Against the historic backdrop of steam engines and railroad memorabilia, the B&O Railroad Museum in Southwest Baltimore has transformed into the magical North Pole once again for its beloved Polar Express Experience. Amid the garlands, twinkling lights, and snowflake displays, families board the train clutching golden tickets that promise an immersive holiday adventure, complete with dancing chefs, sweet treats, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
On Dec. 13, children and families from West Baltimore were given tickets to ride the Polar Express through an effort organized by the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
“We invited families from the West Baltimore community who engage with programming at the Community Engagement Center to the Polar Express Experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together to experience holiday magic,” explained Dionne McConkey, MSW, program specialist at OCCE, who emphasized, “This kind of event exemplifies what our mission is.”
Polar Express passengers walk through the entrance to the "North Pole" during the Polar Express Experience at the B&O Railroad Museum.
Before boarding the train, participating children were given a copy of “The Polar Express” book that the B&O experience is based on, as well as a set of Christmas pajamas to wear, just like the characters in the story. Once passengers were seated, the magic really began. Several dancing chefs served cookies and hot chocolate — while singing the “Polar Express” movie’s famous “Hot Chocolate” song — as the train embarked on its journey to the North Pole. After a group reading of the book, Santa Claus arrived and walked down the aisle to wish everyone a Merry Christmas before passing out a silver bell from his sleigh. According to the story, the bell only rings for those who believe; on board, a festive jingling filled the train car as children shook their silver bells to show their Christmas spirit.
“It was really magical. I have three boys, and they loved it,” said Kim Eshleman. A resident of Pigtown, she noted that her family can see the B&O Railroad Museum from their house. “My kids can see it from their windows at night. And I think — to have the support of the University and really just bringing the community together in this way — is special and unique. We're really appreciative of that, and I think it just makes a memorable experience for the kids and feel like they’re part of the University as well.”
The magic continued after the train stopped, as families departed from the Polar Express and headed to the “North Pole” inside the museum’s Roundhouse. The display featured snow flurries and a towering Christmas tree, while a s’more-making corner and Santa-themed “sleigh ride” waited just outside. Participants also had the opportunity to take a photo with Santa.
But for one young passenger, Jamera, the best part was the fun during the ride itself. She explained, “My favorite part was the train — the hot chocolate, the cookies, and when they sang the song.”
The event was funded through the University’s partnership with the University of Maryland BioPark during the Season of Giving Campaign, a joint effort supported by UMB’s Staff Senate, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and local CBS affiliate WJZ. The Season of Giving also allowed participants to enjoy s’mores and Santa Sleigh rides, while Libelle Photos provided complimentary Santa photos to the families.
“The B&O Railroad Museum’s Polar Express train is such a wonderful tradition and brings so much joy,” said Jane Shaab, MBA, associate vice president for economic development at UMB and executive director for the BioPark. “We are thrilled to support UMB’s Community Engagement Center in building cherished memories and bringing that holiday magic to the children and families of Southwest Baltimore.”
By the end of the event, the sugar-fueled laughter and wide-eyed excitement of the children said it all. With hot chocolate in their bellies and silver bells in their hands, West Baltimore families headed home dreaming of reindeer hooves on rooftops and a return trip next year. Ashley Boyd, a resident of Poppleton in West Baltimore, put it best: “We’re very much prepared — they got us in the Christmas spirit for sure.”