All aboard! If you believe in the magic of Christmas, throw on your best holiday pajamas and round up your family and friends to embark on a magical polar-express unlike any other. These rides are a memorable way for kids to visit with Santa and the perfect opportunity to create winter-holiday-family-fun memories. Many of these rides include story time with the kids, meals or themed snacks, holiday crafts, and music.
These events tend to fill up very quickly. Check the list below ASAP if you’re hoping to snag a ticket before the train leaves the station!
This article is sponsored by the Magical Santa Experience from Pixels by Emily and Oswegoland Park District.
Magical Santa Experience with Pixels by Emily
Magical Santa Experience
Pixels by Emily
704 E Franklin Street
Mahomet, IL 61853
(217) 730-3050
Give your children a magical Christmas they will never forget with the authentic Magical Santa Experience! This unique 45-minute interactive experience with Santa includes iconic Norman Rockwell-style Christmas portraits at Santa’s Magical Workshop and the Cozy Fireside Living Room. Imagine your child’s delight as they explore Santa’s workshop, filled with twinkling lights, toys, tools, and treats, while beloved Christmas music fills the air.
Carefully curated sets and authentic props, including a complete set of Santa’s Reindeer Calling Sleigh Bells, create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Santa will share the history of these special bells, starting a new tradition your family can cherish for years to come.
Capture these magical moments forever and create a lasting memory for your child. Click here to reserve your time for the Magical Santa Experience and let the magic of Christmas come alive! Registration opens on August 18, 2025.
Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides
Chicago Union Station Polar Express
Note: Last year’s train rides were cancelled due to construction above the station, but we checked and it is canceled again for 2025. We hope to see it return in 2026!
Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union
November 28th (Black Friday), 29th and 30th
December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 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).
Join Santa Claus aboard this 40-minute train ride to give out gifts to kids on his “good” list. Children enjoy treats and hot cocoa and watch holiday lights around the grounds. The ride will feature an animated light show and holiday song presentation. (If someone in your group is sensitive to animated lights, you can opt for the traditionally decorated car instead; see website for details.)
Tickets are $25/person and required for everyone age 2 and up. Parking is free and the lot opens 30 minutes before the first trip and closes 30 minutes after the last trip returns.
Fox River Trolley Museum Polar Express – LIMITED
November 29th (sold out) and 30th (limited)
December 5th (sold out), 6th (limited), 7th (limited), 12th (sold out), 13th (limited), 14th (50 + remaining), 19th (sold out), 20th (limited), and 21st (sold out)
On this train ride to the North Pole, Santa will surprise the kids by boarding the train in addition to caroling and sing-alongs. $38/person; all riders require a ticket, regardless of age.
Skokie Santa Express – SOLD OUT
November 29, 2025
Take a special train to the North Pole with activity books, crafts and drinks and snacks to enjoy on your ride. Upon arrival at the North Pole (Fox Lake), Santa Claus will hop on for the ride back to the Glenview Metra station. $26/$28 (resident/ non-resident). Pre-registration is required and begins August 15 for residents and August 22 for non-residents.
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays, December 6 – 21, 2025 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Blackberry Farm transforms with twinkling lights, holiday decorations and holiday music. Kids can ride the Holiday Express train and take a hay wagon ride. There will be crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics and a special visit with Santa.
The Polar Express Storytime Train (Geneva) – WAITLIST
December 6 and 7, 2025 | 9:30am – 12:00pm and 1:30pm – 4:00pm both days
Train departs to pick Santa and his friends. Lunch or dinner will be served at Aurelio’s Pizza. Every child will have an opportunity to share his or her Christmas wish list with Santa. Families are encouraged to wear holiday themed pajamas and photos and food are included. Ages 1-17, $40 (non-resident $47) and Ages 18+, $45 (non-resident $53).
Holiday Train Ride (La Grange) – SOLD OUT
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Hop on the train at the La Grange Train Station and head to the North Pole on this festive ride. $33 per resident, $43 per non-resident.
Lombard Polar Express – SOLD OUT
December 14, 2025
Registration opens August 18, 2025, pre-registration is required. Board the train at the Downers Grove Main Street Station and head to the North Pole (Banquets at Two Brother’s Roundhouse in Aurora). You will have the opportunity to eat a breakfast or lunch buffet with Santa. During your stay at the North Pole you will snap a picture with Santa, decorate a cookie, play holiday games and create a craft! At the end of the day Santa will read one of his favorite stories to everyone.
Orland Park Santa’s North Pole Adventure – SOLD OUT
December 11 and 12, 2025
Registration opens August 7, 2025 at 6:00pm. This event will sell out quickly. Journey to the North Pole with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the North Pole Express. Kids will create a holiday craft, holiday snacks and get their ticket stamped by our very own conductor! Passengers will board at the Orland Park 143rd Street Metra Station. This event is intended for immediate family members only and children under two are free but must be registered to attend. Ticket pickup details and more information included here.
