Santa Claus greets children on the Polar Express train ride at the B&O Railroad Museum

Through a sponsorship from UMB, local families embark on a magical journey aboard the Polar Express Experience at the B&O Railroad Museum.


Photo: The Polar Express Experience at the B&O Railroad Museum included a visit from Santa Claus.


“The Polar Express” came to life in the heart of West Baltimore on Dec. 8 as local children and families embarked on a whimsical journey aboard the Polar Express Experience at the historic B&O Railroad Museum. The enchanting train ride evoked memories of the beloved 2004 holiday movie, and included music and dancing, cookies and cocoa, golden tickets, and of course the special guest, Santa Claus himself.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Office of Community Engagement (OCE) organized the event, providing 150 tickets to families from West Baltimore. It was a gesture of holiday spirit that went beyond mere festivities; it was a testament to the University’s commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships with the community it serves.

“This time of year is all about making memories and having fun, but it can be such a busy and costly season for everyone,” said Sarah Porter, MSW, associate director of community programs at OCE. “We are just happy to be able to relieve some of that pressure for the families in our community. Above all, we are just excited to share the holiday spirit with our community.”

Read more at UMB News, watch a video about the experience, and see a photo gallery below.

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