Interactive Holiday Fun on the North Pole Express
We love this time of year. From all of the holiday events to holiday lights to visits with Santa, it’s easy to get into the spirit of this special time of year. We recently enjoyed a new way soak in the magic of the holiday season by taking the North Pole Express! Organized by Top View, you and your kids will enjoy an immersive bus ride throughout midtown to see holiday lights, meet elves, Santa, and much more!
This started with a pick-up on 42nd street between 5th and 6th avenue where we received a golden ticket from a dressed to the nines conductor. Once on, we picked our own seats and bundled up in our complimentary blanket and Santa hat.
The experience started with the conductor punching our golden tickets as we meet the elves, Tinsel and Holly, who guided us through the experience. As we we drove, the elves and the conductor interacted with all of the kids on the bus. We especially loved the singing moments were everyone on the bus joined in on a group sing-along complete with some mild, seated choreography.
As we drove along 6th avenue, we were also given hot chocolate and delicious cookies (they also have gluten and dairy-free options for those who with dietary restrictions). Along the way, we saw the infamous large holiday canes, giant red ornaments, Radio City, Central Park, Times Square, and more. There was also a sweet reading of “The Night Before Christmas” and some writing where everyone on the bus was given a holiday wish list to write what they’d like for the holidays.
One of our most memorable moments of this experience was when Santa arrived on the bus. He thoughtfully went around to the bus, delightfully speaking to every single person. When it was our turn, he asked my kids what they liked about school and told them to keep trying when they were having a hard time. It was very specific as my kids listened attentively and in awe. He also asked what they wanted for Christmas and told them to keep being good people. It was really sweet how he spent time on each person, passing out holiday bells for keep along the way.
After he finished visiting everyone on the bus, we all sang more holiday songs together before we made our way back to 42nd street. Before we left, everyone was given a sticker as we happily left the bus with even more holiday cheer.
The bus runs everyday from now until January 1st. There are also two options for the North Pole Express. We took the enhanced route, which was around an hour and 30 minutes. They also have a shorter route that takes around an hour and 15 minutes.
North Pole Express Details
The bus departs on 42nd St between 5th and 6th Avenue
The enhanced experiences runs everyday from now until January 1st at 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 7:15pm.
All Westchester Magazine will receive 5% off their orders. Simply use the code NYFAMILY5 at checkout. This is valid on the Holiday Lights Sightseeing Tour, Holiday Lights Tour aboard the North Pole Express, and the North Pole Express (enhanced and standard) until Jan 1st 2023. For more information and to get tickets, please visit topviewnyc.com
