Texan Magazine
By Bill Dante
It has become a Christmas movie classic! “The Polar Express,”released in 2004, is an animated film about a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole by train while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
Did you know that during the holiday season in Texas there are several Polar Express trains around the state that you and your family can actually ride?
Ready? Close your eyes and think about the very first train you ever saw. Whether you remember the first one you saw or even played with as a child, it doesn’t matter. What matters is it was a magical moment!
I remember when I was four years old and my dad, an electrician, and model- train hobbyist built a Christmas village train platform in our tiny living room and I saw my first Lionel train!
The Polar Express Christmas trains in Texas will bring back your own first train moment or perhaps introduce your family members to their own magical memories. It will be an adventure to remember!
There are four convenient locations in Texas and some have different departure dates, because Santa obviously can’t be on every train at the same time.
Let’s start in the southeast section of the state.
GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM
November 8 – December 23, 2024
The dates fill up fast, so don’t wait to make your reservation! Allow for two hours for this Polar Express train adventure. There is something big and majestic hearing and seeing the locomotive steam engine pull into the station. Once on the train, (which does leave the station), you are whisked away to the North Pole! There, Santa is waiting with elves to play and dance with. You will get to meet many characters from the film including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo, and of course the main man himself, Santa Claus! You and your family will experience a fun filled theatrical journey, you may even tangle with caribou as the story unfolds.
Adding to the Polar Express is the city of Galveston turning into a wonderful winter wonderland. For more information, check out,
galvestonrrmuseum.com
GRAPEVINE – SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPRESS
November 29 – December 30, 2024
Located, kind of between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine calls themselves “The Christmas Capitol of Texas.” Besides Santa’s North Pole Express, the city says the have 1,400 holiday events in 40 days! Too many to even start to list.
Climb aboard the train with its vintage luxury 1920s coaches. Be ready for lots of singing and laughter with theatrical groups that make it one of those train rides you will remember! Of course there is Santa who joins in with lots of surprises for all ages. Oh wait, there is also a separate holiday Thomas The Train excursion.
Wow! Just thinking about Thomas The Train makes me remember lots of good family times.
grapevinetexasusa.com
AUSTIN – NORTH POLE FLYER
Bertram Depot
November 30 – December 15, 2024
We all love day trips to the Texas Hill Country.
ALL ABOARD!! The North Pole Flyer is where you will be greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Together they will help you check your list! In addition there are homemade Christmas cookies, lots of holiday cheer, hot chocolate and a gift for everyone.
You might want to check out the best departure station for you. There is Bertram, Burnet and Cedar Park
austinsteamtrain.org
PALESTINE – POLAR EXPRESS
November 15- December 28, 2024
Let’s choo choo over to east Texas to the city of Palestine.
The entire ride is based on the children’s book. It’s one of our all time family books to read. Plus a very Christmas atmosphere awaits you, with cookies and hot chocolate served to you by dancing chefs. (They are really elves dressed as chefs but don’t act like you know). Even Santa, who will be there, acts like he doesn’t know they’re elves. So much fun!
There will be characters from the movie, a read along with the Polar Express book, a sing along of all your favorite Christmas carols.
Oh, I forgot to mention upon your arrival at the North Pole, Santa, jolly old saint Nick, will give all the kids a special magical “Silver Sleigh Bell.” Your friends will be so jealous.
texasstaterailroad.net
OTHER CHRISTMAS MAGIC AROUND THE STATE
San Antonio River Walk
Of course there are many, many other holiday events and activities going on around the state. San Antonio’s River Walk comes alive with thousands and thousands of lights starting the day after Thanksgiving.
But speaking of trains, don’t miss a short walk to Sunset Station, right behind The Alamo. You’ll find a real steam engine all decorated in hundreds of colorful twinkling lights, which makes for a great family picture.
JEFFERSON, TEXAS “The Atalanta”
Another decorated train you must see is in in Jefferson, Texas, just northeast of Tyler.The Atalanta, (that’s ATA- LANTA), train cars were built in 1866 by the railroad baron, Jason Gould. The spectacular main car is 88 feet long and 11 feet wide with 4 staterooms a lounge and even a kitchen. The decorations make it look like it’s right out of a spectacular Christmas movie. For tickets and more info: theexcelsiorhouse.com
Well, there’s lots to see and do! No matter what part of the great state of Texas you find yourself, have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year from our family to yours!!
