Polar Express Pajama Party

Last year, my daughter specifically requested a Polar Express birthday party. I had no idea at the time, how many great ideas were out there or how many fun activities and decorating options would come along with it. This is a great theme for boys or girls with birthdays in November or December. Here's what we did:

Invitations: I Googled "Polar Express Ticket" and came up with an image like this one that I then put into a Microsoft Publisher file. I printed them in color with the party information printed on the back, then cut them out. Guests were instructed to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal!

Activities: Santa showed up for a visit and gave out bells (the first gift of Christmas!) to each of the children. I had found some really cute, colorful bells at Target (bright pink, orange, green and blue). He also read the complete "Polar Express" story from the book. Let me tell you, I have never seen a group of active children stay more still and focused! We had toy trains set up for kids to play with, we also showed the Polar Express movie on a big screen.

Decorations: I used a pretty, sparkly train ornament as a cake topper and decorated the table with pastel Christmas decorations. If you're using this theme during November or December, you should have no problem finding things to use for a boy or a girl's party! Decorate with snow flakes, Christmas trees, etc. Have the Polar Express sound track playing in the background.

Food: We served an easy and kid friendly meal of Sloppy Joe's. We also served hot chocolate with marshmallows! For some extra fun, drink hot chocolate and have kids dance to the "hot chocolate" song from the movie.

More Ideas:
Amazon.com/PolarExpress: I came across this just recently. This link directs you to the special 25th anniversary edition of the book, complete with audio CD. It also includes several links to Polar Express themed activities, recipes, coloring page and more!
Houghton Mifflin: Pajama Book Reading Party
Polar Express.com
Kids Party Paradise

DQ Ice Cream Cake Recipe

I Looove Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake! But, it's fairly expensive. Here is the recipe I've used, quite a few times, to recreate the goodness:

What You Need: 

• 1 Package Oreo Cookies or Store Brand Chocolate Cookies
• 1 Container Vanilla Ice Cream (or flavor of your choice)
• 1 Container Chocolate Ice Cream (or flavor of your choice)
• 1 Cup Chocolate Syrup (or enough to coat crumbs and turn into a thick "goo" that is easily spreadable)
• 1 Container Frozen Whipped Topping
• 1 Spring Form Pan (for easy removal!)
• 1 Tablespoon Butter

1. I started with the super cheap pails of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, as it doesn't taste all that great. But hey, it's up to you to use whatever you like!

2. Begin by letting the ice cream soften. Butter the bottom and sides of your pan, then spread a thin layer of vanilla ice cream on the bottom and sides, all the way to the top.

3. Spread a layer of chocolate ice cream to fill the pan half way up.

4. Fill a plastic bag with Oreo cookies (or store brand), and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. You may also try putting them in a food grater or blender. The smaller the crumbs the better! Mix the crumbs with chocolate syrup and spread over chocolate ice cream.

5. Spread a layer of vanilla ice cream over the crumbs, then cover and freeze.

6. Let set out for 10 to 15 minutes then scrape the sides with a rippled or ridged spatula to create a lined look. Put back in the freezer to refreeze. 

7. Mix equal parts whipped topping and ice cream and spread over top. Put back in freezer. Let thaw for approximately 10 minutes before attempting to cut.

8. I used the remaining Oreos to sprinkle on top. If you want to write anything on top, I would suggest waiting until ready to serve and use a tube of cream decorators icing, not a jell.

Enjoy! ~Sarah