Oswego Holiday Express
December 12-14, 2025
Join in the tradition this holiday season! All aboard to kiddos young and old, as the Oswegoland Park District presents the Oswego Holiday Express. Magical “trains” depart Santa Station the weekend of December 12-14 for the North Pole. Put on your pajamas, don your warmest apparel, and head to the top of the world on a magical journey. Mrs. Claus will greet you, you’ll enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and meet Santa!
Addison Polar Express Storytime Train
December 6 – 7, 2025 | 12:45pm – 4:20pm
A storyteller will be on the train will read the story by Chris Van Allsburg while you enjoy Christmas cookies. After reaching the North Pole, Santa Claus will board the train and ride back with everyone. Tickets are $25 for residents and $35 for non-residents.
Winter Wonderland Express with Santa Visit (St. Charles) – Sunday, SOLD OUT
December 6 – 7, 2025 | 10:15am – 11:15am
Hop on the Winter Wonderland Express. Enjoy delicious lunch and sweet treats while visiting with holiday cheer. Registration is required. As of October 31, 2025, the December 7 sessions were sold out. If you’re interested in participating for the session on December 6, we recommend registering as soon as possible.
Salt Creek Park District’s North Pole Express – SOLD OUT
December 7, 2025 | sessions begin at 11:20am and 3:20pm
Register in advance for a magical train ride departing from Arlington Park Train Station.
Wheaton Santa Express – SOLD OUT
December 12, 2025 | 9:45A
December 13, 2025 | 9:15A & 11:15A
December 14, 2025 | 9:15A & 11:15A
Tickets are limited and available on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 8:00AM. This event typically sells out within minutes.
Depart from the Wheaton Train Station for a magical experience which includes a story, holiday music, and treats. Each registered child receives a small gift from Santa and a goody bag. Tickets typically on sale during the month of October.
Insider tip: If you join the Explorers Club at DuPage Historical Museum, you gain early access to Wheaton Santa Express tickets.
Lisle’s Santa Express – SOLD OUT
December 12, 2025| 7:00 – 8:30PM
December 14, 2025 |2:00 – 3:30PM, 4:00 – 5:30PM
Meet at the Lisle Train Station for a magical train ride. Santa will visit all families and read stories. Goodie bags will be provided to all children. Tickets are $24 for residents, $32 for non-residents.
Itasca Polar Express Storytime Train – SOLD OUT
December 13, 2025
Resident registration began on August 14th and non-resident registration began on September 1st. A storyteller reads The Polar Express as pajama-clad children and adults enjoy cookies. Once the train reaches the North Pole, kids will meet Santa and bring him back to Addison. Children age 6 months or younger do not need a ticket. Tickets are $30 per person.
West Chicago’s North Pole Adventure
December 13 and 14, 2025 | trains depart at 1:15pm and 5:15pm
Enjoy festive music, heartwarming stories, tasty treats, and fun surprise on this holiday train ride. Registration is required.
Franklin Park’s Holiday Train Express – SOLD OUT
December 13 and 20, 2025 | 2:30pm – 4:45pm
Enjoy a 20-minute ride to the North Pole (Elgin Train Station). Santa will ride the train, and visit with riders. Registration is required.
Mount Prospect Polar Express – WAITLIST
December 17, 18, and 19, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Departing at Mount Prospect, the train will bring you for a journey with a stop at the North Pole for more winter fun. Children 11 months and under are free, but must still be registered to participate. We will be updating this article as more information becomes available.
Winfield Polar Express
December 20, 2025 | 6:30 – 7:45PM
Hop aboard the train, departing at the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve for cookies, hot chocolate, and the re-telling of the famous Polar Express. Train tickets cost $35/residents or $37/non-residents.
Westmont’s Santa’s Train Ride
December 21, 2025 | 9:00AM and 1:00PM Departures
Trains departing Westmont will head to Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora for festive fun, including breakfast buffets, crafts and visits with Santa. Registration is required.
Storytime Train by the Burr Ridge Park District – SOLD OUT
December 7, 2025 | 9:00AM and 1:00PM Departures
Festive story time train leaving the Hinsdale Train Station.
Holiday Trolley Rides
Time Warp Express Jolly Trolley Adventure To Save Santa (Volo Museum)– LIMITED
November 7 – December 28, 2025 | Fridays at 5:00pm and 8:00pm, Saturdays at 4:00pm and 7:00pm
An immersive adventure at Volo Museum that combines your favorite classic holiday activities with an exciting twist: a trolley ride through time to save Santa! Tickets should be purchased in advance to guarantee participation.
