The Polar Express to debut on the Texas State Railroad | Arts & Culture

The Texas State Railroad is hosting a magical train trip that will bring the famous story The Polar Express alive for children and their families. The adventure begins on November 16th, with select dates running through December 29th.

The Polar Express train makes a mystical round-trip journey to the North Pole. The characters of the motion picture based on the book by Chris VanAllsburg come to life with the conductor punching away at the kids' golden tickets, chefs dancing and delivering cocoa and cookies, and the doubting hobo wandering through the train. The story is read aloud and the music from the movie plays for all the kids to sing along. 

At the North Pole, Santa anxiously awaits the children amongst the sparkling lights of his little city and climbs aboard with his dozens of cheerful, singing elves and a bag full of classic silver bells for all the believing boys and girls, which are said to only be heard by those who still believe. The return trip is full of holiday cheer with Santa meeting each and every child, festive caroling with Santa’s elves, and all the characters of the story magically bringing the story to life. 

“We are honored to bring The Polar Express train experience to the families of West Texas,” stated Debra Goodman, Director of Special Events for the railroad. “We look forward to reacquainting ourselves with all the families who ride each year as well as welcoming new passengers who will find out why this is such a popular annual tradition!”  

The Polar Express Train Ride is approximately a one-hour round-trip departing from the train station in Palestine, TX, located at 789 Park Road 70. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to keep in the spirit of the story, and special Polar Express PJ’s are available at the depot gift shop. Passengers in the premium class seating will also receive a commemorative Polar Express cocoa mug to take home.

Tickets are available now for all dates, with those closer to Christmas filling up quickly. Visit www.EastTexasPolarExpressRide.com or call 888-987-2461 to order.