Polar Express

This past weekend my parents took all of us on a Polar Express train ride. I have to admit that Joe & I were getting a bit alarmed when we saw carloads of children. We were both under the impression that it was going to be more along the lines of an old time train ride.

On the train ride, passengers re-live the experience of the little boy in The Polar Express book, written by Chris Van Allsburg. The story focuses on a little boy who has been told by his friends that there is no Santa Claus. Unwilling to believe this, he lies awake in his bed on Christmas Eve, waiting for the sound of Santa's sleigh. Instead, he hears the hissing steam and squeaking metal of the Polar Express as it stops outside his window, ready to take him and other children to the North Pole. During the ride you listen to the story, children are served hot chocolate & cookies. Santa visits each child, his elves ensure that every child receives a very special bell from Santa. After all, only those who believe can hear the sound of Santa's sleigh bell. Believe me, Joe still hears that bell.... loud & clear.

All trips are pulled by historic antique diesel locomotive #8142 & consists of antique restored passenger cars from the 1950's. The passenger cars were so neat, it really kicked in some feelings of nostalgia. Of course, we just snuggled together in a seat, smiling at all the holiday bliss. Mom, Sean & the kids were all in the same holiday mood. It was a good bit of fun.

It departs from Lehigh Junction located in the Historic Main Street area of Phillipsburg New Jersey. Getting there was a complete pain in the tooshie. Whoever wrote the directions should be taken out & beaten by all the people who get lost.