by Sabrina Garibian posted in Products & Prizes

My favorite, most magical way to celebrate the holiday season as a family is by taking the Polar Express train ride.
Cities all over the U.S. seem to offer a slightly different variation. Our preferred location is the Blackstone Valley Polar Express in Woonsocket, RI.

This will be our second year riding it, and I made myself a list last year of things to remember when we visit this year. We are going next weekend and our kids are thrilled.
The Polar Express train ride takes you and your pint-sized riders up to the "North Pole" to see Santa. The 90-minute ride includes sing-a-longs with music from The Polar Express, hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, an allergen friendly cookie, and a reading of the book. Oh, and a visit from someone special from the North Pole! Here are 4 tips for your train ride to the North Pole:
1. Buy your tickets early.
The first year we wanted to go we couldn't because everything was sold out. It was mid-November. Since then I have set a calendar reminder for Labor Day weekend and buy our tickets then.
2. Choose your train car wisely.
Each train car has a different seating configuration and potentially a different souvenir mug or travel experience. Some cars have an open area in the middle perfect for dancing. Others have classic seats. The list of configurations goes on and on.
The first year we went, we were given a reusable Polar Express coffee mug for our hot chocolate. Other train cars r...