Our Trip to the North Pole

Ever since I first heard about the Polar Express train in the Grand Canyon many years ago, I have wanted to go. (Yes, I am still a kid when it comes to Christmas!) However, adults were required to take a child with them to get on the train. We had no little ones in the family at the time. Besides, it would have required a long drive and an overnight stay.

This year, my brother-in-love and sister-in-love (Baba and Nana) have a four-year-old great-granddaughter…

I discovered the Polar Express Experience in Perris, California at the Railroad Museum—about a forty-five-minute drive away.

For quite a few years, we have tried to give gifts to create memories. We figured sharing a trip on the Polar Express train would create wonderful memories for all of us—especially four-year-old Everleigh (called “Evie”). So, I made reservations for the five of us for December 2 at 4:30 p.m.

We met Casey and Lucy at their son Shaun’s home in Orange, where they left their car. The drive was smooth and uneventful. However, locating the entrance proved a bit of a challenge. We met it, however!

Pajamas were suggested (not required), however nearly everyone on the train wore them. We did, too!

Uncle Larry, Auntie Lorna, Baba, Nana, Evie

After we checked in, we donned our jammies. (Masks were required the entire time on the train.) I wear children’s masks because the regular ones are just too large. I took an extra. It was pink. Evie loved it, so I gave it to her. (Her favorite colors are red and pink! A girl after my own heart.)

Outside, we took pictures before we entered the waiting area.

Everleigh

Nana, Everleigh, and Baba

At last, we entered the waiting “room” (a large tent), where more photo opportunities presented themselves.

Auntie Lorna, Everleigh, and Uncle Larry

Then we boarded the train.

During the ride, actors portrayed the story of The Polar Express and sang songs from the movie, including serving hot chocolate and Walker’s shortbread cookies.

They engaged the participants throughout the ride.

At one point, elves danced outside the windows, and the kids were encouraged to get near the large window to see them better. Evie took part with enthusiasm.

She also danced in the aisles when encouraged to do so by the cast members.

Near the end of the ride, a narrator read the actual story while the actors passed through the car showing pictures from the book. Evie wanted to get the book at the gift shop. Fortunately, they didn’t have any because I had already bought her one for Christmas. She settled on a little stuffed bear in a conductor’s outfit.

On the last part of the ride, Santa entered the car with his helper, who carried his large bag. He took lots of time with each of the kids and personally gifted them with a bell. The adults got them, too!

Here is Everleigh with her bell.

She would not stop ringing it!

After the ride, we went out for dinner, and she took it with her. She kept ringing it until her Nana threatened to take it—or her—to the car. She finally put it in her pocket.

Clearly, she had a wonderful time and so did we. What a wonderful Christmas memory we will all cherish forever.