North Pole Express Discount Code -- Out and About in Utah

Last night after dinner, the kids changed into their pajamas. But instead of heading to bed, we were all whisked away to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus courtesy of the Heber Valley Railroad. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. It seems that it is Neal's crucial year.

Our journey began at the train station in Heber, Utah. We boarded the train and were delighted to find that not only were we in the heated car, our car was famous. It had been used in the filming of one of Utah Dad's very favorite movies--A River Runs Through It. We took our seats and waited for the train to depart for the North Pole. We were greeted by helpful and friendly cocoa waiters and by Mrs. Claus.

Finally, our train set off for the North Pole. The kids were so excited. They were soaking up every minute and were so well behaved. We sang favorite Christmas carols while ringing jingly bells. We drank hot cocoa and ate scrumptious cookies.

When we got to the North Pole (only a half an hour trip by train, who'd have thought?), Santa was waiting near the tracks. He boarded the train and visited each and every one of the children. Utah Dad was especially thrilled that this Santa visit might exempt him from standing in line to meet Santa at the mall this year. Each child had the opportunity to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and they received a small gift from him.

"The best thing about the train was the hot chocolate and the cookies. It's to die for." -- Thomas

"I liked the singing." -- Amberly

"It was really fun. I drank my hot chocolate really fast. And the cookies were good. The train went slower than I thought it would." -- Neal

"I got to see Santa." -- Lilly

The entire experience was really quite magical and a nice beginning to our holiday season.

Tickets are now on sale for this popular holiday train, which is a long-standing tradition for thousands of Utah families. First class service is available most weekends during the North Pole Express schedule. Due to the high demand for tickets, the Heber Valley Railroad is offering two matinee excursions on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23-24, 2010.


The North Pole Express will depart every Monday through Saturday through December 24, 2010.

Nightly Excursions
Depart 5 p.m.; return 6:30 p.m.
Depart 7:30 p.m.; return 9 p.m.

Matinee Excursions (December 23-24 only)
Depart 2 p.m.; return 3:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased by calling SmithsTix at 800-888-TIXX, by calling the railroad at 435-654-5601, online at www.HeberValleyRailroad.org, or at the Heber Valley Depot, 450 South 600 West, Heber City. For more information and directions, contact the Heber Valley Railroad at 435-654-5601 or visit http://www.hebervalleyrailroad.org/.

The Heber Valley Railroad and the North Pole Express are offering a generous discount for my blog readers: 5$ off coach tickets on December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16.

To receive the discount you will need to call the train directly at 435-654-5601 and ask for the “Utah Blogger” discount and be prepared to tell the train the name of this blog -- Utah Mom's Life, of course.