OWOSSO, Mich. (WILX) - The holidays are here, and festivities have officially begun in Owosso. On Thursday, the North Pole Express’ engines were fired up for the first time this season.

Every year, officials and volunteers at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso transform the steam locomotive known as the Pere Marquette 1225 into an experience designed to capture the magic of the film “The Polar Express.”

Visitors can enjoy a festive train ride with entertainment and food, ending at a Christmas village with a chance to meet Santa Claus.

Ashley Deming, the executive director, says the whole experience is about bringing history and magic to life.

“The idea is to create that joy and feeling of that special experience of riding the train and going to a location, to be able to meet San

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