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The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book, published by Houghton Mifflin Company, captures the pure spirit of the holiday season. It is a time of wonder, of enchanting discovery, of boundless fascination … but only available for those who truly believe. The inspirational tale will become even larger than life when it hits the big screen this Nov. 10 with the theatrical release of “The Polar Express” from Warner Bros. Pictures, starring the Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis. And now, true believers can take home a little bit of that magic after the credits roll.

As the official “The Polar Express Headquarters” this holiday season, Hallmark Gold Crown® stores will offer exclusive gifts celebrating the spirit of The Polar Express story.

"The Polar Express is such a classic Christmas story, it seemed appropriate that Hallmark Gold Crown stores, a traditional holiday destination, serve as the 'The Polar Express Headquarters,’” says Greg Raymond, vice president of license acquisitions at Hallmark. “From an authentic reproduction of the bell Santa gives as the first gift of Christmas, to a water globe that was developed using the train lantern in the film as inspiration in its creation, the one-of-a-kind Hallmark collection truly brings the classic story to life.”

In “The Polar Express” movie, a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Fans can feel the excitement of the moment with Hallmark’s Lantern Water Globe ($24.95) that features the conductor and boy running to catch the train, emblazed with the words, All Aboard the Polar Express! And kids will love the Train Night-Light ($12.95), complete with a bulb that illuminates the engine headlight and gives the appearance of smoke swirling from the smokestack.

When the train reaches the North Pole, Santa offers the boy whatever his heart desires. The boy chooses a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh, straight from the reindeer’s harness, as the “first gift of Christmas.” The boy learns the sound of the bell can only be heard by those who believe. Consumers will love The Bell ($12.95), an authentic reproduction of this gift from Santa. Tucked in a red striped, hinged box, it reads in gold letters: First Gift of Christmas 2004 – The bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe. Similarly, the Magic Bell Ornament ($24.00) rings and features Santa’s voice saying, “Always remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”

In the end, the boy learns that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Also available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores are copies of The Polar Express book on which the movie is based. Fans can pick up a copy of the book, settle down by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, and read the story aloud with the entire family. Hallmark’s The Polar Express Mug provides colorful commentary, equipped with a light-activated sound of the train rumbling down the mountain. A special Polar Express plush Santa Claus will also be specially offered for $9.95 with the purchase of any three cards.

Other gifts available in The Polar Express™ Collection from Hallmark include Keepsake Ornaments, photo frames, gift wrap, a tealight holder, stocking holders, greeting cards and partyware. The variety of gifts in the Collection will delight even those not so familiar with The Polar Express story.

"We’ve had a long relationship with Warner Bros. Consumer Products,” says Raymond. “And appreciate the opportunity to be involved in such an exclusive project.”

"Hallmark has a long history of celebrating warm holiday traditions and these traditions are perfectly in sync with what The Polar Express symbolizes,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Now filmgoers can take a bit of the movie magic and enchantment home with them.”

The Polar Express™ Collection from Hallmark is available exclusively at participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores in the US.

For more details visit the Hallmark web site.

Visit the WCN Hallmark information pages and message boards.