The Polar Express was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, a famous American author and illustrator of children’s books. His book, the Polar Express, was published in 1985, which has won the Caldecott Medal, as well as having the honor of being made into a computer animated movie, in 2004.

This magical Christmas story starts with a little boy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who loses his belief in the spirit of Christmas and doubts the existence of Santa Claus, due to what he was told by a friend. When later that Christmas Eve night, the boy comes across something extraordinary outside his house, to say the least. There waiting for him was a train. When he asked the Conductor where the train was going, he was told it was going to the North Pole. Inside, he was delighted to find numerous amounts of sweets and goodies, along with many other children in their pajamas.

Upon their arrival at the North Pole, the children were taken to the center of the city where they were greeted by thousands of elves and Santa Claus himself. It was there that the boy was selected to receive the first gift of Christmas. Out of everything the little boy could have asked for, he chose a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa cut a bell off of a reindeer’s harness and handed it to the boy who then slipped the treasured present into his night robe.

As they were boarding the train for the journey home, the boy discovered that the precious bell had escaped his pocket.  The boy returned to his house and headed straight for his bedroom with an overwhelming sadness for the loss of his special gift. But later on Christmas morning, the boy’s sister found a small package behind the tree. The box was for the boy and inside was the silver bell! Both the boy and his sister could hear the crystal ringing of the bell while their parents couldn’t hear a sound. The boy always treasured his bell, and could hear the sweet sound throughout his life and into adulthood as he continued to believe.

The Grand Canyon Polar Express Train Trip

Experience the Christmas magic this season with your friends and family aboard the Grand Canyon Railway’s very own Polar Express Train Trip! Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to this special Christmas story as you ride to the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! This will make a holiday tradition you and your family never forget.