State transportation museum plans Polar Express; tickets on sale Wednesday

The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, about two hours from Raleigh, will switch up its holiday offerings this year to host a version of the Polar Express.

Posted 12:48 p.m. Jul 29, 2014 — Updated 12:54 p.m. Jul 29, 2014

The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, about two hours from Raleigh, will switch up its holiday offerings this year to host a version of the Polar Express.

The state museum, which features all manner of objects that move, will host the ride starting Nov. 28. It runs on select days through Dec. 22. The rides will start at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., with some offered at 8 p.m.

The event, produced by the same company that brings the Polar Express to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in western North Carolina, features music from what's become a classic holiday movie; hot chocolate and cookies; a train ride to the "North Pole;" and actors portraying Santa, the boy, who gets the gift of a silver bell in the story and others. Kids will get a bell to take home.

Tickets for kids ages 2 to 12 range between $24 and $32 and $30 to $38 for adults, depending on which seating option you choose. There also is the option of first class seating at a table at $170 for a four-person table and $85 for a two-person table. Check the website for more information about the various seating options.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 30.

The museum has hosted Santa Trains and other holiday-related activities through the years. The Polar Express will replace those events.

Tickets for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad's Polar Express, which begins Nov. 7, also are on sale. It's about five hours from Raleigh.

And, of course, tickets for Pullen Park's Holiday Express, are on sale now.

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