THE POLAR EXPRESS^TM brought to you by the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation Burlington, Vermont, December 13 & 14, 2008. Don't miss your chance to bid on tickets for the most sought-after event of the holiday season in Burlington. The magical journey begins in the Wing Building where engineers welcome passengers and friendly conductors escort small groups on board the circa 1939 train. Once on board, passengers are served hot cocoa "as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars..." and cookies by chefs in tall white hats. Conductors entertain the young passengers and lead the groups in caroling. Upon arriving at the North Pole (Union Station), passengers are greeted by a "sea of elves" and are ushered into the station for a special reading of Chris Van Allsburg's timeless book. The performance ends with a surprise visit from Santa himself who beckons the children to follow him upstairs where he hands out shiny bells that ring true to all who truly believe.