Bring the kids on a giant-screen thrill ride to the North Pole – and believe again – beginning Nov. 27 when the holiday film “The Polar Express” returns for a limited engagement to the IMAX Theater of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
The animated film, featuring Tom Hanks as the voice of five characters, plays on the Aquarium’s six-story screen Nov. 27 through Dec. 20 at 4 & 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and at 4 p.m. Sundays. From Dec. 26-Jan. 3, “The Polar Express” will show at 4 & 7:30 p.m. daily.
“Seeing ‘The Polar Express’ in our IMAX Theater is a tradition for a lot of families, because the film’s spirit and message connects with everyone; whether you’re 5 or 85,” said Chris Loynd, marketing director of the popular Connecticut attraction.
“This year, we’re especially excited about special morning screenings on the weekend right before Christmas that we’re calling ‘“Polar Express” Pajama Parties,’” Loynd added. “No fussing; just relaxed family fun. Come in your jammies, have some delicious morning treats, and sit back and enjoy ‘The Polar Express.’”
The “‘Polar Express’ Pajama Parties” on Sat., Dec. 19 and Sun., Dec. 20 begin at 9 a.m. with a gourmet hot chocolate bar courtesy of South Norwalk’s renowned Chocopologie Cafe & Bistro. Guests can top their hot chocolate with whipped cream and a selection of exotic toppings provided by The Village Market in Wilton. Plus, choose from a delicious spread of cookies by J&L Bakery in Norwalk.
“Pajama Party” partiers also can pose for photos with the Aquarium’s train conductor and visit with Aquarium educators whose hands-on displays will explore the strategies that animals use to keep warm in winter – all before the movie starts at 10 a.m.
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“Polar Express” back for the holidays at Maritime Aquarium
Tickets for the “‘Polar Express’ Pajama Party” screenings are $17 for adults and $15 for kids 3-12 ($15 and $13 for Aquarium members). Each show is limited to 310 seats, so advance purchase is strongly recommended. Buy online at www.maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.
“The Polar Express” movie expands on the 1986 Caldecott Award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. The story follows a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, a locomotive magically arrives to take him and other doubtful children to Santa's North Pole headquarters.
IMAX is the world’s largest film format. Outstanding image clarity and the enormous screen size, combined with The Maritime Aquarium’s 12,000-watt surround-sound audio system, results in an immersive thrill that is so unique it’s been trademarked.
“IMAX’s motto is ‘IMAX is Believing,’ which is why it’s the perfect film format for a movie that’s about believing,” Loynd said.
Because “The Polar Express” is an hour and 40 minutes long, tickets for all afternoon and evening shows are specially priced at: $11.50 for adults; $10.50 for youths (ages 13-17) & seniors (65+); and $9.50 for children 3-12. Maritime Aquarium members save $1.
To include a visit to the Aquarium with “The Polar Express,” tickets are $31.45 for adults, $28.45 for youths & seniors, and $22.45 for children.
Besides the public weekend shows and the Dec. 19 and 20 “Pajama Parties,” screenings of “The Polar Express” are available for preschool and elementary-school students on weekdays at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.
Get more details or reserve your tickets in advance at www.maritimeaquarium.org or by calling (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.