This Christmas experience is unlike any other. Brought to you by the organisers of the number 1 voted Polar Express in the World, Wensleydale Railway hosts THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride new for 2019.
Nestled in one of the prettiest parts of the Yorkshire Dales is Wensleydale Railway. Arrive at the Leeming Bar services Polar Express Park and Ride complete with your pyjamas on, and you will be transported by a Christmassy bus to the station.
Several food and drink refreshment stalls and toilet facilities are available on site on arrival. Once you’re fuelled up and ready there is a very large warm marquee waiting room set up with the Polar Express film playing to keep you and your littles entertained.
Two pyjama wearing entertainers introduce you to a taster of what is to come on board. They get the audience fully in the Christmas spirit and unveil the platform ready for boarding.
Once on the platform you’re greeted by atmospheric music from the film and decorated platform lamps which glow cosily in the cold, dark night. Standing outside and waiting for that first whiff of steam and the sound of the train whistling down the platform is just magical.
Settling on board, you’re transported straight to the film itself as the chefs welcome you all. The conductor is quite simply the best train conductor we have ever met. The American accents and upbeat theatrics are everything you would hope for. Think jazzy hands and joyful voices calling out for hot chocolate, and that was just us!
There is of course hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies handed out to all (included in the price of your seat) whilst being entertained by chefs such as Victoria Sponge!
The theatrical, cheerful conductor gets you in the mood with a few well known Christmas songs, ticket punching your initial into your golden train ticket and a simple rendition of the Polar express story. Once you’ve navigating around the Caribou and met the ghost of the train you arrive at the North Pole. 
Our children eagerly wiped the windows down with the window scraper provided, to get a glimpse of Santa. Once on board he visits everyone and hands out a beautiful keepsake sleigh bell to all.
With fun song-along renditions of jingle bells and the 12 days of Christmas you make your way back to the station. On departure you can pose for pics outside the train and spot the train drivers.
On your way out through the gift shop (of course!) you can find plenty of Polar express merchandise at varied prices. If you’re on a budget then there is a free naughty and nice scanner and some crafty activities to keep littles happy.
The Polar Express Yorkshire at Wensleydale Railway is truly an unforgettable atmospheric Christmas experience to remember forever!
Top tip: just go with it and wear your pyjamas – you won’t regret it!
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