The Polar Express, London

Let’s start with the obvious - it’s expensive. Proper festive-wallet-expensive. By the time you’ve bought tickets for a family, you’re thinking, “This better be magical.”

The good news? The actors and actresses absolutely carry it.

They are brilliant. Fully in character, high energy, great with the kids. You can tell they’re putting everything into it, and that’s what lifts the experience. The singing, the interaction, the storytelling — that part is done really well.

You board the themed train, get hot chocolate, meet the characters, and roll through the story of The Polar Express. For younger kids, especially if they already love the film, it feels very real.

But…

When you strip it back, it’s a fairly short experience for the money. You’re paying heavily for the Christmas magic factor. If your kids are at peak Santa-believer age, you’ll probably think it’s worth it. If they’re a bit older or less fussed, you might quietly question the receipt.

It’s one of those “core memory” plays. Just go in knowing you’re paying a festive premium.