For as long as I can remember, The Polar Express has meant the start of Christmas for us. It has always been our favourite festive family movie, and one we love to share together, usually as soon as December arrives.
For a few years now I have been aware of the REAL Polar Express train, set up on the Dartmoor railway every festive season, where you can ride the train, meet the Conductor and the dancing chefs, travel to the North Pole and see Santa and his magic elves, just like in the film. This year, we were lucky enough to experience the magic ourselves.
We were welcomed on board the Polar Express by the familiar Conductor, who checked the children had their magical golden tickets, and punched them with their initials. Once seated we met the dancing chefs, who were just full of the festive spirit, took time out to speak to every child in the carriage, and were our constant companions throughout the ride. Each carriage has their own Conductor and set of chefs, so there is never a dull moment. The train was decorated with garlands, tinsel and sparkling lights, and there were songs and plenty of chatting about Christmas plans before the train set off for the North Pole.
The train set off, and the children were told to look out for reindeer and ice on the tracks as we neared the North Pole. We were served cups of hot chocolate, topped up with ‘magic milk’ by the dancing chefs, meaning that they were at the perfect temperature for drinking right away – brilliant touch. There was also a chocolate chip cookie for every paying passenger, and even Max was given one. This was all done while the chefs danced, sang songs from film, and carried on chatting to all the children.
All the characters were there – even the doubting Hobo, who of course the chefs and Conductor couldn’t see. Only the children could see him, and he entertained them all by leaping over the Conductor, sneaking cookies from the chefs and regaling the children with tales of how he had to jump onto the train roof and climb in the window to get on board.
It wasn’t long before we reached the North Pole, and I have to say – it looked stunning. A huge amount of effort has been put into making this extra special for the children. The whole North Pole area was decked out with lights, signs and the sleigh, as well as the dancing elves, all the reindeer and Santa himself, waving to everyone on the train as we passed.
The train stopped so we could pick up Santa, and some of the naughty elves sneaked aboard too. With one elf on each carriage, they joined the chefs and Conductor in singing some traditional Christmas songs, getting everyone on the train to sing along, play drums on the tables, and get up and dance in the aisles. It was just so much fun, and if you looked around at the faces of the kids, every single one on that train was beaming.
Their faces soon changed to looks of wonderment, as Santa appeared in the doorway of the carriage. He slowly made his way down the train, stopping to talk to every child, and handing out the iconic magical sleigh bells as seen in the film. Now, you can only hear these bells if you believe in the magic of Christmas – Gemma, Jacob and Max could all hear the beautiful jingling sound, and are now sure that they are on the good list this year.
I honestly cannot rave about The Polar Express experience enough. It was everything I expected and more. Magical, packed full of fun and Christmas cheer, completely child orientated and so unique. The idea behind it has been taken closely from the classic film, and adapted to make it work in real life. We will be back next year without a doubt, and if you get the chance, I would recommend you go too. It is worth every single penny.
* We were given free tickets for The Polar Express in return for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *
This looks wonderful – we are going on something similar this weekend – can’t wait as it’s our first Santa Train 😀
Samantha Rickelton recently posted…#LoveNorthEast – The December Linkup
WOW this looks fantastic. What a great thing to do with the family. I literally was just talking about the Polar Express with Mr P the other night. So festive and fun. Bet the kids loved it to bits. Great review. Thanks for hosting. #triedtested
jenny recently posted…BKD-London Little Monster Cupcake Baking Kit
What a lovely festive day out. The kids looked like they had a great time #triedtested
Oh Kate what a precious precious experience! Love little Max’s face with his magical bell!
Incredible.
Colette B recently posted…Tried & Tested Tuesday
Didn’t even know this existed! Sounds like a fab idea. This will be H’s first year watching Polar Express so if he likes it, might take a look for next year! xx
Potty Mouthed Mummy recently posted…Lapland UK
This looks so lovely, what a fab idea. I’ve never seen the Polar Express but I think it will definitely be one to watch this Christmas. xx
Not A Frumpy Mum recently posted…Monthly Monday Melfie {December}
I love this film! I’ve always wanted to take my boys on the Polar Express but they were just that little bit too old by the time I heard of it. I’m definitely taking Baby R though as soon as he knows what it’s all about (& sat through the film 10+ times). Especially now I’ve read this review, it looks even more amazing than I imagined. Thanks so much for sharing x
This looks amazing, I must take the kids next year!
Helen C recently posted…Our Top Books for Christmas!
Oh wow this looks amazing! Will definitely have to add this to our Christmas plans one year…
Oh wow! This is amazing, what a special experience bet your kids will remember this for years and years to come. Wish we had something like this here in n.ireland.
elliebearbabi recently posted…First Aid Kit- a must for every home…
This sounds and looks amazing. What a magical experience! X
Lucinda Turner recently posted…Sassy Bloom Box Review
Wow. It sounds like an amazing experience. Polar Express is one of Will’s favourite Xmas films, it is so magical. To get the chance to ride the train yourself would be out of this world.
This looks so magical, wish we didn’t live so far away.
#Tried/Tested
fashion-mommy recently posted…Reviewed – Lace and Jersey Dress from Kaliko
Wow, that looks like such a magical fun experience! I must remember it for next year.
That looks totally wonderful!! Magical x #TriedTested
over40andamumtoone recently posted…Planning for Christmas with Waitrose
I’ve never watched the Polar Express but this sounds lovely x #triedandtested
Louise (perry) fairweather recently posted…Snow Globe Christmas Cake Tutorial
Wow this looks amazing, what a lovely family experience 🙂 xx
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) recently posted…Christmas Toddler Crafts – Snowman Decorations
My son and I travelled over 2 hours to Stanhope to ride on the Polar Express, it was well worth the trip for the experiance!! And hope to book again for next year! The only disappointment was that the train was a Diesel engine and not a steam engine,, would of been more authentic if it had of been, but we both throughly enjoyed the day!!
Is it shameful that I have never seen The Polar Express? I’m not sure if I should be admitting that!
This looks absolutely magical though, I would love to go on something like this.
bloggermummylauren recently posted…Meet Missy Snowflake Elf
Reading this got me in the Christmas spirit! Brilliant!!!!!!! I’ll be keeping my open for this next year xx