Review: Crozet Trolley North Pole Express

This is just an adorable holiday excursion. I love how exciting and fun it is for kids, with such low stress on grownups.

The conductor punches each child’s ticket for the North Pole Express. (Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison)

The tickets went on sale on Oct. 19th this year, so set a reminder for next October to be on the lookout! It sold out this year.

The trolley ride is 20 minutes, and then you’ll arrive at Knights Gambit Vineyard – The North Pole. The Conductor leads the kids through a series of Reindeer Games for about 20 minutes before a hot chocolate + cookie break. Santa may or may not make a grand entrance at the end heart (are YOU a true believer?!?), and each child gets a chance to talk with him. While the kids play games, adults can step away for wine (the inside of Knights Gambit has a fireplace, a few games and it is just so cozy). The entire outing lasts 2 hours.

Eloise and Gus Garrison enjoy “reindeer games” (photo credit: Lindsay Garrison)

This is recommended for ages 3-9, though we saw littles younger than 3 yesterday. If your kiddo is overwhelmed, the games are totally optional, and a slow to warm up kiddo can sit back and look at the horses instead of playing – not a big deal. I really love how Crozet Trolley makes this magical but also easy. For example, there’s no pressure to see Santa, no pressure to play the games (though the kids that play them do have fun), and no stress about spending more than the ticket you’ve already purchased (cookies and hot chocolate included).

Tickets are $25 per person.

Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor

Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!

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