December 2025

All Aboard! West Baltimore Families Get in the Holiday Spirit at Annual Polar Express Event

December 22, 2025   |   Emily Bleiweis

A historic train rattled down the tracks, windows frosty and the ground blanketed with a dusting of snow from the night before. Christmas music accompanied the hum of the engine.  

Inside, chefs in white hats bopped and danced up and down the aisle as they passed out sugar cookies and cups of hot chocolate. The train, packed with Baltimore families, was aglow with the warm wash of Christmas lights.  

It would be easy to be fooled, but the train wasn’t on its way to the North Pole — instead, the trip went along the B&O Railroad Museum line.  

But the magic inside could change any nonbeliever’s mind. 

On Dec. 6, 2025, children and families from West Baltimore were given tickets to ride the train for the B&O Railroad Museum’s cherished Polar Express Experience through an effort organized by the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).  

For 9-year-old Kennedy Gudger of Baltimore getting to hear the recitation of “The Polar Express” book while riding the train and drinking hot chocolate was the best part. She and her sister, Savannah, 2, attended the holiday event with their parents, Kenneth Grudger and Samantha Shivers-Gudger. 

“I think coming here period [is my favorite part],” Shivers-Gudger said. “We were looking forward to it since we were told about it. Being able to bring the girls out and come out as a family, it was just very exciting.” 

Both Kennedy and Savannah got photos with Santa and were able to share what they wanted this year for Christmas.  

“I asked for more Legos, because I love Legos,” Kennedy said, adding that she couldn’t wait to go home and watch “The Polar Express” movie again. 

Upon arrival, families were greeted with a DJ and a magic dance floor, before they stepped into line to await the train ride of a lifetime. A scene from “The Polar Express” movie played on a big screen and was acted out by a live cast as steam rose from a historical train’s smokestack.  

In addition to the true “Polar Express” experience, OCCE families were given a copy of the book that the B&O experience is based on and Christmas pajamas to wear, and they were able to take photos with the Big Man himself at the end of the ride.  

“Families who engage with programming at the UMB OCCE have the opportunity to participate in this festive event,” Dionne McConkey, LMSW, program specialist at OCCE said. “It’s really a good way to conclude the year. It’s been a long year, so we go out with a nice, festive event, and we’re continuing to build relationships with our neighbors.” 

The University joined with the University of Maryland BioPark to fund this B&O Railroad Museum Polar Express sponsorship. The Staff Senate also partnered to contribute funds for participants to enjoy s’mores and the Santa sleigh rides, while Libelle Photos provided complimentary Santa photos to the families. 

The B&O Roundhouse was transformed into the North Pole, with falling snow, a train garden, and a giant Christmas tree awaiting families as they ended their rides. But before they disembarked, Santa stopped by the train to give each passenger a bell. According to the story, being able to hear the bells indicates someone believes in Santa and the magic of Christmas. 

Smiles crept across passengers’ faces as everyone heard the sweet, jingly sound spreading throughout the train, and it was clear — each and every person truly believed.