The first group of children rushed through the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology in downtown Syracuse last Friday night, wearing pajamas and roaring like dinosaurs, waiting for the party to start. The museum was hosting its 13th annual “Polar Express” Pajama Party with a screening of the film inside the IMAX dome.

For some families, “The Polar Express” is a stable tradition for the holidays and doing anything related to the film helps keep the Christmas spirit alive. And the MOST isn’t alone in celebrating the film — train stations throughout New York state have recreated the film’s magic with thematic shows and rides.

Drew Heagle, the marketing and communications coordinator for the MOST, said he’s seen an increased interest in the film as tickets for the event sell faster each year. Tickets for this year’s event sold out in the beginning of November.

“It’s really a big community family event that seems to get people in the mood,” Heagle said. “And what better film to do it than with ‘The Polar Express,’ which over the years has become a stronger and stronger classic film for the holiday season.”

And, the popularity of the film has done more than just help boost holiday cheer. The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad have seen an increase in sales for their Christmas-themed train ride. Even though it’s not “Polar Express”-themed, Jim Loudon — a historian for the Leatherstocking Railway Society who operates the railways — attributes the boost in sales to the film.  

Cooperstown ticket holders ride with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as the two greet and pass out gifts to children provided by their parents, Loudon said. He added that kids can also take pictures with both Santa and the train conductor.

At the Catskill Mountain Railroad, its train program offers a Kingston, New York experience. The program serves hot chocolate produced by Boice Brothers Dairy, a local dairy farm, and cookies from Deising’s Bakery, located just blocks away from the station. The actors on the train are often local high school or college students from the region, said Robert Gaston, the producer, director and events manager at Catskill Mountain Railroad. Train rides are available from Dec. 14 to Dec. 28.

Gaston said throughout the years, Catskill has tried to make sure guests have the experience they expect, while also adding new twists each year. This year, they’ve incorporated dancing elves into the mix, while passengers sing along to the film’s soundtrack and the Christmas classic “Silent Night.”

Both Loudon and Gaston said they’ve noticed some families coming back annually as a holiday tradition.

“Year after year, they’ll request a certain cart where the employee might be working. And we become a little bit like family too,” Gaston said.

Theresa Loring and Laura Harrington, who attended “The Polar Express” Pajama Party, also brought their families to the train rides last year. For Harrington’s family, watching “The Polar Express” is an annual ritual and she’s been doing the train rides since her children were 3 years old. Loring said last year was her family’s first time on the train rides, but “The Polar Express” has become a tradition in her household.

“I think living in New York, the winters are cold and long, and we got to make the best of it,” Loring said. “It’s fun to get out and do stuff like this and embrace ‘The Polar Express’ for the Christmas spirit.”

As the lights dimmed, the film screen brightened and the introductory piano music began to play. Children stopped their frantic bell jingling. The kids listened to Santa’s sleigh, and for families like Loring and Harrington, their Christmas family tradition began.

Published on December 11, 2018 at 6:16 pm

Contact Diana: dianar@dailyorange.com