I Went on the Iconic 'Polar Express' Train Through the Mountains With My Toddler-and Now I Want to Do It Every Year

"I'm a little ashamed to admit that when I arrived at the train depot in Durango, Colorado, for The Polar Express train ride, I had never read the book. I knew it existed and had been turned into a movie, but I was oblivious to the magic everyone at the station seemed to feel. Kids wearing Christmas pajamas jumped up and down in anticipation, parents took photos, and everyone was talking about the journey to come-a journey that would take us to the "North Pole.""

"As we waited on the platform for the train to arrive, my three-year-old daughter clutched her golden ticket and took in the scene. She seemed to be as surprised and overwhelmed as I was. It was a feeling that dissipated as the vintage steam train rounded the bend. A shroud of steam shot into the dark night sky and we both gasped."

"The conductor came out into the frosty Colorado air and started retelling the iconic story, welcoming us all on a journey to the North Pole. The tale continued in our cozy train car, which was outfitted with lights and holiday decor. Our in-car chefs danced up and down the aisle to holiday music, acting out scenes from "The Polar Express" as clips were read over the speaker."

A visitor arrived at the Durango train depot for The Polar Express without having read the book. Excited children in Christmas pajamas and parents taking photos created an anticipatory atmosphere. The visitor's three-year-old daughter clutched a golden ticket and reacted with wonder when a vintage steam train appeared, sending a shroud of steam into the night. A conductor retold the story while the decorated car featured dancing in-car chefs, hot chocolate, and cookies. The train reached a village of lights at the North Pole where Mr. and Mrs. Claus were spotted. Santa walked through each car delivering a single silver bell, the first gift of Christmas.

Read at Travel + Leisure