Holiday Lights Tours (Naperville) – LIMITED
November 28 – December 28, 2025 | times vary by day
Celebrating over 30 years – Naperville Trolley offers holiday light trolley tours to see all the beautiful homes lit up around town. Time slots are available for public and private tours. Some dates are booked already; be sure to check online to see dates that are still available. Prices vary by day and time.
Deck the Depot (River Forest)
December 6, 2025 | Event is from 9:00am – 2:00pm, trolley times vary
This festive trolley ride around town includes a Polar Express story time, holiday hunt, and sweet treats. On top of that, you’ll find a hot chocolate bar, crafts, and pictures with Santa, too. Limit of six tickets per household and this is a resident only event.
Oak Park Santa Trolley – SOLD OUT
December 7 and 14, 2025 | 9:15am – 2:45pm
Starting at the Oak Park Conservatory or Pleasant Home, passengers aboard the Santa Trolley will play games and sing songs on the way to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cheney Mansion. Drinks and cookies complete the journey. Register in advance.
Holly Jolly Trolley (Glen Ellyn)
December 7 and 14, 2025 | times TBA
Enjoy a 30-minute narrated tour featuring various spots in downtown Glen Ellyn. Registration is required. We will be updating this article as more information becomes available. Ticket sales begin November 1, 2025.
Holiday Trolley Rides (Bloomingdale)
December 11, 2025 | 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy a festive ride to Olde Town Park for the lights, then return to JRC for treats and light refreshments. Registration is required per guest.
Holiday Express (Oak Brook)
December 14, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Ride to the North Pole (Central Park West) on a festive trolley ride from the Family Recreation Center to meet Santa! Crafts, bounce house, light refreshments and more. Register in advance.
Holiday Trolley Express (Prospect Heights)
December 18 and 19, 2025 | 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Venture through the neighborhood aboard the holiday trolley express and see all the houses decorated for the season. Register in advance for your ride, which includes story time with one of Santa’s helpers and a visit with Santa upon return. There will also be a craft, cookies and cocoa for the kids, too.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Horse Drawn Wagonette Ride (Downers Grove)
November 30, 2025 | Time to be Announced
Kick off the holiday season with complimentary horse drawn wagonette rides through downtown Downers Grove.
Hinsdale for the Holidays
December 13, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
A free festive event in Burlington Park that features horse-drawn carriage rides, gingerbread cookie decorating, and visits with Santa.
Long Grove Vintage Holidays (Long Grove)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 22 to December 21, 2025 | times vary
Vintage horse-drawn carriage rides to all the quaint shops brimming with old world charm in historic downtown Long Grove. Local merchants will be featuring special sales, food and drinks. You’ll find holiday caroling and a visit from Santa on select weekends, too. Reservations are required.
Dickens Christmas Dinner (Oak Brook)
December 12, 2025 | 5:00pm
Dine at The Drake Oak Brook while carolers spread holiday cheer. This is a traditional, exclusive prix fixe holiday menu.
FAQ and Tips for the Chicago Polar Express
This year and the previous year the Chicago Polar Express was cancelled, but we kept this here with the hopes that it will return soon and these tips will be helpful!
Where is the best place to sit?
Each of the cars of the train for the Chicago Polar Express have different themes to match parts of the book “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, such as Silver Bells and Glacier Gulch. The car you book doesn’t matter because they are all decorated to match the theme (unless you have a favorite part!). However, we recommend choosing seats in the front of whichever car you choose so you are closest to the action.
How far in advance do you recommend arriving?
The train boards 25 minutes before the time of your ticket. You will need about 15 minutes for all of the photo ops they have at Union Station and about 15 minutes between Will Call and a trip to the restrooms. Nicole’s family arrived at the station at 11:10am for a 12:10 departure time and felt it worked out perfectly.
How long is the train ride?
The Union Station Polar Express train ride is a little over an hour.
Do you think my 4 and 1 year old will enjoy it?
Absolutely! Nicole’s one year old was dancing and clapping to all of the songs. Her five year old was entranced and was able to participate. He danced with the conductor and helped to give the first gift of Christmas
What is the best age to enjoy the Chicago Polar Express?
We would probably say 4-7 years old is the best age for maximum enjoyment of the Union Station Polar Express, or any of the polar express rides below. Although members of our team have brought older and younger siblings, who have also had a great time.
Is the Chicago Polar Express too loud for a newborn?
The music and songs are amplified throughout the train and microphones are used, but you never feel blown away by the sound. You are able to hear each other talk to one another. There were a lot of babies on board and in the past they also offered a sensory-friendly ride.
Check out our Kidlist Holiday Guide for more family fun during the holidays!
2 Comments. Leave new
thank you for putting these activities all in one place!
You’re welcome!