Polar Express tickets on sale Monday

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - If you’re interested in taking a ride on the Polar Express™ this holiday season, you will want to be near your computer on Monday.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) will begin selling tickets for the popular Polar Express train ride to the general public for the 2011 season beginning on Monday Oct. 3 at 6 a.m.  Tickets can be purchased through the railroad's website: www.CVSR.com .

The Polar Express will run from Nov. 17 through Dec. 20 from the Rockside Station in Independence and the Akron Northside Station. New to this year’s attraction is the addition of two afternoon matinee departures on Dec. 17 and 18.

This annual holiday tradition is based on Chris Van Alsburg's Caldecott-winning book and Warner Bros. motion picture, The Polar Express™, where a young boy's trip to the North Pole revives his belief in the Christmas spirit.

Tickets are $38 for ages 1 and up for standard seating and $43 - $68 for an upgraded ticket (available on select nights). Processing fees will also apply. Tickets tend to sell out early, so make sure you buy in advance if you plan on attending.

The train departs nightly at 7 p.m. and returns at 9 p.m. (with the addition of the two new matinees times which will be 10 am - 12 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 18 only).

"CVSR looks forward to another exciting season of the Polar Express. The countless hours put in by elves, Santa and staff are rewarded in the expressions on children's faces. We feel honored to be able to bring this program to Northeast Ohio," said Steve Wait, President and CEO of the railroad in a press release.

The Polar Express has been an on-going tradition for families across Northeast Ohio for over 16 years. The ride is offered in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and through a license agreement with Rail Events, Inc.

For more information about the railroad, visit www.CVSR.com .