“On Christmas Eve many years ago, I laid quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets, I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound I was afraid I’d never hear — the sound of Santa’s sleigh bells.”
Last week, my wife and another couple rushed to our cars all dressed in pajamas and drove three hours to climb aboard a train we never thought we’d see. The Grenada Railroad Polar Express train ride in Batesville, Mississippi, aims to make the magic of the movie “The Polar Express” a reality for children and adults alike. Passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas on the train car to the North Pole.
The four of us climbed aboard the old train car, greeted by the conductor and the hobo from the film, who were kind enough to take a picture with us.
It was one of the most magical things I have ever seen. Christmas lights coiled around the overhead luggage compartments, presents lined the walkways and the soundtrack from the movie could be heard overhead. Each table, with four seats to a table, included four hardy mugs, which we got to take with us, with the words “Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate” inscribed on the backs.
The train screeched and lurched forward as the conductor’s voice came over the intercom.
“Your attention please,” he said. “Are there any Polar Express passengers in need of refreshment?”
Immediately, the on-board chefs began to move down the aisle and encouraged the children to come dance with them to the song “Hot Chocolate” from the movie. When the song was finished, the chefs delivered hot chocolate to each of our mugs.
We passed several homes and neighborhoods decorated with Christmas lights and lawn decorations. As the four of us admired the passing houses, a recording of Chris Van Allsburg, the author of “The Polar Express” book, spoke over the intercom. The author began to recite the lines of the picture book as train attendants walked down the aisle with the picture book in hand.
We listened as the soothing sound of Allsburg’s voice put us in a trance. From the back of the train, the conductor called out, “Tickets, please.” I reached into my robe pocket and pulled out my golden ticket. The conductor came to our booth and looked down at the table of 21-year-olds.
“Ticket, please.”
I handed it over.
“What’s your name, son?”
“Uh, Zach.”
With great speed he punched the letter “Z” into my ticket, then handed it back to me. I could not believe it. I was in Christmas heaven. Just then, the hobo burst in and began to tell us that we were getting close to the North Pole. We looked out the window of the train and sure enough, there was a little town all lit up, with elves and Santa by his sleigh. He waved to us as we all took as many pictures as we could.
Just when I thought the ride couldn’t get any better, the train stopped and Santa climbed aboard. When he made it to our table, he knelt down in front of us. He was perfect. From the huge belly to the platinum white beard, I looked Santa right in the eye.
“Have you been good this year?”
I froze. He burst out laughing at the lack of my response. I finally responded with a resounding “yes,” but I’m not sure he even noticed. Each of us received a genuine sleigh bell from Santa’s sleigh. My life was complete in that moment. On our way back to the station, I couldn’t get the smile off of my face. As much as the ride was directed at children, it was one of the most fulfilling and well-conducted events I’ve ever participated in.
I would highly recommend this ride to groups of friends who are looking to get into the Christmas spirit. First class train tickets to ride the Polar Express are available on the company’s site at www.grenadapolarexpressride.com.
