All Aboard the ‘Polar Express’ for a Magical Christmas Journey

Take a magical ride around State College on the Polar Express to celebrate the holiday season.

The Christmas season tradition is back for another year in downtown State College.

The Schlow Library and Downtown Improvement District are teaming up to put on the event, which dates back to the ’90s in State College and had thousands participate last year.

It all starts with a reading of the award-winning holiday story The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg at the library.

The children’s book, which was brought to the big screen in a 2004 animated film, tells the story of a young boy taking a magical train ride to the North Pole.

After the reading, all children will receive a bell — which is supposed to symbolize the magic of Christmas — and a gold coin. They can then head outside and hop on State College’s own version of the Polar Express to take a ride around downtown with a stop at Santa’s Workshop.

When they get there, the kids will take a photo with Santa himself and turn in their gold coins for items at the workshop. They will also get a chance to step into the tiny shoes of Santa’s helpers and decorate a picture frame to house their Santa photo.

According to a press release from the Downtown Improvement District, the event had 2,260 participants ride the downtown Polar Express last year. Anita Ditz, the head of children’s services at the library, has been involved with the event since it began nearly two decades ago.

“This event has become a family tradition for many,” Ditz said. “People start calling in September to see when they can register for the event.”

The Polar Express, as always, is free for all participants and will be held on Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 13. On both Saturdays, the event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on both Sundays, it will go from 2 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. 

You can register at the library or over the phone by calling 814-237-6236.