Mark your calendars to sign up for 2025 North Pole Express

        I can’t think of a better Christmas holiday adventure for the entire family than a ride on the North Pole Express at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan.
        There are many pretenders to the North Pole Express themed excursions, but the Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive that powers the express is the real deal.
        Here’s the straight story from the Institute.
        The “Pere Marquette 1225, the largest and most impressive piece in the Steam Railroading Institute’s collection, is one of the largest operating steam locomotives in Michigan. The 1225 was built in October of 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio, for the Pere Marquette Railway. It’s part of the National Register of Historic Structures and is renowned for its role in the 2004 Warner Brothers Christmas Classic, “The Polar Express.” 1225’s blueprints were used as the prototype for the locomotive image as well as its sounds to bring the train in the animated film to life.”
        This is a plan-well-in-advance-adventure. It’s already too late for this holiday season – all 23 excursions are sold out. Tickets go on sale in July and, if you’re interested, mark the date on your calendar and call as soon as possible after they go on sale to reserve your spots.
        It’s well worth the effort.
        Reservation costs range from $6,200 to reserve a luxurious private car for 26-passengers to $80 per passenger for reserved coach seats that come with trappings that include a cup of hot cocoa and admission to the train’s destination at the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas.
        Twice we’ve opted to step up to the Cocoa Class, $105 per seat. Cocoa Class comes with extra offerings including additional servings of cocoa and seating in four facing seats at a table in a deluxe coach. The four-person table is an ideal arrangement if you’ve got more than two people in your group.
        Everyone on board experiences a wonderful variety of touches inspired by the book and movie. They include a period-dressed conductor who moves among the cars enthusiastically punching your tickets, stepping aside to allow the hobo character to pass. Period-dressed waiters serve up the cocoa.
        The on-board touches are impressive, inspiring some passengers to join in the spirit by wearing favorite pajamas or attire from the 1940s and 50s. Keep in mind that the experience includes two hours exploring the Country Christmas, which requires time outdoors walking among tents and attractions.
        As in the book and movie, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet the crowd of passengers and present the first gift of Christmas. Afterward they graciously remain to meet and have photos taken with passengers, especially children.
        Allow a total of four and one-half hours for the event, which includes two hours at the Country Christmas. The Steam Train Institute is a two-hour drive.
        A train is scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, with an additional departure in the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays. The North Pole Express starts its runs the weekend before Thanksgiving and they continue through the weekend before Christmas.
        For more information visit www.michigansteamtrain.com/north-pole-express.
 
 
 
The first gift of Christmas is presented as part of the featured events associated with the North Pole Express that runs on the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ticketing for the Express is conducted by the Steam Railroading Institute five months in advance. (Photo by Art Weber)