Special Polar Express reading takes whole family on imagination train to celebrate Christmas

Find out what we thought of an enchanting afternoon out at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, to take part in an interactive telling of the Polar Express.
Debra Fox
By Debra Fox
Published 8th Dec 2019, 16:30 BST
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After a trip to a special Polar Express-themed workshop, your whole family will be left with the beautiful chime of an all-important sleigh bell ringing in your ear.

There’s no better time than Christmas to enjoy a beloved story – and this reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s Polar Express is just the ticket to sprinkling some festive sparkle over your day.

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Hosted at Seven Stories in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, the workshops take visitors old and young on a magical journey aboard a special train bound for the North Pole.

Accompanied by my nieces, we followed the lead of our story driver as the “train” arrived, taking our seats for an unforgettable adventure through the world of imagination.

Whether it’s the first time you have heard the story or the hundredth time, there’s something truly wonderful about this classic tale.

Our storyteller had an incredible charm and way with the little ones, which kept even the youngest of visitors interested up until the very end.

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A hot chocolate, sweet treat and craft-making break broke up the reading, but kept the story moving as we continued our journey to see Santa and get back home in time for Christmas Day.

The Polar Express Festive Story Workshop is taking place at Seven Stories in Ouseburn.The Polar Express Festive Story Workshop is taking place at Seven Stories in Ouseburn.
The Polar Express Festive Story Workshop is taking place at Seven Stories in Ouseburn.

The final page turned and we all waited to take our pictures with the exquisitely-crafted Polar Express – but you could hear just a snatch of something whistling and tinkling in the breeze.

After all, the bell will always sound for those who truly believe.

When is it on and how much does it cost?

Family workshops, suitable for all ages, are taking place every Saturday and Sunday until December 22, with an extra session on Monday, December 23.

A fantastic storytelling session packed with imagination.A fantastic storytelling session packed with imagination.
A fantastic storytelling session packed with imagination.
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Tickets are £9.50 per person and the sessions run for 60 minutes.

Workshops suitable for under-fives are on December 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19.

They run for 45 minutes and cost £7.50 per person.

There are two relaxed sessions on Thursday, December 19 at 1.30pm and Saturday, December 21 at 3pm.

For more information, visit Seven Stories online here.

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