UTICA, N.Y. — The Adirondack Scenic Railroad takes passengers on trips across the state throughout the year, but during the holiday season, it leaves Utica's Union Station for a festive trek to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus.

Last year, more than 20,000 tickets were sold for the Polar Express Train Ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad — the most ever.

"We've been doing this for well over five years now, and it just grows and grows every year," said Mark Piersma, Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

There's Cocoa Class or Coach seating available — either way many say they can just relax and enjoy the ride.

"It's such a scenic ride, and now the snow is on the ground. People just really love it," Piersma said.

Whether it's the treats, train ride or meeting Santa, people say there's just something magical about the Polar Express.

"Yeah I guess I could call it 'magical', just the feeling of being able to see all this and talk to so many people, and have so many different families and groups come together on a train," said volunteer Rebecca Darling.

A trip that, for many, has become a Christmas-time tradition.