The Polar Express. It’s no surprise a magical book would produce a magical experience.

Train museums across the U.S. offer seasonal trips on The Polar Express. Based on the iconic 1985 award-winning children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the story was catapulted to international fame when made into an animated movie featuring Tom Hanks.

We took The Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. Considered the birthplace of American railroading, the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio) is a National Historic Landmark. The 40-acre site was the location of the country’s first commercial railroad in 1827, and the first passenger and freight station.

Our five-year-old and three-year-old grandchildren dressed in warm red flannel pjs for their journey to the North Pole. The excitement was palpable, as the friendly conductor welcomed everyone to board the decorated train with its twinkling lights, tinsel and ornaments. We each had a golden ticket, just like in the movie.

Once seated, we sipped hot chocolate and nibbled on sugar cookies as the staff entertained us with songs and dances adapted from the very flamboyant movie version. Staff circulated through the car reading the story from an oversized copy of the book.

The friendly conductor returned and feverishly punched our tickets, eliciting more than a few giggles from the kids. The Hobo who lived on the top of the train, sat with us for a while, but the kids were wary of him. My granddaughter whispered to me that he was a “specter.” I’m not clear how she knows what a specter is at age 5 . . . but she didn’t want to get too close.

And then with great fanfare, Santa appeared! He spent time with each child and presented each guest one of his special silver bells.

Finally, at the North Pole, we walked through a flurry of falling snow and a bevy of elf-helpers, to a world of huge vintage trains, model trains, children’s crafts, and lots more fun. The five-year-old pronounced the elves fakes because their ears were not pointed. But still, it was quite an enchanted night.