Polar Express is rolling into Lisle. (2024)

Byline: Joan Broz

"Well, are you coming?" asks the conductor.

"Where?"

"Why, to the North Pole, of course," was his answer. "This is The Polar Express."

Inspired by the award-winning holiday childrens book by author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, the popular Lisle Polar Express is back on track to make its annual holiday trek Sunday, Dec. 7.

After a short derailment that left organizers scratching their collective heads wondering why Metra would cancel Lisles holiday tradition, the "communication glitch" was righted thanks to coverage in the Daily Herald.

Rolling ahead with the Polar Expresss 13th year, 2,000 children, parents, friends and relatives will travel round-trip to the North Pole, which resembles Chicago to those who miss the magic in the experience.

Lisle organizers Jack Kelly, the story-like conductor, and Wayne Dunham, in the role of train engineer, will collect the prepaid $13 tickets on board. Both departure times for the 11-car double-decker commuter train are sold out.

Featuring holiday characters, singalongs and, of course, a visit with Santa, the ride is one component of an enchanted holiday weekend in Lisle. Finding free parking is rarely an issue in Lisle with its commuter lots located conveniently in the center of the action.

The Lisle Heritage Society, in cooperation with Lisle Park District, will host its annual Once Upon a Christmas from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday,

Dec. 7.

At the Museums of Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., there will be hay wagon rides, Christmas trees from around the world, a grand working model railroad, pie baking in a brick oven, gingerbread cookies at the Depot, childrens paper crafts and blacksmithing. The crafts will span several age and capability levels so every little visitor may bring home something of their own creativity.

An array of train merchandise is available in the museum gift shop in the Netzley/Yender House. While there, be sure to purchase your 27th annual Lisle Heritage Society handmade ornament of a green wooden tree with button ornaments and silver star.

Residents are encouraged to add an ornament of their own to one of the community trees at the museum. Indicate your family name and the date you settled in Lisle on the ornament.

The charming Santa Parade at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, will celebrate the arrival of Mr. Claus, accompanied by music, floats and decorated vehicles. The chatter around town claims it is bigger and better than ever.

The route changes this year to start on Main Street at Lacey Avenue north of Ogden Avenue, and proceed south through downtown Lisle, turning east on Burlington Avenue and ending at the village hall.

Children who won the prekindergarten to grade 5 coloring contest will ride aboard the Holiday Trolley.

Following the parade, Santa will set up shop at the Depot Museum to hear wishes from little boys and girls. Dont forget to bring a camera to capture the moment.

The festive trolley will offer free rides from after the parade until 6 p.m. Aboard the hayride or trolley, both modes of transportation offer fun-filled ways to view decorated shop windows and the downtown transformation that is almost complete.

The official Christmas tree-lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. Saturday in front of the village hall. Mayor Joseph Broda officially will turn on the lights of the enormous holiday tree.

Music will fill the air as members of the Lisle High School Band join members of the Lisle Community Band to perform a number of holiday tunes under the guidance of conductor Steve Green.

Books are available at the event to encourage everyone to refresh their recall of holiday lyrics and join the singalong. At the end of the program, "God Bless America" will be performed to remember the men and women in our armed services who are not able to be home for the holidays, Green said.

If its finger-numbing cold outside, wrap your hands around a cup of hot chocolate inside the village hall served by the Infant Welfare League. If the weather is pleasant, an enticing array of cookies still makes the stop inside a must. Live holiday performances by children will take place in the village board room.

Ice-carving demonstrations will take place in the open area north of the village hall, and glassblowing demos will be in the museums blacksmiths shop.

As magical as all ages will find these wonderful events, nothing tops the mesmerizing effect of more than 2,000 luminarias lining the streets radiating from Lisles downtown hub.

At dusk, you will want to catch the initial glow as volunteers light every candle placed at 5- to 8-foot intervals, but return at your leisure, later that evening to savor the silent, peaceful welcome to a hopeful holiday season.

Then, like the little boy who was fascinated by the silver bell Santa gave him in the "Polar Express" story, you will experience a captivating piece of Christmas in Lisle.