Holiday trains in Chicago and the suburbs are a great way to see twinkling lights and spend some time with Santa. If you haven’t booked your special train ride for the holiday season, time to get going! The popular rides sell out fast.
Here are a few holiday trains you don’t want to miss.
ZooLights
Nov. 17, 2023-Jan. 7, 2024
- Address: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: $7-$10/Tuesdays-Sundays, free/Mondays; fees for additional encounters and activities
In addition to seeing all of the ZooLights attractions, kids can ride the Lionel Train Adventure, ATT Endangered Species Carousel and Ferris wheel as ticketed experiences.
Happy Holiday Railway
Nov. 24-26; Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2023
- Address: Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union
- Cost: $25/ticket
Take a 40-minute train ride trip through the winter countryside on one of the museum’s trains. Sip on hot chocolate and enjoy treats while you await your visit from Santa on the train. Also, be sure to check out the holiday lights display at the boarding area, including the biggest and brightest Christmas tree in McHenry County. New this year is an animated light show and holiday song presentation during the trip. For those averse to animated lights, car #7658 will omit the entertainment and will feature traditional lights and decorations.
Holiday Express
Nov. 30; Dec. 2-3, 7-10, 14-17, 2023
- Address: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
- Cost: $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 Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-8 p.m.
Chicago Union Station The Polar Express Train Ride
Dec. 1, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024
- Address: 500 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: Value Departures: $55/ages 12-plus, $47/ages 2-11; Standard Departures: $67/ages 12-plus, $59/ages 2-11; Premium Departures: $80/ages 12-plus, $72/ages 2-11
Relive the magic of The Polar Express on a real train ride. Take the one-hour train ride to meet Santa Claus and have hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread. Each guest will receive a keepsake sleigh bell.
Christmas Express 2023
Dec. 2-3, 2023
- Address: New Lenox Train Station, 300 N. Church St., New Lenox
- Cost: $45
Take a magical round-trip train ride from New Lenox to Tinley Park with songs and entertainment. Tickets include a visit with Santa, breakfast or lunch, plus many activities.
The Polar Express Storytime Train
Dec. 2-3, 2023
- Address: Geneva Train Station, 328 Crescent Place, Geneva
- Cost: $40-$48/adult, $35-$42/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. Pre-registration is required.
Oswego Holiday Express
Dec. 8-10, 2023
- Address: South Point, 810 Preston Lane, Oswego
- Cost: $25/resident, $35/non-resident
Head to Santa Station in your pajamas for a trip to the North Pole. The Oswego Holiday Express will take you on a magical journey. Sip on hot chocolate and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Polar Express Storytime Train
Dec. 9, 17 2023
- Address: Itasca Train Station, West Irving Park Road, Itasca
- Cost: $18/resident, $22/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.
Winfield Polar Express
Dec. 16, 2023
- Address: Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 State Route 31, South Elgin
- Cost: $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.
Polar Express
Dec. 18-20, 2023
- Address: River Trails Park District, 1550 E. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect
- Cost: $22/ticket, free/under 1
Enjoy a ride on the Polar Express and stop at the North Pole’s train station for some winter fun. Each child will receive a memento. Pre-registration required.
CTA Holiday Train
2023 dates TBA
- Various CTA stations across the city
- Cost: $2.50, kids under 7 ride for free
One of Chicago’s most popular events, the Holiday Train, happens aboard Chicago’s CTA elevated train, the “L.” Even in the most frigid temps, you’ll find Santa outside on his sleigh while his elves hand out candy canes to passengers inside the train car.
This post is updated annually.
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