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 the featured listings.
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 playdate 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. Sign up now for the Magical Santa Experience and let the magic of Christmas come alive!
Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides
Chicago Union Station Polar Express – Cancelled
On August 5, 2024, The Polar Express Train Ride announced that the event will not take place in Chicago this year. They cited construction around Union Station as the reason for the cancellation and said they hope to return in future years.
Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union
November 29th (Black Friday) and 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.
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 lot opens 30 minutes before the first trip and closes 30 minutes after the last trip returns.
Fox River Trolley Museum Polar Express
Only one ticket remains on December 13th at 6:00PM.
On this train ride to the North Pole, Santa will surprise the kids by boarding the train in addition to caroling and sing-alongs. $50/person; all riders require a ticket, regardless of age.
Skokie North Pole Express – Sold Out
November 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm – Sold Out
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. Children under 1 are free. $25/$27 Pre-registration is required and begins August 15 for residents and August 22 for non-residents.
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
Friday, December 13 & 20: 5 to 8pm and Saturday & Sunday, December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22: 2 to 7pm
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. Tickets typically are on sale starting in November.
The Polar Express Storytime Train (Geneva) – Sold Out
December 7 and 8, 2024 | 9:30am – 12:00pm and 1:30pm – 4:00pm both days – Sold Out
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.
Skokie North Pole Express – Sold Out
November 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm – Sold Out
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. Children under 1 are free. $25/$27 Pre-registration is required and begins August 15 for residents and August 22 for non-residents.
Lombard Polar Express
December 8, 2024
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 12 and 13, 2024 – Sold Out
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.
Oswego Holiday Express
Oswego Holiday Express
December 13-15, 2024
All Aboard for a Magical Journey to the North Pole! Step into the holiday spirit and join us for an unforgettable family adventure from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15. Dress in your coziest pajamas and bundle up for a magical ride aboard our enchanted holiday shuttles to the North Pole. On the way, enjoy the classic story of The Polar Express and sing along to your favorite Christmas carols on the return trip.
Once you arrive, Mrs. Claus will greet you with a warm smile and cookies, and you can gather around the bonfire to sip delicious hot cocoa from the Village Grind. And of course, no trip to the North Pole is complete without meeting Santa himself!
Don’t miss out on this timeless holiday tradition—it’s the perfect way to kick off the season with your loved ones! Visit oswegolandparkdistrict.org or call 630.554.1010 to register. You can also click here to be taken directly to their registration system.
Addison Polar Express Storytime Train
December 7, 2024 | 8:12am and 1:12pm – Some times are now unavailable or give the option to be added to a waitlist.
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.
Wheaton Santa Express – Sold Out
December 13, 14, and 15, 2024 | Various times (Sold Out)
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.
Itasca Polar Express Storytime Train
December 14, 2024 | 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 5:00pm, and 7:22pm – Most times are now unavailable or give the option to be added to a waitlist.
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.
Lisle’s Santa Express
December 15, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
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.
Westmont’s Santa’s Train Ride
December 15, 2024 | 9:00 am and 1:00 pm departures
Trains departing Westmont will head to Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora for festive fun, including buffets, crafts and visits with Santa. Registration is required, $55/resident, $65/non-resident.
Winfield Polar Express – Sold Out
December 21, 2024 | 6:00pm – Sold Out
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 $45/residents or $47/non-residents.
Mount Prospect Polar Express
December 18, 19, and 20, 2024 – Waitlist available.
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.
Storytime Train by the Burr Ridge Park District – Sold Out
December 22, 2024 | 9:00am, 1:00pm, 3:50pm – Sold Out
Festive story time train leaving the Hinsdale Train Station.
Holiday Trolley Rides
Oak Park Santa Trolley
December 8 and 15, 2024 | Times available from 9:15am – 2:15pm – Many times available are waitlist only.
Starting at the Oak Park Conservatory, 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.
Time Warp Express at Volo Auto Museum
Weekends throughout November 22 – Dec 30, 2024 – Space available, but please note dates are filling up quickly.
Meet Santa, drink hot chocolate, or solve a Christmas-themed challenge while parents enjoy the Christmas lights.
Holiday Trolley Rides (Bloomingdale)
December 5, 2024 | 4:30pm – 8:30pm
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.
Holly Jolly Trolley (Glen Ellyn)
December 5, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy a 30-minute narrated tour featuring various spots in downtown Glen Ellyn. Registration is required.
Deck the Depot (River Forest)
December 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
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.
Holiday Lights Tours (Naperville)
December 1-28, 2024 (closed on Christmas) | 5:00pm – 10:30pm
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.
South Barrington Polar Express
December 11, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Guests are encouraged to come in festive pajamas to this holiday trolley ride. Refreshments will also be provided.
Trolley and Treats with Santa (Wood Dale)
December 13, 2024 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
The Wood Dale Park District is hosting this festive holiday ride including visits with Santa, treats, and crafts. Registration is required, $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents.
Holiday Express (Oak Brook)
December 15, 2024 | 2:00pm – 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 – 19, 2024 | Time slots between 4:30pm and 8:00pm
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
Long Grove Vintage Holidays (Long Grove)
November 23-24, 29-30 and December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
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 $15 per seat and signed waivers are required to ride. Ages 5 and under ride free on an adult’s lap.
Horse Drawn Wagonette Ride (Downers Grove)
December 1, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with free horse drawn wagonette rides through downtown Downers Grove.
Hinsdale for the Holidays
December 7, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
A free festive event in Burlington Park that features horse-drawn carriage rides, gingerbread cookie decorating, and visits with Santa.
Dickens Christmas Dinner (Oak Brook)
December 13, 2024 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Horse-drawn carriage rides around the property and carolers set the mood while you dine at The Drake Oak Brook.
FAQ and Tips for the Chicago Polar Express
This year, the Chicago Polar Express is cancelled, but we kept this here with the hopes that it will return next year and these tips will be helpful!
The Polar Express Train Ride in Chicago is cancelled for 2024, but these tips may come in handy for future years:
Where is the best place to sit?
How far in advance do you recommend arriving?
How long is the train ride?
Do you think my 4 and 1 year old will enjoy it?
What is the “sweet spot” age to enjoy the Chicago Polar Express?
Is the Chicago Polar Express too loud for a newborn?
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!