Hop aboard for a fun trip to visit Santa! The Polar Express miniature train will be running at Watson Park several times during the holiday season. (This year you’ll find it listed under Watson’s Christmas Express.)
Related:
- Christmas Lights Displays in and near Wichita
- Christmas Events
- Things to Do During Winter Break in Wichita
The adventure begins each night with a reading of the popular children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express. The story will be followed by a craft, then riding the train at Watson Park to the North Pole to see Santa!
Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas, just like the boy in the book!
During the event, both parents and kids will enjoy stopping at the campfire for s’mores and hot chocolate and singing holiday songs. This fun holiday activity is for kids ages 2 and up.
About the book:
Anniversary Edition of The Polar Express children’s book on Amazon
A 1986 Caldecott Medal winner, written by Chris Van Allsburg.
“A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . .
Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.
For millions of readers worldwide, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved classic. “
Tickets for Polar Express / aka Watson’s Christmas Express at Watson Park
Tickets sell fast. To attend, register online at the Recreation department’s website.
Adults must register themselves as well as the kids. The fee is $16 per person, and an adult must attend with the kids.
There are different time slots to choose from, depending on the date. They have spots that begin as early as 4 p.m. It looks like the latest time slot begins at 7 p.m.
The Polar Express will be running at various times on the following dates:
- November 23, 29, 30
- December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28
Updates:
We interrupt your summer to bring you an important message: tickets to Wichita Park & Recreation’s Polar Express are on sale, and the time to get them is now. Tickets sell out so quickly.
(I don’t have an inside track – pun intended – on Polar Express tickets. I just looked through the registrations the same way anyone else would and that’s what I saw today.)
Again, to get your ticket on the Polar Express, register online!
P.S. The Polar Express story was also made into an animated movie starring Tom Hanks.
The Polar Express movie, starring Tom Hanks, at Amazon
Your guide to Wichita holidays on the cheap!
Special Holiday Events:
- Day-by-day guide to Christmas and holiday events in and near Wichita
- Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
- Where to Visit Santa around Wichita
- Christmas Craft Shows and Holiday Markets
Holiday Gift-Giving:
- How to make the holidays special when you can't afford big presents
- Non-Toy Gift Ideas
- Find Unique Gifts at these Local Wichita Shops
- Great Local Gifts Under $20
Christmas Attractions:
- Wichita Christmas Light Displays
- Botanica Illuminations
- Fulton Valley Farms A Country Christmas
- Christmas Tree Farms
