Hop aboard a holiday train in Chicago or the suburbs for an unforgettable seasonal adventure! These festive train rides are perfect for enjoying dazzling holiday lights, making cherished family memories and even meeting Santa Claus.
With the holiday season upon us, now is the time to secure your ticketsโthese popular experiences fill up quickly! Check out our curated list of the best holiday trains in Chicagoland for 2024 to help you plan a magical outing.
This story was updated on Nov. 20 2024, by Chicago Parentโs Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano, to include new events on ChicagoParent.comโs calendar and highlight the top holiday train experiences in the area. For questions, feel free to contact Kari at kari@chicagoparent.com.
Best holiday trains near me
Happy Holiday Railway
Nov. 29-30; Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2024
- Address:ย Illinois Railway Museum,ย 7000 Olson Road, Union
- Cost:ย $25/ticket
Take a 40-minute train ride trip through the winter countryside on one of the museumโs trains. Sip on hot chocolate and enjoy treats while you await your visit from Santa on the train.
The Kohlights Twinkle Trainย
- Address:ย Kohl Childrenโs Museum,ย 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
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Cost:ย Twinkle Train rides included in Kohlights admission. $22-$28 with additional discounts for Museum members; free/under 12 months
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
- Address: 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
- Cost:ย $10
See Santa and his elves at Blackberry Farm for pictures. Also, enjoy holiday displays, Gingerbread School House, Little Elf Hobby Shoppe, Candy Cane Village, a gift shop, Sugar Plum Playland and more. Special Needs Night is from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6.
Christmas Express in New Lenox
Dec. 7-8, 2024
- Address:ย New Lenox Train Station,ย 300 N. Church St., New Lenox
- Cost:ย $45
Enjoy the 16th annual holiday train ride at New Lenox Train Station. Ride to Tinley Park with songs and entertainment. Tickets include a visit with Santa, breakfast or lunch, plus many activities.
Polar Express Storytime Train
Dec. 7-8, 2024
- Address: Itasca Train Station,ย West Irving Park Road, Itasca
- Cost:ย $22/resident, $32/non-resident
A storyteller will be on the train to narrate the Polar Express while families enjoy cookies and chocolate milk. They can also partake in a snowball fight at the North Pole and find Santa Claus to ride the train back. Wear your pajamas. Advanced registration required.
The Polar Express Storytime Train
Dec. 7-8, 2024
- Address:ย Geneva Train Station,ย 328 Crescent Place, Geneva
- Cost:ย $45-$53/adult, $40-$47/ages 1-17, free/11 months and under
Families can travel to the North Pole to pick up Santa and his friends and then travel back to Geneva for a meal. Kids can visit with Santa and have a picture taken, too. Wear your pajamas. Registration is required.
Oswego Holiday Express
Dec. 13-15, 2024
- Address:ย South Point,ย 810 Preston Lane, Oswego
- Cost:ย $25/resident, $35/non-resident
Put on your pajamas and your warmest apparel and head to the โNorth Poleโ on Oswegoโs Holiday Express. Mrs. Claus will greet you, youโll enjoy hot cocoa from the Village Grind and then meet Santa.
Winfield Polar Express
Dec. 21, 2024
- Address:ย Jon Duerr Forest Preserve,ย 35W003 State Route 31, South Elgin
- Cost:ย $45/resident, $47/non-resident
Families can hop aboard the train for cookies, hot chocolate and the re-telling of the famous Polar Express. Registration required.
CTA Holiday Train
Nov. 29-30; Dec. 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 23, 2024
- Various CTA stations across the city
- Cost: $5, kids under 7 ride for free
One of Chicagoโs most popular events, the Holiday Train, happens aboard Chicagoโs CTA elevated train, the โL.โ Even in the most frigid temps, youโll find Santa outside on his sleigh while his elves hand out candy canes to passengers inside the train car.
Other holiday train activities in Chicagoland
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Nov. 25, 2024
- Stops in: Byron, Franklin Park, Gurnee and Pingree Grove
- Cost: Free
View the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train all lit up as it cuts through Illinois. It features stops with holiday music performances along the way.
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