The JG Travel Group is to offer Polar Express breaks on the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway for the first time this Christmas – making it available to agents in the south of England to sell.
The group’s brands National Holidays and Just Go! Holidays will both offer departures on the train journey in Oxfordshire, with prices starting at £139. The operator has chartered the whole train for the trips.
National Holidays has four new dates available, all from pick up points in the north of England, and for the first time, following agent feedback, Just Go! Holidays will feature one Polar Express departure. This means agents in the south of England will be able to book the new breaks, which also include a trip to London.
The Polar Express, inspired by the children’s book and film, includes a reading of The Polar Express book on board, where children are encouraged to wear their pyjamas and dressing gowns.
As well as receiving hot chocolate and cookies, there is a chance to meet the conductor, see a troop of singing chefs come through the carriage, meet Father Christmas himself and enjoy Christmas carols during the train ride.
The new breaks also include a trip to London to look around the shops and see the Christmas lights and landmarks.
Claire Dutton, trade sales manager, JG Travel Group, said: “Our previous Polar Express products on sale through National Holidays, sold out in record time.
“Due to feedback from agents, we’ve also put this new product on sale with Just Go! Holidays so agents in the south of England can capitalise on the demand.
“Early sales are very strong through agents, which clearly demonstrates just how much their customer want it. We’ve also included a trip to London in this break so that families can take in the capital and its Christmas lights during the festive period.”
A two-day package through both brands costs from £139 per adult and £125.50 per child aged two to 11.
National Holidays departures from pick-up points in the north of England are on November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18, 2021, and the Just Go! Holidays departure from various pick-up points in the south of England is on December 4, 2021.
The cost includes return coach travel, the Polar Express experience including cookies, hot chocolate and a gift from Santa, and one night’s accommodation with breakfast and a visit to London.