The holiday season has changed for me over the past few years following the birth of my son in 2021 and my daughter in 2024. Christmas traditions are being passed down as well as new ones beginning. One of these traditions is now reading the story of The Polar Express. While the feature film was my son’s first introduction to the story, the book illustrated and written by Chris Van Allsburg is truly original and memorable.
Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the reindeer’s harness. It turns out to be a very special gift, for only believers in Santa can hear it ring.
The last time I read The Polar Express was as a younger lad and revisiting the tale has been a true delight. Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 Christmas tale is more than just a children’s book; it really is a beautifully crafted book that weaves stunning double-page illustrations with heartfelt storytelling. While my recent telling of this tale has come from the feature film, diving back into the story expertly crafted by Van Allsburg brought back many memories.
Exploration of belief and imagination is at the heart of The Polar Express–a boy’s request for a bell from Santa’s sleigh speaks volumes about innocence and faith in things unseen or unheard by those who have lost their childlike wonder. This theme resonates deeply with those young and old, remaining us all to hold onto our sense of amazement and curiosity—particularly during the festive season.
While the story at hand is simply fantastic, Van Allsburg’s use of evocative pastels and atmospheric text brings each scene to life, making me feel as if I am a passenger on this magical journey. Each page has a dreamlike world where snowflakes glisten, steam billows from the train with warmth against cold winter night, and kids glow with excitement at every turn. His ability to bring this story to life through these illustrations is one reason the book has stood the test of time–celebrating 40 years in 2025.
After reading The Polar Express over again, it was crazy to see the differences and similarities to Robert Zemeckis‘ feature film adaptation starring Tom Hanks. In the children’s book the time spent on the actual train seems short, while in the film there is more focus on the journey itself. However, the core spirit of the book is passed along to the film making for a wonderful adaptation in the end.
Ultimately, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a perennial Christmas classic. An enchanting tale takes us on a journey to the North Pole aboard a magical train, capturing the essence of Christmas wonder and belief. Having recently re-experienced reading the story for the first time over again, I was reminded why The Polar Express remains an enduring holiday tale.
The Polar Express is available at bookstores everywhere from Clarion Books.
