A Parent’s First Trip to the North Pole

Destination: The North Pole
Experience: Controlled Holiday Chaos (a.k.a. Pure Magic)

When I first heard about the North Pole Adventure™ at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, I thought, “How magical could it really be?” Turns out, very. Like, tears-in-your-eyes, cookies-in-your-hands, kids-singing-‘Jingle Bells’-for-days magical.

Our family had been counting down to this night like it was Christmas morning itself. Matching pajamas? Check. Hot cocoa pregame? Check. Enough excitement to light up the whole train? Double check.

From the moment we pulled into Rockside Depot (yes, the same place both 5:00 PM and 7:55 PM trains depart from), we knew this wasn’t your average train ride. The kids were wide-eyed, parents were fueled by caffeine and nostalgia, and I was just trying to remember where I parked.

Once aboard, the real adventure began.
Santa’s elves, an energetic bunch who must have a lifetime supply of sugar cookies, led songs, games, and laughter the entire 90-minute round trip. Each car had its own holiday theme, decked out in twinkling lights and garlands that would make Clark Griswold proud.

The kids wrote letters to Santa (my youngest dictated hers to include “a puppy, but only if it’s already potty trained”), and when we reached the North Pole—complete with a dazzling light show, a Christmas tree forest, Candy Cane Lane, and yes, an order of snow—the North Pole Postmaster appeared to collect their letters. Cue the magic.

And then came the big moment: Santa himself magically appeared on the train! My children were so starstruck they forgot to breathe. He even handed out special gifts, which immediately became the most prized possessions in our household.

Oh, and yes—there were milk and cookies (because what kind of holiday ride would it be without them?). The elves led everyone in singing, and I have to admit—I might’ve joined in a little too loudly during “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

By the time we rolled back into the station, the kids were glowing, my heart was full, and my camera roll had tons of blurry photos of twinkling lights and smiling faces.

It takes a village—or in this case, hundreds of volunteers and staff (and our friends at Meijer)—to bring this kind of holiday magic to life. To them, I say: thank you for giving my family a night we’ll never forget.

If you’re not feeling festive after North Pole Adventure, well… you might just be the Grinch.