INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player above is from a previous story
Tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's new Christmas experience, "North Pole Adventure," are set to go on sale Tuesday, Oct. 5.
CVSR's train (which replaces the popular Polar Express) is a ride for guests to write letters to Santa on their way to the North Pole. The festive journey will feature new characters, including the North Pole Postmaster that will hand-deliver participants' letters to the North Pole Post Office.
Riders can enjoy a visit with Santa, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy hot chocolate and warm cookies to get into the Christmas spirit.
"Since we announced our new Christmas program, the feedback and support we have received have been outstanding," CVSR President and CEO Joe Mazur said. "We are confident we’ll continue to exceed riders' expectations with North Pole Adventure™ and provide them a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience this holiday season."
In previous years, CVSR's Christmas train has sold out and is expected to be once again one of the most sought-after holiday experiences in Northeast Ohio. Due to the current COVID-19 situation across the state, the railroad will be requiring face masks as well as a vaccine/testing mandate.
Guests 2 years old and above will be required to wear masks while participating in the holiday festivities. Guests 12 and older will be required to prove that they are either fully vaccinated or have received a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours or a negative COVID-19 antigen test six hours before their scheduled train departure.
"These procedures are about the health and safety of our community and trying to help stop the spread of COVID-19," Mazur said. "This ensures we can safely operate and offer a safe experience for all our guests."
Tickets already went on sale to CVSR members last month, but will be available for the public here beginning tomorrow at 9 a.m. Prices start at $45 and include a 90-minute train ride, hot chocolate, one cookie, letter writing to Santa Claus and a visit with Jolly Ol' St. Nick himself. Those under 2 years old do not need a ticket if they sit on an adult's lap during the ride.