From Staff Reports

BRYSON CITY — The annual Polar Express Train excursion at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad — aimed at “kids of all ages” — has returned to action for the holiday season and will run through Dec. 31.

The Polar Express is a 1-1/4-hour roundtrip. A steam train will run on Dec. 31. Multiple train car options are available. Schedules vary by the day.

This year, face masks are required, an event promotion stated. Free face masks will be available. Car capacity is limited and social distancing is encouraged.

Regarding the event, a press release noted, “The Polar Express experience begins as soon as visitors arrive at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot. Guests are treated to a spectacular light show synchronized to a familiar Christmas song to enjoy while waiting for the train. 

“All train cars have white rope lighting around the exterior edges and light up the landscape as the train travels to pick up Santa at the North Pole Village, which is illuminated by 62,000 colorful lights. Keep an eye out for the Flight Training Airfield with reindeer at the ready.”

Further, the release stated, “On the train, sing some Christmas carols and watch the chefs dance through the cars, get your golden ticket stamped by the conductor in your car, and enjoy warm cocoa and a treat, while listening to ‘The Polar Express’ magical children’s story. 

“Santa is waiting at the North Pole, where he’ll board the train, and greet each child on the return trip, giving them their own silver sleigh bell to take home. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas!

“Our small town embraces the Christmas spirit of the movie (‘The Polar Express!’) with beautiful decorations, letter-writing to Santa (now through Christmas Eve) and ‘to-go cups’ with cookies and hot chocolate packets (now through Jan. 3) in the Visitor Center, which is open every day,” the release noted.

In addition, more than 200,000 LED Christmas lights enhance stores, bridges and lamp poles, and the town’s 50-foot Christmas tree. The iconic red caboose on Caboose Corner provides a holiday-themed venue for group photos.

Bryson City is about an hour west of Asheville, and two hours from Knoxville, Tenn., and Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.

For reservations, call (800) 872-4681.