Christmas & Polar Express Train Rides Near Chicago

All aboard the Polar Express Storytime Train! Take this exciting train ride, based on the book, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. Children and their parents will listen to the story while enjoying chocolate milk and cookies. When you reach the “North Pole,” Santa will join you for a meet & greet with photos, and on the way back, enjoy a “snowball fight” to your favorite holiday carols. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their holiday spirit!

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.

Experience the magic of the North Pole Express! The train will depart from the Arlington Park Train Station and head to the ‘North Pole’ and back. Enjoy a special reading of the “Polar Express” book, play holiday games, sing Christmas carols, answer trivia, take pictures with our special guest, and more! Cookies and chocolate milk will be provided to everyone on the train.

Riders will board the train in Roselle for their trip to the “North Pole” (Elgin) to pick up Santa. Santa will visit with each family on the train and give 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.

Come out for a fun day of singing and visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus! The trolley will come pick up jolly residents to take them on a festive ride! While you wait to board the trolley, enjoy games and activities or tour the beautiful showrooms at Oak Park Conservatory. While en route to the North Pole, your Head Elf will help you get in the holiday spirit with festive songs to sing. Santa and Mrs. Claus await your arrival at the beautiful Cheney Mansion or Pleasant Home, along with entertainment, beverages, and cookies!

Children and their accompanying adult will take the Metra train from the Barrington Train Station to the Moose Lodge on the famous Woodstock Square! While riding to Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole, holiday stories will be read and carols will be sung. At the lodge, cookies will be provided to decorate. The kids will then make a holiday craft while enjoying their cookies and hot chocolate or cider. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance to say “HO, HO, Hello” and give the kids a treat bag. 

Your journey to the North Pole is about to begin! 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! Make sure you’re on the nice list, as Santa will jump onboard to check his list twice and give each child a special gift.

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.

It's time to take a ride to the North Pole! Sign up for a festive trolley ride from the Family Recreation Center to meet the one and only Santa at the North Pole (Central Park West). Activities include crafts, a bounce house, light refreshments, and more. 

Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that's bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard the beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1986- an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, the magic continues with a very special guest- Santa Claus himself- who will visit each family for merry chats, posing for cheerful selfies, and spreading holiday cheer that will delight both kids and grown-ups alike.

6:30 pm

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.

Not running in 2024. Returning in 2025!

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.

Multiple dates

The CTA Holiday Train & Bus is a unique-to-Chicago holiday experience. The decked-out and dazzling CTA Holiday Train and the popular CTA Holiday Bus are sure to delight passengers of all ages.

Multiple dates

Santa’s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum offers a festive holiday ride on a historic trolley decorated for the season. Families can enjoy storytelling, music, and a visit with Santa during the journey. It’s a charming, nostalgic experience that brings classic Christmas magic to life.

Multiple dates