Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself!

Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family
See and visit with Santa Claus on the train
Treats and hot chocolate will be served
An animated light show and holiday song presentation will entertain you during your train trip*
Gifts will be given to children on Santa’s “good list”
Holiday lights display throughout the campus including a spectacular animated snow plow display.
New for 2024: an awe-inspiring holiday light tour throughout Barn 6 for viewing day or night
Visit our indoor, heated Model Railroad Exhibit
See historic trains in the museum’s display barns 3, 7 and 9
Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included with your ticket
Free parking
Start a new Christmas tradition with your family this year!
Days for this event are Saturdays and Sundays, November 29th (Black Friday), 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd. Trips take place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. (Rides at other times on all dates may be added later based on demand). Trips on December 22nd take place at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. Parking lot opens 30 minutes before the first trip and closes 30 minutes after the last trip returns. Plan to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before your scheduled trip. Ticket prices are $25 per ticket. Everyone past their second birthday must have a ticket. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, all ticket sales are final. Many display buildings and portions of the museum grounds will not be open for this event. Parking is free.

The train ride will leave from the historic 1851 East Union Depot. Santa will ride the train with you. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available. The train ride will feature an animated light show and holiday song presentation providing entertainment during the trip.

*For those averse to animated lights, quiet car #7658 will omit the entertainment and will feature traditional lights and decorations. Your ticket will permit you to board whichever car you prefer.

Display Barns 3, 6, 7, and 9 will be open. Additionally, streetcars will be in operation on our Trolley Loop, and our Model Railroad exhibit will be open in the heated Multi-Purpose Building.

NO REFUNDS – except in case of event cancellation, ALL ticket sales are final.

Special Fare Days – No passes honored during this event

All schedules and equipment subject to change without notice.

For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Polar Express Train Rides, Holiday Express, Santa Train and Santa Trolleys.