THE POLAR EXPRESS™
MAINE NARROW GAUGE INITIATING SERVICE TO THE NORTH POLE

"Well, are you coming?" asks the conductor.
"Where?"
"Why, to the North Pole, of course. This is The Polar Express!"

Pajama clad passengers will board trains bound for the North Pole at more than twenty railroads nationwide this holiday season! This year, Portland’s own Maine Narrow Gauge plans to be one of those trains!

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Altrusa International of Portland, Maine, are proud to announce association with Rail Events Inc., through Warner Brothers Consumer Products, to bring the officially licensed Polar Express event to Portland! The holiday film, The Polar Express™, originally released in 2004 by Warner Bros. Pictures, is an inspiring adventure based on the beloved 1985 children’s book, by Chris Van Allsburg, about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The Polar Express™ will come to life when the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad departs its Portland depot for a journey to the “North Pole.” Holiday decorations along the train’s route will light up the night. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will meet the conductor, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, listen to a reading of the magical story and sing carols!

Experience the joy of watching the children’s faces when the train finally arrives at the “North Pole”. There, the children meet Santa, who will give them their own collectible sleigh bell! Activity booths run by local nonprofits enrich the home-made craft experience of the North Pole. An array of officially licensed Polar Express merchandise will be available in the gift shop, including books, DVD’s, soundtracks and other holiday gift ideas! Families are sure to make this an annual holiday tradition.

The Polar Express™ schedule starts the day after Thanksgiving and includes Friday-Saturday-Sundays for three long weekends, then runs for seven straight days from December 17 through December 23 for a total of 16 days and 61 excursions leading up to Christmas Eve. Tickets are $25 per adult and $22 per child. Tickets on sale starting September 2 through Portland’s own PortTIX at tel. # (207) 842-0800 or online at porttix.com. You can learn more about The Polar Express™ Train Ride Event by calling (207) 828-0814.

An unforgettable journey, departing the Ocean Gateway depot.

Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book and characters TM & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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