“I suggest we all hold on… TIGHTLY” to The Polar Express this Christmas as it sets off from Birmingham Moor Street station. You can relive the magic of the holiday classic, as you climb aboard Vintage Trains’ immersive experience – which sees Christmas tale theatrically recreated on board heritage carriages, hauled by a real steam engine.
The Polar Express train ride is inspired by the 2004 Christmas movie, which is in turn based on a 1985 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. But here you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this festive story like no other way.
The film follows a young boy who boards a mysterious train to the North Pole in his PJs, along with other children, taking them on an epic adventure to meet Santa and learn about the spirit of Christmas. Thus, guests are encouraged to show up in their PJs and nightgowns to the Polar Express train ride in Birmingham as well!
Leaving every weekend from November 24 to December 23, the beginning of the performance starts at Moor Street Station in the glass cube, with the rest taking place on the train. The whole experience should take around two hours, with opportunities afterwards to take selfies with the cast in front of the steam engine.
On your journey to the North Pole, Santa will arrive in your carriage at some point and gift you a magical sleigh bell. The Polar Express will also be serving hot chocolate and cookies during the trip. Each carriage will be filled with dancing chefs and other characters throughout, while everyone will meet the conductor.
Tickets for The Polar Express start at £29 per person, but there are two types of carriage to choose from. Tourist class carriages have seats arranged around tables of four. Pullman carriages have more luxurious seating arranged around tables of two or four. To get your tickets head here.