It’s so much fun looking back on old parties. Especially the ones where the kids are so little! This magical Polar Express party is one I’ve been reminiscing over lately. It was so long ago, before I blogged or began planning and styling parties for a living. It was so much fun setting it up with my friend Sarah for our little ones. It still makes me smile and more importantly BELIEVE!
Better yet it was quick and easy to put together and full of affordable decor. I’m sharing all of this with you in the hope that you are inspired to get on board the magical Polar Express, it’s a magical ride!
P.S. If you want an easy one-stop shop for similar items, I created a list for you in my Amazon shop!
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How to Set Up a Magical Polar Express Party
Welcome
All aboard! We started with a light box, welcoming passengers to the celebrations. This light up sign from Oriental Trading could also be a really cool option!
Ticket Booth
Then we handed each of them a ticket to ride on the Polar Express and of course a little bell, something to hold and believe. You can make the tickets and bells yourself- or purchase these cute “Believe” bells and ticket stickers from Oriental Trading. The ticket booth is a cardboard shop front from Ikea, but here is another option. Really easy to set up! Add a wreath in the front and it is the perfect color for a Christmas ticket booth.
Craft Station
As soon as the kids arrived we had an activity they could get started on. We turned the dining room table into a painting station with two projects. The first, salt dough trains Sarah had cut out with a train cookie cutter. We added ribbons to turn them into tree ornaments and provided small bags for these to be put in once dry. The second, ceramic train money banks from the dollar spot (here are some similar paintable ceramic trains if you can’t find the banks). Don’t forget to make wet wipes easily accessible for these activities!!
Polar Express Train Table
A must for any Polar Express party, a train table. The kids loved being able to play with the trains. We popped the table up on some “snow” for a winter look. That is Sarah’s daughter Riley Grace on the left and my little monkey Parker on the right.
Letters to Santa Station
As the kids were meeting Santa at the end of the rail track we set up a “Letters to Santa” station for last minute wishes. We picked up simple glittered foam snowflakes to decorate the walls, fake snow balls and a tiny little holiday village.
All you need to set up a mini station like this are crayons, stamps, pencils, paper and envelopes. A simple box decorated as Santa pants makes a great mail box, or you could purchase one like this.
Polar Express Movie Watching
The main event was of course a screening of The Polar Express. We had a little fun with this. I used a couple of plastic tablecloths as a cover over the bed to make it look like a train engine. Then cut out a steam engine face out of different card stock colors and added it to the front.
We made the “train” super cozy with comforters strewn everywhere and bean bag chairs covered in plaid. A conductor hat (here is a simpler option) and teddy bear (here is an even cuter Christmas option!!) sat in every chair.
Around the television we hung layers of tissue snowflakes. A winter scene as the train passed by.
Party Favors
Once the movie was over, and it was time for our friends to leave each child stopped by baggage claim to pick up a small favor. All the kids favorites- mini trains, bubbles, stamps and stickers.
We nestled these inside used vintage suitcases, oodles of faux snow and a glimpse of their favorite bedtime story at Christmas time.
So what do you think? Time to board the Polar Express? Don’t forget to check out my Amazon Shop for an easy one-stop shopping list of similar items!
For tons more Christmas inspiration, check out my post with 15 Magical Holiday Party Ideas for Kids, Teens, and Adults!
Happy Partying!
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FAQs
What is the meaning behind Polar Express? ›
In the movie, a doubting young boy didn't believe in the spirit of Christmas like everyone else. The Polar Express train saw this as a possibility to change the boy's life to show the true meaning behind this holiday with a train ride to the North Pole.
What time period is Polar Express? ›
Although there isn't a ton of information concerning exactly when the film takes place, the Hero Boy has a copy of a Saturday Evening Post magazine from December 29, 1956. Since the film takes place on Christmas Eve, it's safe to say that it's at least set in 1957.
