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! Last year’s Chicago Union Station Polar Express rides were cancelled due to construction above the station, We hope to see it return in 2026, however we do not have any updates at this time.
Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm in Aurora
2026 dates have not been released. Stay tuned for more updates.
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.
Addison Polar Express Storytime Train
December 5 and 6, 2026 | 8:45am and 10:45am
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.
Storytime Train by the Burr Ridge Park District
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Franklin Park’s Holiday Train Express
December 12 and 19, 2026 | 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. Resident price is $18, Non-resident is $23.
The Polar Express Storytime Train (Geneva)
December 5 and 6, 2026 | 9:30am – 12:00pm and 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Train departs to pick Santa and his friends. Lunch or dinner will be served. Every child will have an opportunity to share their Christmas wish list with Santa. Families are encouraged to wear holiday themed pajamas and photos and food are included.
Ticket prices: Ages 1-17, residents pay $40, while non-residents are $47. For ages 18+, residents are $45, with non-residents $53.
Itasca Polar Express Storytime Train
December 12, 2026 | 9:00am – 8:10pm
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. Sessions run for approximately 1-hour. Tickets are $30 per person. Resident registration began on August 19th and non-resident registration began on September 1st.
Holiday Train Ride (La Grange)
December 5, 2026 | 8:45am – 11:00am
Hop on the train at the La Grange Train Station and head to the North Pole on this festive ride. Registration begins August 5, 2026. $33 per resident, $43 per non-resident.
Lisle’s Santa Express
December 5, 2026 | 10:00am – 11:30am and 12:00pm – 1:30pm
December 6, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
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. Registration begins August 1 for residents and August 15 for non-residents. Note: times are subject to change.
Lombard Polar Express
December 6, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
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 take a picture with Santa, decorate a cookie, play holiday games and create a craft! At the end of the day Santa will read a special story to everyone. Registration opens August 17, 2026, with advance registration required.
Mount Prospect Polar Express
December 17 and 18, 2026 | 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. Tickets are $30 per person. Parking fee is $2.
Orland Park Santa’s North Pole Adventure
December 10 and 11, 2026 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
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. Registration opens August 6 for residents and August 19 for non-residents.
Oswego Holiday Express
December 11, 12, 13, 2026 | times vary by day
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 for the North Pole. Wear your warm pajamas, and experience a magical journey. Mrs. Claus will greet you, you’ll enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and meet Santa.
Salt Creek Park District’s North Pole Express
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Skokie Santa Express
November 28, 2026
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. Pre-registration is required and begins August 15 for residents and August 22 for non-residents.
Fox River Trolley Museum Polar Express in South Elgin
November 28, 29, December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20, 2026 | Fridays from 5:30pm – 7:40pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am – 6:40pm
All trains board at The Blackhawk Station in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve. On this train ride to the North Pole, Santa will surprise the kids by boarding the train in addition to caroling and sing-alongs. All riders require a ticket, regardless of age.
Ticket Prices: $38 per person through August 31, $45 per person from September 1 – October 31, and $50 per person after November 1.
Winter Wonderland Express with Santa Visit in St. Charles
December 5 and 6, 2026
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union
November 27, 28, 29, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, and 21, 2026 | 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm and 6:00pm
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 experiences sensitivity to animated lights, you can request the traditionally decorated car instead. See website for details.)
Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children 2 years old and older. Parking is free and the lot opens 30 minutes before the first trip and closes 30 minutes after the last trip returns.
West Chicago’s North Pole Adventure
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Westmont’s Santa’s Train Ride
December 20, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:30pm and 1:00pm – 4:30pm
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. Tickets are $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents. Children under 2 are free.
Wheaton Santa Express
December 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2026 | times vary
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 are limited and available on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 8:00AM. This event typically sells out within minutes. Tickets are $35 per person.
Insider tip: If you join the Explorers Club at DuPage Historical Museum, you gain early access to Wheaton Santa Express tickets.
Winfield Polar Express
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Holiday Trolley Rides
Holiday Trolley Rides (Bloomingdale)
December 10, 2026 | 4:40pm – 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, with $9 per resident, and $14 per non-resident.
Holly Jolly Trolley (Glen Ellyn)
December 13, 2026 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Enjoy a 45-minute narrated tour featuring various spots in downtown Glen Ellyn. Registration is required, with $25 per resident and $35 per non-resident pricing.
Holiday Lights Tours (Naperville)
November 27 – December 27, 2026 | times and availability 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.
Holiday Express (Oak Brook)
December 13, 2026 | 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. Adults 2 and older are required to register. Please register in advance.
Oak Park Santa Trolley
December 6 and 13, 2026 | Various Times
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.
Holiday Trolley Express (Prospect Heights)
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
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.
Deck the Depot (River Forest)
December 4, 2026 | 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.
Time Warp Express Jolly Trolley Adventure To Save Santa (Volo Museum)
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
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.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Horse Drawn Wagonette Ride (Downers Grove)
More information and pricing for 2026 will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Kick off the holiday season with complimentary horse drawn wagonette rides through downtown Downers Grove.
Hinsdale for the Holidays
December 4, 2026 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
60th annual 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)
November 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2026
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. Children under 5 ride free on an adult’s lap.
FAQ and Tips for the Chicago Polar Express
Last year, the Chicago Polar Express was canceled, 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!