As we gather up a head of steam to embrace the Christmas season, Clare Brennan took her family along to review the Polar Express, returning to Birmingham courtesy of Vintage Trains based in Tyseley.
CHRISTMAS has well and truly arrived in Birmingham with the launch of The Polar Express Experience at the city’s Moor Street Station.
And you can feel the magic long before you reach the station. Birmingham is breathtaking at this time of year – the city is glowing with magical fairy lights and all the sights and sounds of the Christmas Market.
Catching our train from Moor Street Station – a building which wouldn’t look out of place in the film – this is the perfect setting for our festive adventure.
As soon as you walk through the doors you’re transported into another world, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Steam billows across the platform and suddenly you’re swept up into the train – and into the whole experience.
And it’s exactly how you would imagine. . . opulent velvet upholstery, warm tones of brown wood and bright, homely Christmas decorations all around as we immerse ourselves in this full theatrical recreation of the classic children’s tale.
We were entertained by the characters Chef Rhubarb and Chef Chocolat who took plenty of time to chat to our little ones and bring the popular story of The Polar Express to life through music and song.
Just like that, the city was far behind us as we enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies and plenty of festive fun.
In the distance we were greeted by the sound of sleigh bells and suddenly he was there – Father Christmas and the elf Twinkletoes – by this time my girls, aged nearly three and eight, were spellbound and the magic of Christmas had truly begun.
Running for just over an hour, The Polar Express operates four times a day on Thursdays to Sundays until December 22nd. Seat prices start at £29 with children aged three and under free. (If not occupying a seat and per accompanying adult.)
It would be hard not to get swept up by the joy of it all – it’s brilliantly done and a real festive family treat which you will all remember for many years to come – especially as we took away our special mementoes of the day – a collectible Polar Express ceramic mug, tote bag and, most special of all – a silver bell from Santa himself.
Tickets and information available at: www.thepolarexpressbirmingham.com
