HOOD RIVER — “All aboard,” calls the conductor, ringing his bell to call passengers onto the Polar Express. This call rings out select days from the end of November to early January and invites all ages to feel the magic of Christmas, hear the story of the Polar Express, dine on cookies and hot chocolate, and to meet Santa Clause during this 90 minute interactive train ride from downtown Hood River all the way to the North Pole and back.

Mount Hood Railroad and The Fruit Company, connected through owner Scott Webster, bring to life Chris Van Allsburg’s classic 1985 children’s book, the Polar Express in collaboration with Warner Bros. who made the 2004 movie, and Rail Events Inc. to launch the interactive experience at historic railroads around the country, “But by far, I’d say Santa is our most important collaborator,” said Jill Vacek, marketing director of The Fruit Company. “He coordinated with the conductor and joyful train stewards to pick him and his cheerful elves up at the North Pole. When he climbs aboard, he talks with each child about what they want for Christmas and presents them with a shiny silver bell.”