The M&E Railway 2016 Polar Express Train Ride should provide both a fun experience for children riding onboard the train, and an interesting photo/video opportunity for trackside observers. The M&E has invested substantial resources in this operation --- they have been working on upgrading a bunch of their passenger cars and I believe they have a trainset of about 10 cars ready for this big professional theatrical production.
http://www.whippanythepolarexpressride.com
There are numerous scheduled departures from Whippany between November 25 and December 30. Some are already sold out, but there are others with seats available.