Brettni Banks displays pages from the Polar Express book during the Polar Express train ride at the Texas State Railroad in Palestine Monday Nov. 15, 2016. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

The Texas State Railroad will begin its Polar Express excursions with departures from its Palestine depot beginning Nov. 16.

The railroad tries to recreate the experience of children taking a train to visit Santa at the North Pole as depicted in “The Polar Express,” a book by Chris Van Allsburg, said information from the railroad.

On the ride, hosts known as cocoa chefs, serve hot chocolate and cookies, read from the book and lead the singing of holiday songs. When the train stops, Santa and his elves come on board and give each child a silver sleigh bell which, according to the story, only believers can hear ring.

The cost of tickets and times of departures vary. Reservations can be made at texasstaterailroad.net or by calling 855-632-7729.

The rides will continue through Dec. 28.