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NEWBURYPORT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A 21-year-old holiday tradition kicks off to deliver those who believe to the North Pole, embarking from the North Shore's Newburyport this weekend.
Event runners and students from the Immaculate Conception School were hard at work on Friday, transforming the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Newburyport Station into "Polar Village." WBZ's Kendall Buhl was there to see kids and adults alike, decorating the station to the nines with thousands of holiday-themed props.
Four rented Commuter Trains will leave from Newburyport Station throughout the day Saturday, for a 45-minutes round trip that features story readings, visits from Christmas characters, and Santa himself. Train tickets have been sold out at the time of posting, according to the event's website.
"Tomorrow there will be elves on the train— the eighth grade will turn into our elves and the kids just love it. There's parents who are here today, tonight, and tomorrow, that their kids graduated years ago, and they come back because it's just like a community event that everyone just loves, it's just magical," said event co-chair Colleen Carbone.
"When you see the joy of the families that come in their matching Christmas pajamas, it's such an experience for families that they cherish. People from all over the country come to Newburyport to join their family for this tradition that's been quite beloved by many, many families for years. The day after we get ready for next year." said Principal of ICS Joan Sullivan.
According to event officials, over 2,900 people will ride the trains this year, adding onto the total 70,000 people who participated in years past.
WBZ's Kendall Buhl reports.
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