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On the North Pole Express, passengers get to ride a train on the Heber Valley Railroad to the North Pole, visit with Santa, and return back to the depot. Ph: Heber Valley Railroad

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Tickets to the North Pole Express, which features a ride on a Heber Valley Railroad train to the North Pole, to visit Santa, and back. Ph: Jennifer Durrant/Utah Adventurer

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Passengers look out the windows of the train while riding abord the North Pole Express, sponsored by the Heber Valley Railroad. Ph: Heber Valley Railroad

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What is it about a passenger train that conjures up thoughts of romance, mystery and magic? So many iconic movies, novels and historic moments are set within the moving sleeper cars, standing alongside steam-filled platforms or even within the echoing walls of a crowded train station.

There’s Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express,” for example. Who could forget Cary Grant in “North by Northwest?” Or the romance of “Doctor Zhivago.” The comedic antics found in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” How about the historic train-robbing duo in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?” Indiana Jones managed to find trouble aboard a train in “The Last Crusade.” And who could forget the scenes aboard the Hogwarts Express after its annual departures from platform 9 æ?

During this Christmas season, the most beloved train experience is easily credited to “The Polar Express.” Whether you’ve read the beautiful children’s storybook by Chris Van Allsburg so many times the pages are tattered and worn, or you’ve watched the animated movie starring Tom Hanks enough to memorize every scene, “The Polar Express” has become a holiday tradition.

That Christmas train tradition has expanded beyond the pages of the children’s book and movie screen and onto the actual train tracks of the Heber Valley Railroad.

The North Pole Express has been embarking on excursions to Utah’s own “North Pole” for several years now and the fun-filled tradition continues to delight passengers young and old.

After collecting our tickets for our recent Tuesday evening adventure, my husband, oldest and youngest daughters, and I wandered around the platform, trying to peer into the old clouded train windows, waiting for the conductor to give us the “All Aboard!” Once the train’s engine came to life and we were beckoned aboard Coach 3571, the Christmas magic began as we were greeted by spritely dressed elves Sparkle and Gumdrop, who took our tickets.

Securing seats at the back of the brightly festooned train car, nearest the coal heater, the girls delighted in what would be their first actual train ride.

Was this really their first train ride?

My childhood was incredibly filled with many Amtrak train rides to visit my maternal grandparents in Baker City, Ore. The most memorable, in fact, was a family trip aboard a very, very snow-delayed train for a Christmas with my grandparents I will never forget.

So climbing aboard this historic, decades-old train with all its well-worn seats and patina charm, was completely nostalgic for me. Getting to see two of my girls experience the magic of a train, too, just further enhanced my experience.

As the train departed the station, we were treated to chocolate chip cookies, piping-hot hot chocolate and tales of Santa Claus and Christmas carols led by our in-car storyteller. Mrs. Claus made a surprise visit, too, building the anticipation of Santa’s possible appearance as she made her way through the train cars. Along the way, she was quick to share her famous chocolate chip cookie recipe with all the bakers on the journey.

Slowly and leisurely the train advanced up the canyon toward Utah’s very own, expertly hidden “North Pole” where Santa was seen outside amid the decorated trees waving to eager children.

After singing Santa’s favorite song, “Jingle Bells,” the jolly old elf boarded the train and visited each and every person, bestowing them with a most precious gift – one of the bells off his own magical sleigh.

Traveling back down the canyon to the station, families could be heard sharing their Christmas wish list or favorite Santa sighting. Melodies of familiar carols, too, were belted out by jubilant teenagers as the train bumped and swayed along the tracks. And those sleigh bells, too, jingling and jangling accompaniment to the overall excitement of this holiday season.

The North Pole Express is now boarding Christmas passengers throughout the next month, including Christmas Eve, a perfect time to create your own magical, romantic or even mysterious memories of train-traveling adventures.

IF YOU GO

North Pole Express

When: Now through Dec. 24

Departures: 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (90 minutes round trip)

First Class/Regular/Off-Peak: $25-$47 adults and $15-$37 children (age 3-12)

First-class passengers receive a souvenir boarding ticket, hot cocoa with whipped cream served in a souvenir mug, a cookie and a gift from Santa. Other fares include hot cocoa, cookie and gift from Santa. 

Where: Heber City Depot, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City

Info: www.hebervalleyrr.org, where you’ll find information on group rates, buy tickets, and other information about the trains.  

Phone: (435) 654-5601