All Aboard! Tickets for the Polar Express at the California State Railroad Museum on Sale October 1

Get ready to believe! Tickets for the California State Railroad Museum's annual holiday Polar Express train rides go on sale to the public on Monday, October 1, 2012. Climb on board a train pulled by a streamlined diesel locomotive from the museum's collection and read along with Chris Van Allsburg's classic holiday story as you and your family make your round-trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa Claus himself, sing Christmas carols, and drink hot chocolate—served by dancing waiters, of course.

Each child attending receives a special gift, and children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Tickets to this wildly popular holiday event sell out very quickly, so if you want to go, order yours as soon as you can. Tickets are available online only starting October 1. Ride in the coach cars ($30 per person), first-class El Dorado Observation Car ($45 per person), or reserve a table for four in the first class Audubon Dining Car ($180). All tickets are subject to a service fee of $3.50 per ticket ($12 for dining car table reservation). Children under 2 years of age are free and must be seated on an adult's lap.

Tickets must be picked up at will call on the day of your scheduled train ride. Tickets also include free admission to the museum. California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park members may reserve their tickets in advance of public ticket sales; sale dates vary depending on membership level.

Polar Express train rides take place November 23–25 and 28–30, and December 1, 2, 5–9, 12–16, and 19. Trains depart the Central Pacific Passenger Station in Old Town Sacramento at 3:30, 5, 6:30, and 8 pm. After the train ride, visit the Eagle Theater and have your children's pictures taken with Santa, visit the gift shop, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

For more information, and to order tickets, visit www.csrmf.org or call (916) 445-8270.

Photo courtesy California State Railroad Museum