Easy Polar Express Party at Home — Hot Cocoa, Gingerbread Houses, & Holiday Magic.

There’s something magical about The Polar Express — the snow, the twinkling lights, mystical train, hot cocoa on the way to the North Pole, and the hope of meeting Santa!

I would say that’s every kids dream during the season of Christmas.

So, how can you bring the magic to life and host an Easy Polar Express Party?

It’s is easier than you might think!

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Why we do a Polar Express Party?

Over the last several years of raising 6 kids, I’ve learned that making memories is far more important than anything else.

Time and time again, my kids have proven to me that it’s NOT about the big, elaborate moments — it’s about the fact that something meaningful actually happened.

With that guiding thought I plan each party with my “Keep it Simple” structure, then enjoy them memories created!

Best Tip:

We’ve had 4 Polar Express Parties now and they never looked the same; from…

• Small apartments while in grad school
• To the rental house in a new state
• Then joined by a 2-week-old new sibling
• To the year everyone got to invite a friend (even the parents!)

So the Best Tip is to Keep It Simple.

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Keep It Simple

The biggest rule to remember for any “Easy” party is to keep it simple.

Party tips to easily capture the Polar Express magic?

1. Pick One Focus: Choose just one thing that’s most important to you such as, a hot chocolate bar, PJ’s, decoration, gingerbread houses — and make it special.

2. Use What You Have: Pajamas, Christmas lights, a train, treats you have on hand, just get creative with what you have or borrow!

3. Movie Magic: Press play on The Polar Express, but don’t serve cocoa until the movie does. Keep the anticipation.

4. Set Up Your Train (Optional): While the movie is playing, set up the train and track.
   • Some years our train goes around the tree and other years it stays out as a fun Christmas toy.
   • Amazon has some affordable train sets that look fun.
   • Have toddlers? Build LEGO trains.
   • Another fun replacement, play the board game Ticket to Ride or Ticket to Ride Jr. option (my kids love that game.) while the movie is playing.

5. Gingerbread Houses (Optional): To bring more Holiday Magic, build your own gingerbread house. Homemade or store-bought kits are fine.

6. One Keepsake (Optional): End the night by giving each guest a silver bell, stamp, punched ticket, or candy cane as a simple, magical reminder to believe.

6. Remember: A little imagination goes a long way — sometimes the simplest touches make the most heartwarming memories. Keep It Simple and Enjoy.

Now that we have our Easy Party tips, let’s dive into party planning!

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Setting the Scene: All Aboard!

Start by turning your home into your very own Polar Express.

This can be done with a few simple touches or on a grand scale if it is your main focus.

Simple ways to set the stage…

1. Tickets, please! Print or handcraft “Polar Express” train tickets to hand out before starting the evening’s activities.
   • For fun you can have someone dressed as a conductor punch the tickets after each activity they complete.

2. Dress Code: Encourage everyone to come in pajamas — just like in the movie!
   • OR – If this is your main focus gift them PJ’s.
   • Hint: Wrap the PJ’s and have them appear on your front porch or under the tree as a gift from Mrs. Claus.

3. Background Ambiance: Play The Polar Express movie quietly in the background while everyone participates in the other activities. They can come and go as they please.

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Hot Cocoa Bar

No Polar Express celebration is complete without the hot chocolate moment!

Set up a simple hot cocoa bar.

1. Hot Chocolate: I like to have it premixed in a big crockpot to keep it nice and warm.
   • Make it Homemade.
   • Use the store-bought mix.

2. Add-ins: Whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, and chocolate shavings.
   • Tip: Peppermint Tea Packets are my go-to for adding a minty twist to your hot chocolate.

3. Mugs/Cups: Use festive mugs or have them bring their favorite mug.
   • Tip: I like to use disposable hot liquid cups with lids so the kids can walk around with them. And easy clean up.

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Build Your Own Gingerbread House

We’ve found that our Polar Express party is the perfect time to add more Holiday Magic by decorating Gingerbread Houses!

But, with a twist!

We use a Sugar Cookie recipe to build our gingerbread houses.

Tip: For young children, or if you want a quicker setup, use graham crackers to build your gingerbread house.

Gingerbread House building needs.

1. Gingerbread House Structure:
   • Home-made Sugar Cookie Gingerbread Houses are my preferred structures. They do require you to plan ahead and have them pre-baked.
   • Gingerbread House Kits from the store
   • Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses are another great option. (I’ve done all)

2. Gingerbread House Decorations:
   • Bowls and tubs of royal icing.
   • Candy of different shapes and colors.
   • Foods that provide fun shapes.
   • Sprinkles
     

3. Personal Size Gingerbread Houses:
   • Let everyone create their own cozy holiday cottage.
   • Keep the structures small.
   • Place them on paper plates, cardboard plates, or order sturdy cake decorating board.

Tip: Turn this into a friendly competition with categories like “Most Festive,” “Most Creative,” or “Most Likely to Survive a Snowstorm.”

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Home-baked sugar cookie houses are incredibly fun. Give it a try once, and you’ll be hooked.

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The Takeaway

A Polar Express party is all about believing in the magic of the season. With a few cozy touches, a good cup of cocoa, and some joyful company, you can create an unforgettable night full of laughter and warmth.

“All aboard! Next stop, the North Pole!”

What was your one main focus? I would love to hear what you did for your Easy Polar Express Party?

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Current question: “The best quote that got you through hard times?”

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