The Magic of the Polar Express Returns to the North Fork

The North Fork of Long Island turns into a Christmas wonderland thanks to the North Fork Trolley, with the goal of bringing joy and a hint of magic to kids of all ages.

Now in its sixth year, the North Fork Trolley company — based in Calverton — is hosting its live action “Polar Express” Experience, and it’s already almost sold out.

Tour planner Kristel Schipp said the event started as a way to provide the staff and local community with a festive fun ride during the trolley’s off-season.

“We’re slower in the winter so it’s something to keep our employees active and help get them in the holiday spirit,” she said.

Licensed through Rail Events Inc. — which was established in 2000 and helps coordinate licensed special events, promotions, merchandising and other activities to railroad and museum operators throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom — the North Fork Trolley experience is the only Long Island-based location out of its 45 other “Polar Express” opportunities across the country.

The other three are located in Kingston, Utica and Medina.

Schipp said that ticketholders feel like they’re in the movie the moment they receive their golden ticket and climb on board one of their timeless trolleys as they are whisked away to the North Pole — conveniently located on the North Fork.

About an hour-and-a-half long, the experience follows the 2004 animated film directed by Robert Zemeckis, which was based on the 1985 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. Starring Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye and others, the film takes place on Christmas Eve and tells the story of a young boy who sees a mysterious train bound for the North Pole stop outside his home. After being invited on by the conductor, he climbs aboard, joining other children in their Christmas pajamas, as they head toward the North Pole to visit Santa.

After checking in at the trolley station at All-Star Bowling Alley in Riverhead, kids and their families — decked out in their own cozy Christmas peejays — climb aboard a trolley to experience a live-action rendition of the film and book with its final destination of the North Pole (located at an undisclosed location in Wading River).

Set to the sounds of the movie’s soundtrack, car hosts work their way through the trolley to punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and a cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along to the book during the 23-minute trolley ride, and once they arrive to the North Pole, Santa and his helpers board the trolley-train to greet passengers who are given the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell just like in the movie. The trip back to All-Star consists of a caroling session aboard the trolley, where everyone joins in on singing their favorite holiday songs.

“We’re one of the smaller venues that runs the ‘Polar Express’ event,” Schipp said. “So, we sell out pretty quickly every year.”

To combat this demand, the company is now providing a wait list for each show (in case ticketholders cannot make their trip) which can be found online at northforktrolley.com.

Starting November 29 and running through December 23, the company provides between four to five shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, with up to seven shows on Saturdays — the busiest day. Ticket prices range depending on the time and age of the passenger, but start at $53, going up to $73.

“The most exciting thing is seeing the kids’ faces when they watch the production over at the North Pole,” Schipp said. “It’s also really cool to see returning families every year.”

The North Fork Trolley is Long Island’s oldest operating trolley company that is best known for its wedding rentals and wine tours. However, Schipp added that they also provide packaged group tours available for purchase online during the holiday season that include trips to Radio City Music Hall and tours to the festive Christmas lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

So, do you believe?