Christmas & Polar Express Train Rides Near Chicago

Sarah D. said:  The train will transport you to the “North Pole” where Santa will be waiting. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train. There will be caroling and sing-alongs with professional musicians.

Erin P. said:  This popular event is open for Frankfort Park District Residents, and a very limited number of tickets are available for non-residents. Hop on board this magical journey to the North Pole! Santa's elves will be making balloon animals along the way for all the boys and girls on the nice list. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will be waiting for you and will join you for your return trip to Hickory Creek Station. Enjoy holiday music and cookies along the way.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Journey to the “North Pole” and listen to the story of the Polar Express. Riders board the train in Roselle for their trip to the “North Pole” (Elgin) to pick up Santa. Santa will visit each family on the train to hand out the First Gift of Christmas. Back at the station, Santa will visit with each child, refreshments will be served, and each child will receive a keepsake.

8/27/23: No info posted yet.

9am & 1pm

Sarah D. said:  Celebrate the magic of Christmas on the Barrington Express to Santa's Workshop! Travel the Metra turned polar express to Santa's Workshop (the Moose Lodge on the famous Woodstock Square)! Along the journey, enjoy Christmas carols and holiday tales. While waiting for Santa, decorate cookies, sip hot cocoa and make holiday crafts! Santa's appearance even includes a holiday treat bag!

Lisa R said:  Riders will enjoy a journey to the “North Pole” aboard West Chicago’s own holiday train to pick up Santa. The ride will be filled with music, stories, snacks and surprises!

Erin P. said:  Head to the Illinois Railway Museum for a magically festive experience. Embark on a magical 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Treats and hot chocolate will be served.

Alexandra F. said:  Head "North" from the Arlington Park Metra station and get in the holiday spirit with a special reading of the "Polar Express"! Riders on this special holiday train will also play games, sing Christmas Carols, answer trivia, take pictures with Santa, and enjoy cookies and chocolate milk. Pre-registration required. Masks are required while on the train.

8/27/23: FB message sent.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Experience the magic of the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg come to life when the train leaves for the “North Pole." Children and their parents enjoy Christmas cookies on their way to pick up a special jolly guest and bring him back to Addison with them on the train! Tickets sell out quickly, so register early!

8/27/23: No information posted online.

Erin P. said:  The Butterfield Park District will offer several opportunities to take a magical journey to the North Pole including the Polar Express North Pole VIP Excursion, Polar Express Santa Storytime Express Bus, and the Polar Express Storytime Train.

Sarah D. said:  This event starts and ends at the Oak Park Conservatory where you can play games and activities while waiting to board the "North Pole" bound trolley. There will be festive songs for all to sing on the trolley! Santa and Mrs. Claus await your arrival at Cheney Mansion with entertainment, beverages and, of course, cookies!

Erin P. said:  Hop aboard the Holiday Express, hosted by the Oak Brook Park District. Take a ride aboard this open-air sleigh ride where you will be greeted by the one and only Santa Claus.

8/27/23: No info posted online.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  

What better place to read - and relive! - the classic Christmas story, The Polar Express, than on a holiday-decked out Amtrak train? Kids are encouraged to wear their pjs on this epic adventure, and will receive a mug of hot chocolate, cookie, and sleigh bell to bring home. The train ride is 1 hour.