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.
Related:
Christmas Lights Displays in and near Wichita
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 Polar Express train at Watson Park 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 at the end of the evening, kids will get a special present from Santa.
Anniversary Edition of The Polar Express children’s book on Amazon
About the book:
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 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 either three or four available time slots to choose from, depending on the date.
They have spots that begin as early as four p.m. The last time slot on each date is at 7 p.m.
The Polar Express will be running at various times on the following dates:
- November 23, 24, 30
- December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23
Updates:
August 13: 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.
Last year they sold out in a week.
October 12 update: Most time slots for Polar Express do have a waiting list now, but I found a session on 12/14 at 7 p.m., a few sessions on 12/21, a couple on 12/22, and a few on 12/23 that don’t look like they are sold out yet.
(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.)
October 31 update: The City of Wichita Park & Recreation has added additional dates and times for Polar Express at Watson Park!
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
Due to popular demand, we created additional POLAR EXPRESS classes! Spots are available for the following…
Posted by City of Wichita Park & Recreation on Wednesday, October 31, 2018
