“All aboard, all aboard! Tickets please, tickets…

“Well, you coming?”

Right, Jon Hess of Kansas City, Mo., is among passengers hearing the story of “The Polar Express” aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

On Dec. 7, an estimated 408 ticket holders hopped aboard The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station in Chicago.

And they didn’t need to be asked by the train conductor in actor Tom Hanks who sings the title track.

“It’s a choo choo with a stunning view

That rivals all the best

But you won’t see it advertised

It’s a simple fact we stay on track

Though sometimes we digress

Charlotte Young, 4, of Bourbonnais, has her hot chocolate reflected in her passenger window aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

But that can only happen on The Polar Express!”

For those checking in at the station’s historic Burlington Room, their advertised trip to the North Pole lasts 110 minutes.

“I think trains are just a drawback to a historic way of traveling in this country and just a magical way to journey,” said Jarrette Ireland, brand manager, event development, at Rail Events Incorporated.

“The story of ‘The Polar Express’ is the ultimate story for holiday tradition,” Ireland said.

The round trip includes theatrical performances aligning with the 1985 book by author Chris Van Allsburg.

Charlotte Young, 4, of Bourbonnais, rings her silver bell from Santa Claus aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

The 2004 Warner Bros. animated film is directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks in multiple voiced roles.

“We’ve been wanting to do The Polar Express since Emma was a baby,” said Evan Beattie of Plainfield.

Beattie and his wife Paula brought their children Anna, 3, and Emma, 8. Both siblings wore holiday pajamas like many kiddies.

“We thought this year would be perfect with our girls being eight and three,” Evan Beattie said.

“We thought that was a perfect age.”

Some parents donned holiday jammies. Adults also waved golden tickets in unbridled joy.

Security blankies were permissible carry-ons by tots. Fabric was at risk of hot chocolate spilled droplets.

Left, is Ashton Hess, 4, of Kansas City, Mo., looking up at the lights and show aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016? Left, is Ashton Hess, 4, of Kansas City, Mo., looking up at the lights and show aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016? Left, is Ashton Hess, 4, of Kansas City, Mo., looking up at the lights and show aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016? (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

But youngsters aboard the ride smiled with chocolate milk mustaches. And that’s okay with the man in the red suit and perpetual white mustache/beard.

“It’s pretty cool, it’s neat,” said ticket holder Jon Hess of Kansas City, Mo., who sat with his son Ashton, 4.

Ashton’s mother, Jenny Hess, also took turns cuddling with their child. Dec. 7 was also his parents’ 14th wedding anniversary.

Ashton’s face was aglow looking up at the holiday lighting and oversized ornamental decorations lining top cabin racks.

“He loves all of the lights,” Jenny Hess said.

What does Ashton want for Christmas?

Right, the Hobo talks to The Boy, characters in story aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

“Probably anything superhero and a piano,” Ashton’s mother said.

The ride moves locally along Union Station, giving families the experience of train travel with a professional production.

Families heard “The Polar Express” book read aloud as the train traveled gently along the tracks.

The message includes the magic of a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. The jingle bell becomes the first gift of Christmas.

Does Santa Claus make a celebrity appearance?

Guess who came in time for cookies and hot chocolate aboard The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016? (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

“This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas,” Santa Claus is known to say while offering keepsakes of the silver bell.

“Merry Christmas.

“Just remember,” Santa softly reminds.

“The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart and in all those who truly believe.

“I will always believe in you.”

In its second year, powered by Amtrak, the journey runs through New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. Tickets include a souvenir hot chocolate tumbler and silver sleigh bell to tuck in a secure (no holes, please!) robe pocket.

Families are encouraged to wear pajamas for the festive ride.

Meet the Beattie family of Plainfield. Paula and Evan Beattie are with their daughter Anna Beattie, 3, and Emma Beattie, 8, a third-grader before The Polar Express Train Ride which departed at Union Station in Chicago on Dec. 7, 2016? (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

For more information, go to Chicago Polar Express Ride.

— Polar Express now boarding in Chicago area for family holiday fun —