The Polar Express -- Christmas train rides for families

"The Polar Express" is a beautifully illustrated children's book by Chris Van Allsburg (also made into a movie) about a child's train ride to see Santa at the North Pole.

At several locations in the US -- including railways in New Hampshire, Colorado, the Great Smoky Mountains-- a local group or company has put together a "Polar Express" experience: a real-life train ride for kids to see Santa, that re-creates the mood and even some events from the classic book.

Read more about Polar Express train rides.

See also:

• shop for the classic Polar Express book, online
• shop online for The Polar Express movie, live-action plus animation, featuring Tom Hanks

^{*photo courtesy of Believe in Books Literacy Foundation}