For the first time in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, Puffing Billy Railway will bring the magic of film to life with 13 days of festive fun on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
Beginning December 11 – 23 and bound for the North Pole, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will immerse guests in the sights, sounds, and intrigue of this treasured holiday classic while weaving through the railway’s original mountain track from Belgrave to Menzies Creek and Lakeside.
Inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s Christmas picture book and the 2004 animated hit movie, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ tells the story of a boy who takes an enchanting Christmas Eve train ride to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa.
With golden tickets in hand, Puffing Billy Railway’s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride starts at Belgrave Station, giving passengers the chance to meet characters from the book, listen to a book reading of The Polar Express prior to boarding, live out scenes from the movie, and sing along to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, all while wearing their best set of pyjamas! The train ride will whisk families away on an hour-long journey (one-way) through the rainforests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, with characters waiting at station stops to keep the Christmas spirit in check.
Once the train rolls into Lakeside, ticket holders will enjoy hot chocolate, a delicious cookie and one final theatrical performance before the man himself – Santa Claus – appears and welcomes the young and young at heart into his official North Pole residence at the Lakeside Visitor Centre!
On the return trip, all guests will take home an exclusive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ complimentary sleigh bell – heard by all those who BELIEVE! – their souvenir golden ticket and the merry memories made on this jolly train trip.
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