Polar Express in Williams, AZ: An Arizona Family Vacation

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If your family loves Christmas magic and the spirit of Santa (or even just cozy holiday traditions), then riding The Polar Express in Williams, Arizona is an unforgettable addition to your Arizona family vacation. We went when our kids were 7, 6, and 3—and watching their faces light up as the train rolled toward the “North Pole” was pure joy. We’ve also heard from plenty of families with both older and younger kids who had just as much fun, so it’s truly a memory-maker for all ages.

If Williams, AZ, is too far from you, check out these other popular Polar Express experiences throughout the U.S.

Making a Road Trip to the Polar Express in Williams

Since Williams, AZ is a bit of a drive from San Diego, we decided to turn it into a fun weekend getaway. (If you’re hitting the road too, be sure to check out my road trip with kids essentials.) We booked our Polar Express experience for Saturday night and made the most of the trip by visiting the Grand Canyon the same weekend. I took Friday off, scooped the kids up from school just before lunch, and hit the road early to get a jump start on the adventure.

Our only stop on the way to the Polar Express in Williams was a quick one in Yarnell, AZ. Being a firefighter family, we really wanted to visit the memorial for the Granite Mountain Hotshots. If you have the same desire, I definitely recommend it. It wasn’t out of the way at all, and it’s a beautiful memorial. If we had more time, we would have done the Memorial hike as well. Unfortunately, we got there just as it was starting to get dark.

When we finally arrived in Williams, there was snow on the ground. The kids were so excited to “play” in the snow. The next morning, we were back in the car to go visit The Grand Canyon–an easy add on to your Polar Express in Williams getaway.

It’s only an hour drive from Williams to the Grand Canyon. We spent a few hours taking in the Grand Canyon and visiting the visitor’s center before heading back to the hotel.

We stayed at the Ramada Williams/ Grand Canyon area because I had some Wyndham points to use. The hotel was fine and the kids enjoyed the indoor pool.

🏨 Top Lodging Picks for the Polar Express in Williams

1. Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Located next door to Williams Depot—so close you’ll hear the steam whistle. This AAA 3‑diamond Williams hotel offers special Polar Express packages (train tickets + meals), an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, plus on-site dining at Fred Harvey Restaurant and Spencer’s Pub.

2. Hampton Inn Williams (~0.4 mi)
A reliable Hilton-brand stay with heated indoor pool, fitness center, free hot breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. Great reviews and ideal for families .

3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites (~0.4 mi)
Upper-midscale option with indoor pool/spa, free breakfast buffet, free Wi‑Fi, and suites available—perfect for families wanting a bit more space.

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites (~0.4 mi)
Well-reviewed, pet-friendly, indoor pool, microwave and fridge in rooms, and included breakfast. Comfortable and affordable.

5. Howard Johnson Express Inn (~0.2 mi)
Budget-friendly with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast. Close proximity makes it a strong value pick .

6. Rodeway Inn & Suites Downtown (~0.3 mi)
Clean, no-frills lodging with free breakfast and parking—great for families looking to save while staying near the Williams Polar Express depot.

🛎️ Tips for Booking

Packages vs. DIY: Only the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel offers bundled Polar Express tickets + meals, for added convenience.

Proximity matters—Closeness to the depot means less walking in chilly weather, especially helpful with kids and luggage.

Pool & breakfast perks are a win for families.

What to Expect at the Polar Express in Williams, AZ

When I booked our Polar Express in Williams, I got to choose between a 5:30 and a 7:30 departure. I went with the later time so we’d have plenty of time to enjoy dinner in Williams and walk around the cute little town. The town was all decorated for Christmas, and there was a zipline sleigh ride that my daughter did all by herself. Even my oldest was too nervous to go with her. She loved it!

The actual Polar Express experience is about a 90-minute roundtrip train ride to the North Pole. You never get off the train, but you do get to see the North Pole from your train window. There are songs and performances on the train ride, along with hot chocolate and cookies. Before you leave the North Pole, Santa boards the train and passes out jingle bells to all the good boys and girls.

How to Book It

Click here to book the Polar Express in Williams, AZ. You’ll see the different package options available. On the next page, you’ll need to enter the number of people, and if you want to book just the train ride, or the train ride with hotel stay. Then you can check availability and choose a date and time that works for you.

For other fun Christmas traditions in Arizona, be sure to check out Christmas at the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale Resort. It’s one of the most magical Christmas hotels for families. Or, plan the trip of a lifetime when you plan a Christmas-time stay at one of these NYC hotels.

And if you’re planning an Arizona family vacation during the warmer months, make sure you check out which Arizona family resorts have the best pools to keep you cool.

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