Edmonton’s Christmas Streetcar Season Hits 98% Capacity Today!

URGENT UPDATE: The Edmonton Radial Railway Society (ERRS) has officially launched its Christmas streetcar season, and tickets are flying off the shelves! The festive Christmas streetcar #33, a beloved vintage ride originally built in 1912, is already at a staggering 98% capacity for the season, with bookings expected to remain strong until December 21.

Just this past Friday, opening day saw the streetcar filled to capacity, and demand continues to surge. According to Ward Baskett, the ERRS Vice President, “The demand was much more than we expected. This year we’ve quadrupled the capacity.” Tickets went on sale on November 7 and were nearly sold out within days.

Riders can expect a magical 45-minute journey from Strathcona Barn to the High Level Bridge and back, adorned with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, garlands, lights, and vintage music that fills the cabin. Festive surprises await passengers, making each ride a unique holiday experience.

Private tours are already fully booked, while public tours are on the brink of selling out. Despite the overwhelming interest, Baskett confirmed that the ERRS is not considering extending the rides beyond December 21 due to volunteer constraints. “They’ve had a long season… they’re kind of done by the time Christmas comes,” he stated.

The ERRS relies heavily on its dedicated volunteers to operate and maintain the streetcars, especially during the colder months. “We have no problems getting any of our motormen to operate in colder conditions,” Baskett added, highlighting their commitment to delivering festive experiences even in winter weather.

The Edmonton streetcar fleet is the largest of its kind in western Canada, featuring nine operational streetcars and 17 in reserve. While the Christmas tours may be coming to an end soon, the public can look forward to summer rides resuming in May.

Don’t miss this chance to experience Edmonton’s charming Christmas streetcar! With nearly all tickets sold out, now is the time to act before the holiday season sails away. For the latest updates, visit the ERRS website or follow their social media channels.

This is a festive journey you won’t want to miss as the community comes together to celebrate the holiday spirit!