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A sign and Christmas tree sit along the tracks at the North Pole, formerly known as Hollister. (photos by Amy Page)
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A sign at the depot welcomes visitors to all the fun places at the North Pole.
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The reindeer are hitched to Santa's sleigh and ready for take off.
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The elves have been busy making toys. These two sacks are already full of toys waiting for Santa to deliver.
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These presents are waiting to be given to good children who ride the Polar Express.
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The Elf Workshop is bustling with activity.
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This elf is ready to load presents in the sleigh.
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A young girl watches as her father reaches to put decorations on their Christmas tree.
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This gingerbread house will really look sweet when it is lit up at night.
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Ice skaters glide around a light pole decorated like a candy cane.
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A fairytale castle will shine brightly near city hall.
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Three handsome horses pull a carriage through town.
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Some of Santa's reindeer at play outside their barn.
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Assistant City Manager Vonnie Mathiesen shows off the ornaments on the tree. Every ornament is made out of bells, just like in the book.
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by Amy Page
It's definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Ozarks. Hollister is full of the Christmas spirit and has been transformed into the North Pole as part of Branson Scenice Railway's Polar Express train ride.
As the only place in the state licensed by Warner Brothers which produced the 2004 movie version of the classic book, Hollister has gone ot great lengths to transform itself into Santa's Village.
The train depot has been turned into Santa's workshop, and the fence surrounding a dumpster is now the Reindeer Shed. Assistant City Manager Vonnie Mathiesen said that a representative with Warner Brothers was impressed with Hollister when he visited. The representative said most towns have to create a painted plywood village, but Hollister is the real thing. Mathiesen said the city has high hopes of getting to become the North Pole again next year and into the future.
Once the train pulls out of the station in Branson, everyone can read along with the book, enjoy hot cocoa and treats. As the train pulls into Hollister, lighted displays guide the way to the train depot where there will be gymnasts from the YMCA dressed as elves doing tumbling routines. Once the train stops, Santa will come aboard and give each child a special gift.
The "Polar Express" is scheduled to make 60 trips to the "North Pole" between today and December 19. The trips are scheduled Thursday through Sunday with the exception of November 26, Thanksgiving Day, December 6 and 13.
For additional information on the Polar Express or to make reservations call the Branson Scenic Railway at 1-800-287-2462 or visit their web site www.bransontrain.com.