If you have been dreaming of a white, small town Christmas, all bundled up in your hat and mittens, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the beautiful sights of twinkling Christmas lights, look no further than Williams, Ariz.
This cozy town, located just 35 miles west of Flagstaff, is the perfect place to experience all of the charm and character of a small town while up in the beautiful snow-covered mountains.
The Christmas season kicked off with the Christmas parade and tree lighting. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, the town hosted a parade to kick off the season, and at the end of the parade, the town Christmas tree was lit.
Throughout the winter season, visitors can enjoy carriage rides around town. The carriages are decorated with lights and have blankets for riders to stay cozy. Drive through the town by carriage or by car. See all of the beautiful decorations and lights. Williams loves to light up the holiday season.
This beautiful town is home to the Grand Canyon Railway, which offers train rides up to the Grand Canyon, and during this time of year, the magical Polar Express ride. If you want to experience the story of this magical train ride, which takes children to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, this ride is for you.
The Polar Express, in Williams, is the No. 1 Polar Express experience in the United States. Last year, more than 101,000 people rode the Polar Express. The train and depot are full of characters you will remember from the story, including the hobo and the know-it-all boy.
Arrive bundled in your pajamas at the twinkling depot, full of Christmas lights. Mingle with characters and guests as you wait to board the train. Each night, 2,600 guests will board the 1923 Harriman-style cars, built by the Pullman Company for an old-fashion flair.
There also are two Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, accessible cars, so no one will be left out of this unique holiday experience.
The train departs at either 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., for a special one-hour train ride. You will meet elves, dance and sing along to Christmas music, listen to the Polar Express story being read over the speakers, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies served by chefs, just like in the story.
The train will make a stop at Santa’s Village. There, Santa will come on board and visit every child on the train, delivering Christmas wishes and a special gift. When you return to the depot, Mrs. Claus will be there to take pictures with the kids and Santa. There also are fun train tables to play with and crafts to be done. The Polar Express runs from Nov. 10 through Jan. 6.
If you journey up closer to Christmas, you can catch the Community Nativity Pageant, on Friday, Dec. 22. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the holiday. Churches in the area work together for this live production, where community members act out the roles of Joseph, Mary, angels, shepherds and wise men.
During the pageant, the audience will enjoy music and the reading of the Christmas story. It is the perfect prelude to Christmas Day to help remind us about the reason for the season.
For more information on the Polar Express, visit thetrain.com.