Find Holiday Magic Aboard the Polar Express

Christmas is a magical time, especially for children. That innocent magic is poetically captured in the popular book The Polar Express, a family favorite since its publication in 1986. By Chris Van Allsburg, the classic story tells the tale of a young boy who rediscovers the magic of Christmas while on board a special train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. When he wakes up on Christmas morning, he finds a sleigh bell in his pocket and realizes his journey was more than a dream. You may have taken your children or grandchildren to see the delightful 2004 film version starring Tom Hanks. This year you can give your children or grandchildren the ultimate Christmas gift and bring the fantasy to life.

The Grand Canyon Railway offers Polar Express runs on select evenings from November 8 through January 12. From your holiday timeshare in warm, sunny Sedona, Arizona, it's only a 90-minute drive to the Williams station where you and your family board vintage rail cars for a 17-mile nighttime journey to the "North Pole" at the Grand Canyon. Along the way, passengers listen to a reading of the book while sipping hot chocolate and nibbling cookies.

At the "North Pole," Santa and his reindeer welcome passengers. Santa personally greets each child, presenting a sleigh bell to signify their belief in Santa. Passengers -- with their very excited children -- then reboard for return trip to Williams. Tickets cost $26 for adults, $14 for children. Overnight packages that include a one-night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, breakfast and dinner at Max and Thelma's Restaurant and a $10 retail gift certificate per adult are available starting at $289 for 2 adults and 2 children. Call 800-THE-TRAIN or visit TheTrain.com to make reservations.

The Polar Express is just one magical component of a holiday timeshare vacation in Sedona, Arizona. A popular vacation destination, Sedona offers vacationers many timeshares to choose from. (Click the post title to preview Sedona-area timeshares.) Surrounded by wind and water-sculpted red rock formations, Sedona is a quaint little town filled with delightful arts and crafts galleries, beautiful American Indian art, stunning jewelry and many charming restaurants.

One of my favorite Sedona timeshares is the Wyndham Sedona (above, right) located in the heart of breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon. The natural beauty of Sedona's canyons is a balm to the soul. Hiking or trout fishing amidst the majestic red rock formations and clear running streams is a renewing experience. Slide Rock Park, Red Rock State Park and the granddaddy of them all, the Grand Canyon, are all within easy day trip distance. Float over the amazing landscape in a hot air balloon for a spectacular view of the deep canyons and soaring rock formations. Get up close and personal on an exciting off-road Jeep tour. Or just laze by the pool at the Wyndham Sedona and soak up the ambiance while the grandkids splash about. With so much to do, a holiday timeshare vacation in Sedona is sure to delight the whole family.