I’ve mentioned a few times that my son is obsessed with trains, so you can imagine how excited he gets each year when we ride the Polar Express at the Mt. Hood Railroad. The Polar Express experience is returning this year and is a fun experience for any family that still believes in the magic of Christmas.
The train ride is basically a 90 minute show on wheels. Following the plot of the movie, you climb aboard and set off for the North Pole. The Mt. Hood Railroad uses several vintage cars that are decorated for the holidays. Along the way, the chefs lead the children in singing a few Christmas songs before the story of the Polar Express is read. I saw a few children who brought their own copy of the book so they could read along. And if you have seen the movie, it will come as no surprise the most children wear their PJs for the train ride.
Update: Read about our family’s experience on the Polar Express at the Mt. Hood Railroad
At one point, dancing chefs come through the train and deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest (yes, adults get the treats too). And just like the movie, the conductor comes by to punch your ticket. The highlight, of course, is the arrival at Santa’s North Pole Village where you see lots of Christmas lights out the train’s windows. Santa then boards the train with his elves so he can meet with all of the children on board.
Mt. Hood Railroad does a really nice job with the Polar Express experience. The chefs, conductor, Santa, Ms. Claus, and the Elves go out of their way to interact with the children, which is one of the main reasons why I recommend visiting. Last year, Santa sat down and talked with my son for a few minutes before giving him a souvenir bell (like the one in the movie). When my mother-in-law asked if she could have a bell, Santa gave her a look and then handed her a bell that didn’t ring (also, just like the movie). It was fantastic.
The Polar Express usually sells out, so it is worth booking your tickets as far in advance as possible. If you upgrade to the dome or parlor cars, you get a souvenir ceramic mug for your hot chocolate, in addition to better seating. We had dome seats on our last visit, which gave us a nice view of Santa’s North Pole Village in addition to a large booth with a table.
Polar Express Event Details
- Nov 9-10, 16-17, 22-24, 27, 29-30
- Dec 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 26-29
- 11:30am, 2:00pm, 4:30pm, 7:00pm
- Where: 110 Railroad Ave. Hood River, OR
- https://www.mthoodrr.com/mt-
hood-polar-express.html
[…] a chill in the air, my family took a drive out to Hood River to see Santa Claus and to ride the Polar Express on the Mt. Hood Railroad. My son brought a friend along for the experience and it was fun to watch the boys as they got […]