this was the ultimate upgrade to our usual festive travels.

And let’s be real: Christmas for parents is busy, expensive, and just a little unhinged. But for kids? It’s pure sparkle. The best gift I get every year is seeing that wide-eyed wonder on my babies’ faces. Nothing beats watching them soak in the season's whimsy. It’s exactly why we choose experiences over mountains of toys, and why we try to pack our December calendar with as much fun as possible. If you’re the same way, you’ll love some of our other holiday adventures I’ve shared over on the blog.

To get in the spirit, we had the Polar Express movie running on a nonstop loop for a week. Meanwhile, my husband was serving full Grinch energy: “I hope I don’t have to drive in the snow.” “Eight hours in the car with the kids?” Blah, blah, blah. Lucky for him, I’m a professional memory-maker. We went, we laughed, we made magic, and yes, we’re absolutely doing it again.

The Polar Express Arizona is a very popular activity and books up fast. In fact, my sister and I booked our package about six months prior to our trip. The package saves you 10% and includes your Polar Express tickets as well as our accommodations and buffet dinner.

I recommend booking well in advance, not only to ensure your spot on this magical train, but who wants to spend that kind of money right before Christmas? Book early so the monetary burden isn’t so intense.

There is a way to save money by booking cheaper accommodations that are really nice, like Best Western in Williams. We've stayed there during our Route 66 road trip, and have a full review of the Best Western Plus in Williams.

It is super cold, like freezing in the winter, but there are some cool glamping sites near the Grand Canyon that are family-friendly. But you might want to wait for a fall or spring trip for glamping.

However, if you want the full experience, I recommend The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, because it not only enhances The Polar Express Williams, AZ experience, it makes life a whole lot easier for families. Everything is easily accessible from the hotel, including dining, shops, and the railway. There is even an area to let the kids play in the snow.

Sometimes with bigger groups it is more cost effective to book the room and train separately, because the resort might upgrade the room to accommodate more people. However, when you factor convenience into the equation, The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is the best value.

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Charming. Cozy. Convenient. Festive. Lovely. Yep, that pretty much sums up The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. I’m all about the experience, so staying at The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is a major part of The Polar Express Arizona train adventure. The resort is a quaint two-story hotel with a welcoming, homey atmosphere, bursting with holiday décor. Families pose in their Christmas jammies for photo opportunities in front of the towering Christmas tree and grand fireplace. Hello, Christmas card!

Everything you need is at your fingertips. We didn’t need our car for our entire stay, because everything we wanted to do was on the premises. Not having to load and unload my kids into car seats was a nice change of pace.

Parents can take time to enjoy a refreshing libation at the pub or have fun shopping for mementos at the gift shop. I’m writing this blog as I sip hot coffee from my souvenir Polar Express hot cocoa mug, which is fashioned after the mugs the children are served in the movie. Hot-Hot-Hot. I got it!

The onsite pub, Spenser’s, is intimate, warm, and perfect for grabbing a refreshing beer or two or three. After checking into our rooms, we definitely needed to decompress from the long drive, so naturally, Spenser’s was the scene of choice. Sipping on a nice nutty brown ale and munching on blue cheese chips, while surrounded by gorgeous Christmas décor, dark woods, and cozy lighting. Yes, I think we will make ourselves comfortable. How about another round?

As much as we adults would have loved to hang out at the pub all day, it was time to let the children burn off some energy before dinner. The snow yard was just outside the doors of the resort, which was great. The kids could play safely, throw snowballs, and make snow angels, and grandma could observe everything from the comfort of Spenser’s. A win-win for everyone.

Before long, it was time to change the kids into their Christmas jammies and head to The Grand Depot Café. Just a short walk across the yard, a delicious buffet dinner awaits. You pay up front, including the meal, beverage, and tip, leaving you free to leave in a hurry if you need to catch the Polar Express train ride or if your child is having a meltdown. My son was, in fact, having a meltdown, and the only thing that could distract him was the little train that went around the entire café. Chuga. Chuga. Thank you!

Although Spenser’s offers quick and easy breakfast options in the mornings, the entertainment factor such as the moving train set, the fireplace framed by presents and jumbo stockings and even the little wooden train crayon holders on the tables made The Grand Depot Café or pick for breakfast in the morning.

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Another great hotel option for families riding the Polar Express in the Best Western Plus Inn in Williams Arizona. The hotel is conveniently located near the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, making it easy for families to catch the Polar Express train without a long commute.

The Best Western Plus Inn offers comfortable and family-friendly rooms, providing a cozy retreat after a magical journey on the Polar Express. During the holiday season, the hotel often decorates for Christmas, creating a festive ambiance that adds to the enchantment of the Polar Express adventure.

Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast, enhancing their overall stay experience. Plus there is live music at the onsite bar and restaurant. After, enjoy a drink by the outdoor firepit.

We stayed at the Best Western Plus Inn in Williams, Arizona, on a recent trip to the Grand Canyon, and it was a wonderful stay. I definitely recommend it.

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After the kids were satisfied and their tummies full, it was time to get on The Polar Express train, a vintage 1923 locomotive that has been converted into a magical mode of transport to the North Pole. The depot is connected to the café, making this extremely convenient and stress-free for families. Besides the cold night air, boarding is a breeze with everything being very organized and efficient.

Once comfortable in your seat and tickets are punched just like in the movie, the adventure begins as the chefs immediately hand out hot chocolate and sugar cookies. If you have seen the movie, you’ll know the song “Hot Chocolate” as the train car is filled with music. On the journey to the North Pole the narrative of The Polar Express is told as pictures from the book are displayed for the children to see.

When you reach the North Pole the kids leap to the window with excitement. The lights shine through the frosted windows as the Santa waves to them from his sleigh. Santa then comes aboard to greet each and every passenger and handing them their special Christmas bell.

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Kids are encouraged to dance in the aisle with the chefs, sing Christmas carols and ring those little magic bells. It was my kids’ favorite part of the trip. My son never stopped dancing and my daughter sung every word to every song. The train is altogether an hour long. Families leave the train with a Christmas song book, souvenir Polar Express tickets and their beautiful Christmas bell. The true spirit of Christmas is seen, felt and experienced in such a unique and memorable way. My cheeks actually hurt from smiling so much.

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Once the Polar Express train is back at the depot, the kids have an opportunity to partake in more fun. Arts, crafts, and various activities are available at the depot. In addition, there are meet-and-greets with favorite characters from the movie. Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and even the ghost from the movie are all there for photo opportunities. And of course.... MEETING SANTA!!

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We’d heard the Polar Express train ride at the Grand Canyon Railway was pure Christmas magic… and now we know it’s the real deal. What started as a “let’s-try-it-once” adventure has officially leveled up into a full-blown family tradition. The kids are already asking when we’re going back, and honestly? Same. See you on board next year!

If you’re hungry for even more holiday cheer, don’t stop here. I’ve got tons of Christmas travel ideas on the blog to keep your season sparkling. And if Arizona is calling your name, make sure to check out more family-friendly places to visit in Arizona while you’re planning your trip. From festive towns to year-round adventures, there’s plenty of merry magic still waiting for you.