Looking for a magical way to celebrate the holidays with your kids? Hop aboard one of Chicagoland’s festive holiday trains — from the sparkling CTA Holiday Train downtown to cozy Polar Express rides in the suburbs — for hot cocoa, twinkling lights and a visit from Santa himself.
Updated Nov. 3, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Chicago Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
Best holiday trains in Chicagoland
CPKC Holiday Train (U.S. & Canada)
Nov. 19-Dec. 21, 2025
The CPKC Holiday Train returns for its 27th year, bringing live music, dazzling lights and festive cheer to communities across North America. Families can enjoy free performances from popular artists while supporting local food banks with donations.
- Address: Various stops across the U.S. and Canada (check CPKC schedule)
- Cost: Free; bring monetary or nonperishable food donation
- Area: Chicago and Midwest locations
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor event at train stops
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Varies by location
- Accessibility: Most viewing areas open-air and accessible; contact local hosts for help
- Additional notes: Check CPKC’s website for 2025 schedule; use #CPKCHolidayTrain for updates
Happy Holiday Railway
10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-22, 2025
Take a 40-minute train ride through a winter wonderland with Santa aboard the Illinois Railway Museum’s festive holiday train. Kids can enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, gifts from Santa and dazzling light displays while parents explore exhibits and indoor attractions. Registration is required.
- Address: 7000 Olson Road, Union
- Cost: $25 per person; ages 2 and younger free
- Area: North/northwest suburbs
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor train ride with indoor exhibits and warming station
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free on-site parking
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; call ahead for specific accommodations
- Additional notes: Quiet car available for those sensitive to lights or sounds
The Kohlights Twinkle Train
4:30-7 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. select evenings Nov. 28-Dec. 21, 2025
Hop aboard the Twinkle Train for a short ride through glowing trails at Kohl Children’s Museum’s holiday light experience. Kids can change colors, play with lights and meet Anna and Elsa while parents enjoy indoor exhibits and warm spaces to explore. Tickets required in advance; infants under 12 months free.
- Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
- Cost: Early admission – members $22, non-members $28; regular admission – members $16, non-members $22
- Area: North/northwest suburbs
- Age fit: Best for families with kids ages 1 and up
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor light trails and indoor museum exhibits
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free on-site parking
- Accessibility: Indoor areas accessible; outdoor paths may vary based on weather
- Additional notes: Runs rain or snow; nonrefundable unless canceled
Allstate CTA Holiday Train & Bus
Late November-Late December, 2025 (Schedules vary by route)
Celebrate one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions as the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus bring festive lights, music and Santa Claus to neighborhoods across the city. Families can wave to Santa on his sleigh, ride the decorated train or bus and even take photos with Santa on select dates.
- Address: Operates citywide across all CTA rail and bus routes
- Cost: Regular CTA fare required
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Train and bus rides as part of regular CTA service
- Stroller-friendly options: Small, collapsible strollers recommended
- Parking: Not applicable – part of regular CTA routes
- Accessibility: CTA vehicles ADA accessible; elevator availability varies
- Additional notes: Schedules announced closer to the event; photo opportunities with Santa available on select dates
Holiday Express & Train Ride
5-8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5 (Sensory-Friendly); 5-8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 12 and 19; 2-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2025
Board the festively lit train at Blackberry Farm for a holiday ride through a winter wonderland while enjoying bounce houses, crafts, Santa visits and more family-friendly fun. Tickets required; walk-ins not guaranteed.
- Address: 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
- Cost: $10 per person for general admission; everyone ages 1+ must purchase a ticket
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: Families with kids ages 1 and up
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor rides and light-filled terrain plus indoor options at the pioneer village
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: On-site parking available; arrive early
- Accessibility: Train and wagon rides ADA accessible; low-sensory night available Dec. 5
- Additional notes: Runs rain, snow or shine; all ticket sales final
Christmas Express in New Lenox
Dec. 6-7, 2025
All aboard the holiday train ride from New Lenox to Tinley Park and back, featuring a visit with Santa, a meal and family activities kids will love. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and all proceeds support children in the CASA of River Valley program.
- Address: 201 N. Prairie Road, New Lenox
- Cost: Pricing not listed; advance purchase required through Zeffy
- Area: South suburbs
- Age fit: Families with kids; children under 2 ride free on a parent’s lap
- Indoor/outdoor: Train ride (outdoor) with indoor activities at Tinley Park stop
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Available at New Lenox Train Station
- Accessibility: Train and event areas accessible; contact organizers for accommodations
- Additional notes: Optional 15% Zeffy contribution at checkout can be adjusted to $0
Polar Express Storytime Train Ride at Itasca Train Station
12:45-2:20 p.m. and 2:45-4:20 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 2025
Take a ride on the Polar Express Storytime Train, inspired by the classic holiday book. Families can listen to the story, enjoy chocolate milk and cookies, meet Santa at the North Pole, and join in a fun “snowball fight” on the way back. Registration is required and families are encouraged to wear pajamas.
- Address: Itasca Train Station, Irving Park Road (Route 19) and Maple Street, Itasca
- Cost: $25 residents; $35 nonresidents; children 9 months and younger free
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Age fit: Best for families with young children
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor train ride
- Stroller-friendly options: Limited – compact strollers recommended
- Parking: Available near the train station
- Accessibility: Train accessible; call ahead for special accommodations
- Additional notes: No refunds or transfers after Nov. 21
Polar Express Storytime Train at Geneva Train Station
9:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 2025
Hop aboard the Polar Express Storytime Train from the Geneva Train Station and travel to the North Pole to pick up Santa and his friends. Families can enjoy lunch or dinner, photos with Santa and a festive ride perfect for kids in pajamas and holiday gear.
- Address: Geneva Train Station, 328 Crescent Place, Geneva
- Cost: Ages newborn-11 months free; ages 1-17 $40 (residents) / $47 (nonresidents); ages 18+ $45 (residents) / $53 (nonresidents)
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: Families with kids ages 1 and up
- Indoor/outdoor: Train ride with indoor meal and Santa meet-and-greet
- Stroller-friendly options: Limited – compact strollers recommended
- Parking: Available near Geneva Train Station
- Accessibility: Train and meal venues accessible; contact park district for accommodations
- Additional notes: Families encouraged to wear pajamas; runs rain or shine
Oswego Holiday Express at South Point
4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, 2-7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 12-14, 2025
Join this festive holiday shuttle ride to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families can enjoy cocoa from Village Grind, holiday lights and photos with Santa. Registration required; tickets nonrefundable after Dec. 1.
- Address: South Point, Oswego
- Cost: Residents $25; nonresidents $35
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor shuttle ride with indoor activities
- Stroller-friendly options: Limited – compact strollers recommended
- Parking: Free on-site parking
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible shuttles available Friday evening only
- Additional notes: Runs in all weather; nontransferable tickets; event details emailed Dec. 1
Santa’s Trolley Express at Jon Duerr Forest Preserve
6:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 2025
Climb aboard a beautifully decorated 1950s vintage train car and enjoy a festive ride with Santa Claus. Families can chat with Santa, take selfies and celebrate the season on this nostalgic holiday journey.
- Address: Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, South Elgin
- Cost: $38 residents; $43 nonresidents
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Train ride
- Stroller-friendly options: Not listed; call ahead for stroller guidance
- Parking: Available on-site
- Accessibility: Call ahead for accessible seating or assistance
- Additional notes: Registration through Winfield/Warrenville Park Districts; sells out quickly
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