In the story The Polar Express, a young boy gets the surprise of a lifetime when a train pulls up in front if his house to take him to the North Pole.

The mobs of children that have gathered nightly to ride Durango’s Polar Express have worn expressions of similar awe and delight when a large steaming locomotive pulls up to take them to the “North Pole.”

The promise of childhood fantasies fulfilled has pushed the Polar Express ridership numbers to new heights.

The trip, which was first offered in 2005 – a year after the release of the animated movie starring Tom Hanks, has grown more popular each year. Ridership this year already has surpassed last year’s ridership – with eight days left to go, said Andrea Seid, spokeswoman for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

“Every year, it grows with word-of-mouth,” she said. “It’s a ton of work, so it’s always nice when it goes well.”

The trip is being offered through Dec. 28. The Polar Express is closed on Christmas Day. Because of popular demand, three trains will run Dec. 26-28.

Passengers are served hot chocolate and are read The Polar Express on the way to the “North Pole” – a stop in the Animas Valley – to pick up Santa Claus, who visits each car. Children receive a gift from Santa. Passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas on the journey.

For schedule and fares, visit www.durangotrain.com/events/2011-polar-express.