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!
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Chicago Union Station Polar Express
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
November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 | 3:00pm, 4:15pm, 5:30pm, and 6:45pm
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
November 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
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
2024 dates TBD
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)
2024 dates TBD
Train departs to pick Santa and his friends. Lunch or dinner will be served at Aurelioโs Pizza. Every child will have an opportunity to share his or her Christmas wish list with Santa.
Oak Park Santa Trolley
December 8 and 15, 2024 | Times available from 9:15am – 2:15pm
The annual event starts and ends at the Oak Park Conservatory. Games, fun activities, cookies, songs and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus can be expected at this event.
Orland Park Santa’s North Pole Adventure
December 12 and 13, 2024 | Registration opens August 8, 2024 at 6:00am
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 Polar Express
2024 dates TBD
Mrs. Claus will greet you along with a chance to meet Santa. Youโll also sip hot cocoa during the ride.
Explorers Club at DuPage Historical Museum, you gain early access to Wheaton Santa Express tickets.
Addison Polar Express Storytime Train
2024 dates TBD
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.
Itasca Polar Express Storytime Train
Tentative Date: December 14, 2024 | 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 5:00pm, and 7:22pm | Resident Registration – September 3, Non-Resident Registration – September 16.
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.
Winfield Polar Express
December 21, 2024 | 6:00pm | Registration Opens July 6, 2024 for residents
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 | Registration begins August 13, 2024
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
2024 dates TBD
Festive story time train leaving the Hinsdale Train Station.
FAQ and Tips for the Chicago Polar Express
The Polar Express Train Ride in Chicago is cancelled for 2024, but we’ve rounded up some of our best tips for future years:
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 “sweet spot” 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!