THE NORTH POLE JUST NORTH OF WILLIAMS, Ariz. – November 21, 2019 – Remember the train set you loved as a kid that went in circles around the Christmas tree? Well, why play with toys when you can, for a day, own and play with the real thing?

In an unprecedented announcement, the elves at the Grand Canyon Railway outdid themselves by revealing “The Ultimate Polar Express.” Simply put: people, companies or organizations can charter their own private train, utilizing two stunningly beautiful historic private parlor cars (think of them as living rooms with a bar, kitchen and private rest rooms) on the rails.

Two exceptional special and well-known private retro-luxury railroad cars will form this special train: The Utah and the Max Beiger. The Utah, built in 1948, is a parlor/café lounge car that can entertain 26 guests. The second car is named the Max Bieger. It was built in 1954 and is 77 feet long and carries 23 passengers. It also features an open-air rear platform, right out of the glory days of the stainless-steel passenger trains that went coast to coast. Unlike suburban commuter passenger cars or trains, these fully restored historic train cars feature fine fabrics, hand-crafted teak and fine-wood interiors, china and real silverware, TVs and satellite radio.

The trainset (as it is called) boasts an onboard kitchen and built-in bar. Think of it as the ultimate living room on the rails with plush seats, couches and plenty of room for the kids to roam around while the adults take it all in on the way to The North Pole. The elves on board (as well as an engineer, brakeman, conductor, and passenger service attendant to provide for every need) can arrange for hot and cold food services, beverages and private bar as well as live entertainment.

Of course, if you have your own private train, you also have your own private tour and experience at The North Pole and Santa’s full attention. He may even ride the train all the way back to Williams with you if you wish.

Entire neighborhoods, families and friends, or civic groups can charter a train to the North Pole from November 2019 through January 2020. For the truly adventurous, the Railway can add a sleeping car or two (think 1950s luxury bunk beds of a move like North by Northwest). The sleepover is on the train adjacent to the Williams Depot so that guests have full access to all the amenities at the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel (restaurant, pool, fitness facility, etc.).The Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express is an Arizona/Nevada/Southern California holiday tradition and it sells out fast. Celebrating 19 years of magic, The Polar Express will run on select dates from Friday, November 8 through January 4, 2020, departing the Railway’s historic depot in Williams, Ariz., to the North Pole.

The Ultimate Polar Express will run on select dates from now through January 3, 2020 (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas week). The private train departs Williams, Arizona, at 6 p.m. and returns at 8 p.m. Reservations are also being accepted for the 2020-2021 season. Pricing for a full charter of 32 people starts at $219 per passenger.

The 60-minute plus on-board holiday experience delights both the young and the young at heart, where the pages from Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book come to life. Caroling and laughter fills the train, making the journey to the North Pole an eagerly awaited yearly tradition.

You just have to believe.

For more information on The Polar Express and the Grand Canyon Railway, visit www.thetrain.com/events/ultimate-polar-express or call 1-800-843-8724.