26-foot Christmas tree and a village decked in lights .
Everyone looks forward to seeing Santa and his elves board the train as it comes to a brief stop . Adults especially delight in watching little faces light up as Santa bends over to greet them and hand each one a silver reindeer bell . The air fills with jingles as passengers shake the bells gently to hear them ring .
According to the story , anyone who can hear the ringing of the silver bell believes that Santa and his reindeer are coming to deliver Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve . To hear the bell ringing is to believe in the magic of Christmas .
Other characters from the story visit the cars dressed in pajamas and carrying blankets and teddy bears . They wave at the passengers and dance to Christmas carols as everyone chimes in joyfully to sing along .
Mementos of the trip available for purchase include The Polar Express picture book , family portraits , toys , games , Christmas ornaments and even robes and sweatshirts that serve as happy reminders of the memorable journey .
For some , riding the Polar Express becomes a family tradition as they return year after year .
Tickets are available online at texasstaterailroad . net or call 855-632- 7729 .
PHOTOS BY PENNYLYNN WEBB
“ At one time , most of my friends could hear the bell , but as years passed , it fell silent for all of them . Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound . Though I ’ ve grown old , the bell still rings for me , as it does for all who truly believe .”
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