All aboard
Near Rusk lies the Polar Express.
“The Polar Express” is a popular children’s movie about a doubting child and his adventure to the North Pole. Although most people know about the movie, few know that it is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic Christmas picture book.
The Polar Express located in the East Texas area is a reenactment of the train from the movie and is a fun activity for the family around the holidays. The train even features songs and dances from the 2004 movie and a warm cup of the train’s famous hot chocolate.
The Polar Express train ride is featured in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. Tickets for the train can range from $20 to $109, depending on class of service and date of travel. Families are encourage to wear their pajamas.
This magical train is only running through Dec. 23, so grab your golden ticket and come along on our adventure as we explore the Polar Express.
The train ride
You pull into the parking lot and see the magical train ride you are about to embark on.
After grabbing your ticket, you make your way to an assigned seat on the train. You hear the conductor yell “all aboard” and you feel the train begin to move.
A chief delivers you a chocolate chip cookie, when all the sudden the staff breaks into song and dance. Singing “Hot hot chocolate, we’ve got it,” the servers deliver your cup of delicious hot chocolate. You sit back and enjoy the live storytelling of the Polar Express.
Before you know it you’re already approaching the North Pole. You see lights, snow, elves, and Santa! There he is, the big man himself, dancing along side his elves. The staff tells you that if you close your eyes and wish really hard, maybe Santa will join you on the train.
You close your eyes super tight and begin to wish.
A few moments pass and before you know it, there is Santa right on the Polar Express with you. He’s coming your way and then he gives you a special bell only for those who truly believe. You tell him everything you want for Christmas, give him a hug, and he’s on his way.
You then sing and dance with the crew all the way back to the train station.
What riders thought
After Santa had passed through, I sat down with a few children to see what they thought about this magical ride.
Siblings Mason, Anna Kate, and Eva said their favorite part was when Santa came on the train. Their parents said they heard about the train through word of mouth and thought it would be fun for the kids.
I also talked to Charlotte Paek about her experience. Paek said she enjoyed the North Pole, hot chocolate, and seeing Santa Claus. She also said she asked Santa for a My Little Pony.
The Polar Express is a fun activity that everyone in the family will enjoy during the holiday season. Make sure to check out their website and buy your ticket today.
