The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum (CCRM) has three upcoming seasonal events for fall and winter: the Wizard Express, the Pumpkin Train and the Polar Express.
The Wizard Express will take place on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 with the train departing twice each day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Treats will be available for purchase on board and at the depot. Award-winning magician Jeff Evans will be a featured performer during the train ride. Trivia and adventure games will also be available for attendees.
Attendees are invited to dress up by wearing cloaks, wizard hats and any supporting costume attire. Tickets for the Wizard Express cost $29 each. Children ages 2 and under ride for free.
The Pumpkin Train will take place on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 with the train departing three times a day at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. There will be no meal options while aboard the train; however, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the depot. A costume contest will take place during the train ride. The contest will be based on age groups 2 and under, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 15, and 16 and older.
Children up to 15 years of age will have the opportunity to receive treats and pick their perfect pumpkin. There are no heaters on board the train, so while attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, they should also dress appropriately for the weather and arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Tickets for the Pumpkin Train cost $18. Children ages 4 and under ride for free.
The Polar Express will take place Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22. Polar Express rides will also be offered on Fridays starting Nov. 29 and ending on Dec. 20.
The train will depart at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on all dates except for Dec. 6, 13 and 20, which will only have train rides at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Each train ride will take 75 minutes.
Regular coach seating will cost $60. Seats come in sections of four and will be reserved once tickets are purchased. Each passenger in coach seating will receive hot cocoa and a cookie as well as a sleigh bell.
First class tickets will cost $75. Seats will be available in the parlor, which seats groups of six to seven and costs a $450 flat fee, and in the dining room, which seats eight and costs a $600 flat fee. Each passenger in these sections will receive a souvenir mug, sleigh bell, cookie and cocoa. Children ages 2 and under ride for free in all sections.
Pictures of all seating areas on the train are available now, and tickets will become available to purchase on Sept. 1.
Tickets to the Wizard Express and Pumpkin Train can be purchased online at SteamTrainRide.com or at the depot on the day of the event. Tickets for the Polar Express can only be purchased online.
All trains have limited wheelchair accessibility. Pre-boarding is available. The trains have 24-inch passageways and ramps to the depot and to the train. The parking lot is gravel. ADA parking and restrooms are available at the depot only.
For more information, call 360-748-9593. The depot is located at 1101 SW Sylvenus St., Chehalis.