We love the Polar Express movie and book. We also love to hop aboard the Polar Express train ride during the holiday season. It’s a magical and memorable family experience.
All Aboard the Polar Express!
Just like the story, my kids wear their pajamas to ride the Polar Express. When you arrive at the Mt. Hood Railroad in Hood River, OR, you’ll enter the train station to board the train to the North Pole. As you exit the station building, you are greeted by the train Conductor and chefs who will direct you to your train car. The day we went, the train wasn’t very full, so we were upgraded to the Parlor Car.
Watch the Polar Express Story Come to Life
Decked out in festive Christmas decorations, the vintage train car is filled with excited children all dressed in their pajamas and chefs preparing hot chocolate for the trip. As the Mt Hood Railroad rolls out of the station bound for the North Pole, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate and cookies served by the chefs while enjoying music from the Polar Express movie. The Conductor punches each child’s ticket as he makes his way through the car. If you are in the Parlor car or Lower or Upper Domes, your hot chocolate will be served in a keepsake Polar Express mug!
North Pole Bound
There will be caroling with the chefs. The Hobo my come through and try to drink your hot chocolate. Before arriving at the North Pole, Chris Van Allsburg’s iconic book “The Polar Express” is read as the chef turns the pages. Along the way, caribou will be in the tacks and so the train will have to move them to continue to the North Pole. Santa Claus and his elves will be waving to you as you approach the outskirts of the North Pole. The train stops to pick up Santa and a few of his elves. During the return trip to the station, Santa will greet each child and ask what they would like for Christmas and then give them each his signature gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can hear the bell ring. Can you hear the bell ring?
If You Go
Visit the website for the Mt. Hood Railroad in Hood River, OR, for more details and to purchase tickets.
Ticket Prices: $18–$46
Dates: Nov. 22–24, 27, 29, 30; Dec. 1, 4–8, 11–15, 18–22, 26–29
I am proud to partner with US Family Guide and received tickets to All Aboard! The Polar Express to post this information and to give my honest review and opinions of the event. All opinions are my own.
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Great review! My kids had a blast there and loved the cocoa mugs we got to take with us 🙂
I’d love to do something like this with my kids! They’d love it and seriously, I would to. Thanks for all the info!