Christmas is coming to Veterans Memorial Park in Bristol!
The “Polar Bear Express” trains have been departing from the Tom Keenan Depot in Bristol, Florida, each weekend in December, starting at the beginning of the month.
Train enthusiasts, local families, and those who want a special way to celebrate the holidays can still catch a train ride on December 16 and 17, December 19-21, and after Christmas on December 28-29.
Rides leave the station at 7 p.m. (eastern standard time) each evening and the train continues until 10 p.m.
As part of the railroad experience, visitors to Veterans Memorial Park will be able to view the Christmas in the Park set up while riding the Polar Bear Express.
The exciting and magical train will travel around one mile of two-foot gauge track in the park, while passengers on the trains will view life-size scenes, including Santa’s Village, Polar Bear Mountain, Toyland, Snow Queen and chariot, Elsa’s Castle, travel through the Polar Express Tunnel to see Candyland, Western Town, Statue of Liberty, a beautiful Nativity scene, and other exciting scenes on your trip around the park.
Thousands of lights will greet train riders as they listen to Christmas music depicting the various scenes of the season.
Tickets may be purchased online at veteransmemorialrailroad.org
Purchasing tickets online alleviates wait time for boarding the trains.
Tickets are $10 per ride, per person; children two and under ride free.
Tickets may also be purchased at the gate upon arrival, although gate ticket purchases may come with longer wait times for boarding the train.
2022 marks the 20th Anniversary of Veterans Memorial Railroad, which was organized in 2002 by a group of train enthusiasts for the sole purpose of providing a unique, educational and entertaining experience for children and their families.
The depot is named after the founder who had the vision for this community service.
A free public run day is scheduled during the months of February through October, during which train rides are offered at no cost to visitors.
Private reservations are also available for special family events.
All funds received are allocated for maintenance of the track, trains and accessories required for the Veterans Memorial Railroad events.
For additional information call (850) 643-6646.
Special to The Herald – mail@prioritynews.net
