CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — The Polar Express ride is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's (CVSR) biggest fund raiser. People often forget the railroad is a nonprofit organization and therefore rely on rides like the Polar Express to fund their work.

But now that the Polar Express is canceled, the CVSR expects to take a $5.5 million hit. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a nonprofit organization

  • With the cancellation of their most popular ride, The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is taking a $5.5 million hit

  • They hope, virtual, visits from Santa will make up some of the loss

 

Every year, they offer two train rides during the winter — the Polar Express, and a separate train. They take passengers around a large part of the park, passing through areas like Boston Mills and the nearby ski resort. Usually, everyone gets dressed up in Christmas sweaters and reindeer antlers. On the Polar Express, kids get visits from Santa, and on the other, passengers can enjoy small drinks like wine and hot cocoa, and watch the colorful light displays pass by. 

At some points, you would even hear passengers sing Christmas caroles.

 

Unfortunately, kids won't be able to see Santa up-close on the train. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the Polar Express to stop in its tracks this year, so the staff reached out to their special guest for help.

Santa will be giving vitual visits with kids through the CVRS's website. Families must book a slot 24-hour in advance to make sure every kid who wants to talk to Santa will be able to. They'll get 10 minutes to talk, and Santa said he's looking forward to hearing from the boys and girls he plans to visit this Chrustmas.