I have been waiting years to take my girls on the Polar Express. As soon as I learned about it, before I even had kids, I decided this was something I wanted to take my future children on. When my oldest was born, I thought just about 2 more years and we will go. Then when my youngest was born, I figured OK, just two more years so that they both can enjoy it. My oldest is 3.5 and my youngest will be 2 in January. These were the perfect ages to go for the first time! I even wore my jammies with the girls (although hubby opted out).
When we got there, we picked up our golden Polar Express tickets. My 3 year old thought this was really cool! They shimmered in the light and I wish I was able to capture her face forever – it was so amazing. The train station was set up with a coloring and letters to Santa station, cookie bean bag toss, and there were even Santa’s elves milling about! My youngest LOVES to dance, so when the Christmas carols came on, she started dancing up a storm! All of the elves thought this was super cute (it was!) and formed a circle around her dancing. She loved it!
After all the dancing it was time to get on the train. I had come prepared with snacks and the LeapPad because I was told it migh be a little boring for kids. My youngest loved staring out the window and watching the scenery and snow as we went by. After about 40 minutes we arrived at the North Pole! Out the window we could see Santa and Mrs. Claus! Santa boarded the train and we were the first to talk to him. He handed out Christmas bells, just like in The Polar Express movie and book! My 3 year old was very shy and did not talk to him much but my (almost) 2 year old loved him! They both spent the train ride back just talking about Santa. The elves even came in our train car to play some elf games!
If you have not yet made it on a Polar Express ride, I highly suggest you try to! Ticketsgo on sale in April and they sell out quickly. Crazy, I know, but there is a reason why! We are hoping to make this a yearly tradition with our girls – at least for a few years.
