was first released in both conventional and IMAX 3D theaters November 10, 2004, and grossed $307 million worldwide. Rail tours The Polar Express has inspired real-life train rides across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom based on the book and film. These train rides are hosted by a number of different railways, including the Grand Canyon Railway, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the Texas State Railroad, the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, the Valley Railroad in Connecticut, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Frostburg, Maryland, and others. Beginning in 2016, the UK's Telford Steam Railway offered the Polar Express ride on a steam engine. The round-trip journey to the "North Pole" includes a live musical performance, hot cocoa and cookies, and Christmas characters such as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. At some locations, guests are invited to wear pajamas, similar to the characters in the book. Notes References External Links The Polar Express 1985 children's books Fictional trains Caldecott Medal–winning works American picture books Novels by Chris Van Allsburg Picture books by Chris Van Allsburg Christmas children's books Children's books about rail transport Fictional locomotives Arctic in fiction Michigan in fiction Houghton Mifflin books Children's books adapted into films Trains in fiction