It may be August, but it is not too soon to starting thinking Christmas — especially if you want to snag a seat on the ever-popular Polar Express. Tickets for the North Fork Trolley’s annual holiday tour go on sale Friday, Aug. 16.
Inspired by the 2004 film adaptation of “The Polar Express,” the 90-minute excursion will feature more musical performances and characters than ever before for its seventh season, most notably at The North Pole, which will be decked out with extra lights and made jolly with singing and dancing.
“We are always striving to make it better,” said Jay Mooney, general manager of North Fork Trolley. “There will be more lights, glitz and glam to make it feel even more like the North Pole.”
The North Fork Trolley’s annual tour will once again depart Riverhead’s The All-Star bowling alley on multiple dates this November and December. Though the tour has sold out in recent years, there will no longer be a second pickup location in Southampton.
“It’s about quality over quantity of rides,” Mooney said.
Last year, more than 6,300 tickets were sold and this year Mooney projects the number closer to 5,000, with rides on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays — though more weekday tours may be added if warranted by ticket sales.
The first performance is set for Friday, Nov. 29, and tours run until Monday Dec. 23.
Tickets for the 2019 Polar Express Trolley Ride cost $57 each and can be purchased online at northforktrolley.com starting Friday at 6 a.m. Participants must be age 2 and above. Pajamas are encouraged. Cookies and hot cocoa are also served.
For more information, call North Fork Trolley at (631) 369-3031.
