Polar Express Movie Night Christmas Party


Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? Mine is a toss up between SO many. Miracle On 34th Street, The Santa Claus, and The Grinch have always been top of my list. Morgan grew up on Polar Express being his favorite. He loves passing down this tradition to our girls by getting them excited every time we decide to turn it on for a move night. Since we love Polar Express so much as a family, I thought, why not make it an outdoor movie night and invite friends and family over to party?!
Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with the ultimate Polar Express Christmas Movie Night Party! With a little help from my friends at Oriental Trading Company, recreate the magic of the beloved movie and make it a night to remember. Imagine cozying up with family and friends, sipping hot cocoa, and immersing yourself in the enchanting story – all while surrounded by a beautifully themed setup that brings the Polar Express to life. All the items to bring this christmas party to life are linked at the end of this post!
Here’s how you can make this dreamy scene a reality.


First, let’s talk about the table setup, the star of any great movie night. For this Polar Express move night Christmas party, the table is designed with a festive red, blue, and gold color palette that captures the essence of the classic holiday tale. Each place setting is thoughtfully curated to delight your guests. Start with red-and-white striped chargers, perfect for adding a whimsical touch under each plate. Layer gold dinner plates on top, enhancing the festive feel and adding a touch of elegance. Oriental Trading Company offers these elements, which not only look great but also help tie the entire theme together.
A true highlight of the setup is the famous golden ticket – a signature symbol of the Polar Express experience. Each guest receives a replica ticket, placed thoughtfully at each setting, which immediately transports everyone into the story. These tickets from Oriental Trading are a memorable touch, adding an interactive element that will have guests holding onto them as cherished keepsakes. And, of course, you’ll want to remind everyone to “hold onto their ticket” for the movie!

Finish off each place setting with a fun and sentimental touch – a little golden bell wrapped in a napkin. This bell, another nod to the movie, is a great memento for guests to take home, reminding them of the magic long after the night is over. Remember, as the movie says, the bell rings for those who truly believe!




No Polar Express-themed party is complete without hot chocolate, and Oriental Trading has the perfect Polar Express mugs for just that! Each guest can sip from an official-looking mug, making it feel like they’re right on the train. Serve up rich hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, and maybe even a candy cane stirrer to add that extra holiday cheer. With these Polar Express mugs, you can recreate the famous hot chocolate scene from the movie in a way that feels authentic and immersive.



To add a cozy, wintry atmosphere, Oriental Trading’s decorative trees are a must. The small frosted trees at the center of the table evoke a snowy, North Pole vibe, bringing the magic of the season right to your setup. These mini trees not only serve as a beautiful centerpiece but also add a bit of sparkle to the entire setting.


Finally, set the scene with a Polar Express backdrop. With this giant backdrop from Oriental Trading, your guests will feel like they’re stepping into the story as they arrive. It’s perfect for photos, creating a North Pole ambiance that everyone will love.



With Oriental Trading Company’s Polar Express products, you can create a movie night that captures the wonder of the holiday season and transports everyone straight to the Polar Express!