SPENCER, N.C. — If you want to board The Polar Express this holiday season, riders will first have to provide either proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test.

The North Carolina Transportation Museum says the popular train ride attraction is returning November through December.

This year, however, the museum is requiring any guest 12 and older to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test completed within 72 hours of boarding the train.

Officials say additional safety measures will also be in place to help prevent potential spread of the virus.

“Given the continued threat of COVID-19 and variants of the virus, face masks are required for indoor areas of the N.C. Transportation Museum, including on trains,” reads a message on the museum’s website. “Masks must be worn at all times except while actively eating or drinking. Failure to comply may result in denial of boarding or removal. Children under the age of two and individuals with disabilities who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disability Act are exempt.”

The Polar Express Train Ride will run November 12-13, 19-21 and 26-28 and December 3-5, 9-12 and 14-23. The attraction returns for the first time since 2019 after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

For more information on COVD-19 safety measures, click here. You can also find ride and ticket information by clicking here.