What is the original Polar Express? ›
The Polar Express is a 1985 fantasy children's picture book written and illustrated by American author Chris Van Allsburg. The book is now widely considered to be a classic Christmas story for young children. It was praised for its detailed illustrations and calm, relaxing storyline.
Is Polar Express 2 coming out? ›
Producer Gary Goetzman confirmed that Warner Bros. is planning a sequel, but it is still in early development stages. When will The Polar Express 2 be released? There is no expected release date. The film is in early development, and animation takes time, so it may be released around 2027 or 2028.
What is the moral of the story of The Polar Express? ›
Parents need to know that, like the book that inspired it, the The Polar Express has wonderful messages about the importance of believing, the value of friendship, respect for leadership and courage, and the beauty of being kind to others.
Is the mom in the Polar Express pregnant? ›
The mother is pregnant. The detail only appears for three seconds when the boy is looking through his keyhole to spy on what his sister is saying to their parents. The next morning, spoiler alert, he opens his presents and finds the bell from Santa that only him and his sister could hear.
What is the ending of Polar Express? ›
They return safely to their homes in time for Christmas Day, and the boy finds the Christmas Present from Santa beneath his tree, after which the story concludes.
What does the homeless man in Polar Express symbolize? ›
The hobo's identity is never revealed in the movie, leaving it open to interpretation as to who he is and what his true purpose is. Some fans have speculated that he is a representation of Santa Claus, while others think he may be a guardian angel sent to look after the children on their journey.
What are some fun facts about The Polar Express? ›
The Polar Express was the first feature-length film to be entirely created using motion capture technology. This revolutionary technique allowed the animators to create a highly realistic 3D world without having to draw each frame. The result was a unique and stunning visual style, unlike anything seen before.
“The Polar Express” — based on the picture book from the author and illustrator behind “Jumanji” — came out a year after “Elf,” and tells the story of a train ride to the North Pole that inspires children to keep the spirit of Christmas alive.
Does The Polar Express say Santa isn't real? ›
Plus another boy explains obliquely that Christmas has 'never worked out' for him. The clear inference is, he's a poor kid with parents who couldn't afford to buy him presents. So he never got any from Santa. Then at the end, they more or less say, obliquely, that Santa doesn't exist.
Is there a real life Polar Express? ›
The Polar Express, as seen in the movie, was loosely based on a real locomotive, although the train as a whole and the route it takes is (obviously) entirely fictional.
What is Hero Boy's name in Polar Express? ›
According to books containing information about The Polar Express, including art books and fact books, Hero Boy's name is Chris, after the novel's author, Chris Van Allsburg.
Is the hobo in Polar Express a ghost? ›
5 The Hobo is A Ghost Killed By Flat-Top Tunnel
A deleted scene from The Polar Express confirms that the Hobo is in fact a ghost who was killed while riding on the top of the train. It introduces a darker and more frightening element to the story that might be better removed from the family-friendly movie.
What is the message of The Polar Express book? ›
The Polar Express is based on themes of believing and the magic of Christmas. The boy boards the train as a skeptic and meets other children who have the same feelings. The conductor leads the way for them to get back that childhood view of Santa and finally, Santa in the flesh proves himself to be real.
What happened at the end of Polar Express? ›
They return safely to their homes in time for Christmas Day, and the boy finds the Christmas Present from Santa beneath his tree, after which the story concludes.
What is the point of the homeless guy in Polar Express? ›
The hobo's identity is never revealed in the movie, leaving it open to interpretation as to who he is and what his true purpose is. Some fans have speculated that he is a representation of Santa Claus, while others think he may be a guardian angel sent to look after the children on their journey.
What is the Polar Academy summary? ›
The Polar Academy is an organization that takes teenagers on expeditions to the Arctic. Teenagers who want to participate in the expedition must go through a demanding selection process, which includes outdoor activities, challenges underwater, and a tough hike, followed by ten months of intensive training.
