Get on Board the Polar Express
Experience the Magic
By Sandra Scott
 Does
the bell of Christmas spirit still ring for you? Do you still feel the same
thrill at Christmastime that you did when you were a child? If the answer is
“no,” climb on board the Polar Express for an incredible journey. Even those who
hear the bell will feel the spirit of Christmas anew.
 Experience
the magic of “The Polar Express,” a classic children's book by Chris Van
Allsburg come alive. Feel the timeless and ageless thrill of the holidays.
Hundreds of thousands of holiday lights transform Grand Canyon Railway depot and
hotel into a winter wonderland. Candy cane lights line sidewalks and each tree
is lit to provide a warm holiday glow. Inside the hotel warm yourself by the
roaring fire, take pictures by the Christmas tree, and re-read the book
together. Before boarding the Polar Express visit Mrs. Claus in the Grand Canyon
Railway Hotel’s Grand Canyon Room and stop by Grand Canyon Railway’s Wild West
Town for a holiday pony ride.
 The
Polar Express train chugs out of the Williams Depot in Arizona passing thousands
of lights and gaily decorated homes and buildings, then journeys through the
dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the "North Pole." Along the way
there is a special reading of the book. Bring a copy of “The Polar Express” on
the train so that you can read along and view the pictures or purchase the book
at the Grand Canyon Railway Gift Shop. And, just like the book, hot chocolate
and cookies are served by Santa’s helpers. And, of course, there is caroling.
Feel the magic and anticipation build as the train nears the North Pole where
Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting!
 The
book relates the story of a little boy who no longer felt the spirit of
Christmas and awoke from his bed to see a magical train outside his window. He
climbed on board the train that traveled faster than time itself. It traveled as
fast as Santa’s sleigh and took him and the other children to the North Pole for
the chance to meet Santa Claus. Remember, as the conductor of the train said at
the start of the trip, “One thing about trains, it doesn’t matter where it is
going, just as long as you get on board.” Just like the young boy in the book
those aboard the Polar Express will know they are near the “North Pole” when
they see the “Northern Lights” dancing in the distance.
 Everyone
holds their breath waiting to hear, “There he is! There’s Santa.” The Polar
Express that leaves from Williams Station tries remains as faithful as possible
to the book. Experience the thrill when Santa boards the train, making his way
through every passenger car and greeting each child. All the good children and
all those who truly believe receive a bell. The bell is a symbol of the spirit
of Christmas, just like Santa Claus himself. The tale reinforces the fact that
the true spirit of Christmas lies in one’s heart. At the end of the journey, you
will agree with the lad in the book, that “The Polar Express” is “everything I
believed it would be.”
 Children
hear the bell for they truly believe. As the children grow older the bell often
goes silent until, as adults, they no longer can hear the bell. Only adults who
believe can hear the bell. When the Polar Express returns to William everyone
will truly believe in the spirit of Christmas and hear the bell. Make the bell
part of your Christmas tree decorating tradition. Each year as it is placed on
the tree it will stir up memories of the trip and rekindle the Spirit of
Christmas. The lesson learned is that the Spirit of Christmas can be found in
your heart and is the essence of the Christmas season.
Polar Express tickets, which include a hotel package, are only available by
calling 800-THE TRAIN. Tickets go fast with some sold a year in advance!
For more information check
www.thetrain.com/polarexpress. |
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