CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - The coronavirus has derailed a popular Christmas tradition in northern Nevada.
The V&T Railway announced it is replacing the Polar Express train ride in December with Santa’s Drive-Thru Village in Carson City.
The Polar Express has taken families on a holiday train ride named after the motion picture for years along part of the historic route from Carson City to Virginia City.
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad dates to the 1860s. Railroad enthusiasts started planning its reconstruction with Storey County and Carson City officials in the 1990s.
Elaine Barkdull-Spencer, general manager for V&T Railway, says the drive-through village and a virtual Polar Express VIP package is designed to help “keep the holiday magic alive.”
She says Santa’s Drive-Thru Village will be a socially-distanced event where guests can visit Santa’s North Pole home from the safety of their car.
The drive-thru event at the East Gate Depot will feature a light show, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and dozens of elves preparing for Christmas. Tickets cost $20 per vehicle from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-24.
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