SPENCER, N.C. -- On Saturday, the Polar Express Train Ride returned to the North Carolina Transportation Museum for the holiday season.

• Dozens of people went to Spencer to ride the holiday attraction, which aims to give people a similar experience to a boy’s magical adventure to the North Pole in the book and animated movie, "The Polar Express"
• The holiday attraction is not only fun, but it also supports the museum, which is partially funded by the state
• Rides are available every weekend leading up to Christmas. People can also ride any day from Dec. 12 through Dec. 22.

Dozens of people went to Spencer to ride the holiday attraction, which aims to give people a similar experience to a boy’s magical adventure to the North Pole in the book and animated movie, "The Polar Express".

Donald Askew and his wife who are from Greenville traveled to take their two granddaughters on the train ride.

“We wanted a family experience, just making memories in the Polar Express,” Askew said.

His eight-year-old granddaughter Emma enjoyed the experience.

“I wanted to come and ride so I could come see Santa and go to the North Pole,” Emma said.

Both Donald and Emma agreed the train ride shares similarities to the one shown in the movie.

“Hot chocolate, cookies, like the movie, with the golden ticket is perfect. Everyone needs to do it,” Askew said.

Kyler Pitts also enjoyed the experience.

He said his favorite part was seeing Santa and the elves.

The five-year-old also took the opportunity to share his wish list with Santa when he gave riders bells toward the end of the trip.

The holiday attraction is not only fun, but it also supports the museum, which is partially funded by the state.

North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation Director of Administration Marcus Neubacher said the proceeds from the tickets go toward museum operations and restoration projects.

“It’s very important to keeping the museum operating. Without the special events, such as this, there is not enough money to keep the museum functioning throughout the year,” Neubacher said.

He added in 2018, over 63,000 people at the museum in the month and a half the ride was operating.

Rides are available every weekend leading up to Christmas. People can also ride any day from Dec. 12 through Dec. 22.