North Carolina Museum Offers Tremendous ‘Polar Express’ Experience
I have many, many amazing Christmas memories from when our son was small, and holidays could truly be magical. Probably one that stands out more than most was the Christmas that the movie, “The Polar Express” came out. Our little boy LOVED it. And it just so happened that a train in Birmingham (where we were living at the time) offered up a “Polar Express” experience complete with train ride, carols, hot cocoa, and of course a visit with Santa. Score a big win for mom and dad that night. The movie and story is timeless, so mom and dad do I have something for you.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer is once again holding ITS tradition of bringing “The Polar Express” to life for children of all ages. Weekends until December 23, families can come to the museum, check out all it has to offer, and then it’s “all aboard” to the North Pole and a visit with Santa Clause.
I’ll tell you what, from what I can see, I wish my boy was little again, because THIS “Polar Express” experience is about as immersive as it gets. Authentic costumes, singing and synchronized dancing to go along with cocoa service, and Christmas carol sing-a-longs on the ride to the North Pole. And then upon arrival, passengers are greeted by Santa’s elves which leads to an audience with the man, himself.
How great is this “Polar Express?” Caroline Stutts recently took her family and tells The Salisbury Post, “It was a great experience. I thought everyone on there was really great and welcoming. I thought the experience for our kids was very special, it’s something they will never forget.”
Yessir, Spencer, North Carolina may be THE family stop this holiday season. To take part in The North Carolina Transportation Museum’s “Polar Express,” get your tickets here.
10 Unforgettable Christmas Experience Gifts
Memberships
Gifting an annual membership to a zoo, museum, aquarium, or perhaps, for those aged 21 and above, a wine club or mug club membership can make for a wonderful holiday gift. It’s a simple and thoughtful gesture that can benefit almost everyone this season. Offering your friends or family several months or a full year at a location they cherish is an excellent method to provide them with extra savings and a valuable present they can enjoy throughout the year.
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Outdoor Experiences
Offer the gift of a year-long adventure with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass grants free entry to all 115 National Parks with entrance fees, along with over 3,000 other federal lands. The pass includes the pass holder and up to three accompanying adults (aged 16 and above), with free admission for children under 15. Similar passes are available at various state parks, city and county parks, as well as botanical gardens nationwide, either for online purchase or directly on-site. It’s a thoughtful present for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
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Personalized Celebrity Videos
Imagine the excitement of receiving a personalized video message from your beloved celebrity, something you can hold onto for a lifetime. Cameo provides a platform where you can hire celebrities and athletes to create personalized videos, making them memorable gifts. The pricing for Cameo videos is set individually by thousands of actors, artists, and influencers and can range from as low as $1 to as high as $15,000 for personal videos, depending on the celebrity’s status and demand.
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Movie Gift Card
It’s reassuring to know that you’re offering your loved ones something they can personally choose and appreciate. Movie gift cards are a great option as they usually have no expiration date and can be used to buy movie tickets and concessions at the specific theater or theaters from which they are purchased. The recipient can use it for any movie they desire, without having to dip into their own funds.
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Amusement Park Passes
Consider giving tickets to a theme park amusement park as one of the most enjoyable experiential gifts. When presenting tickets as a gift, there’s room for creativity in how you package the gift, whether in a sizable wrapped box or as part of a unique scavenger hunt.
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Indoor Attraction Passes
There are plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to explore, including options like indoor rock climbing, trampoline centers, indoor skydiving, game centers, arcades, and escape rooms. A gift of this kind can be especially convenient for those times when you’re looking for indoor entertainment, especially during bad weather.
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Concert or Show Tickets
Concert or show tickets are a great gift choice. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience and make for a thoughtful way to celebrate your best friend and their interests. Even if they’ve seen the band before, each performance is unique and memorable.
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Sporting Event Tickets
If you have a sports enthusiast in your circle, giving them tickets to a baseball game is a thoughtful gesture to express your care. It’s also an excellent means of enjoying quality time together while rooting for your favorite team. To make the experience even better, you can go the extra mile by including a food voucher along with the tickets.
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Self Care Experience
Offer the perfect gift of relaxation and beauty, whether it’s a spa day, a massage, a facial, or a visit to the salon for hair styling, a wash, or a manicure and pedicure. Depending on the recipient, this could be something you can enjoy together. It’s an opportunity to unwind and connect, spending quality time together, catching up on life, sharing some laughter, and reminiscing about the past.
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Classes or Lessons
Lessons in various experiences, such as cooking classes, dance lessons, or sewing lessons, can be beneficial to many. This kind of gift is well-suited for people who enjoy learning and trying out new experiences. By gifting classes or lessons, you provide someone with an additional means of self-expression.
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