Christmas Train Rides in Illinois (2026)
Two things to know before you plan a holiday train in Illinois this year. First, the licensed Polar Express at Chicago Union Station is not running in 2026; its official site says so plainly. Second, the state’s other licensed ride, at the Monticello Railway Museum, already shows every 2026 ticket as sold out. That still leaves Chicago families four good Santa trains within about two hours, and our Christmas train map shows the licensed rides that still have seats in nearby states.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Monticello: Nov 13 to Dec 6, $48 to $60 (sold out)
- Lunch with Santa on the Train, Monticello: Dec 12 and 13, $27 to $37
- Happy Holiday Railway, Union: Nov 27 to Dec 21, $25 to $30
- Santa's Trolley Express, South Elgin: Nov 28 to Dec 20, $50
- Santa Express Train, Wheaton: Dec 10 to Dec 13, $35
Illinois holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Monticello
- Season
- November 13 to December 21, 2026
- Lowest fare
- $25 to $30 (Illinois Railway Museum)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Sold out
- Monticello Railway Museum
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Illinois Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Monticello starts first, on November 13, and Happy Holiday Railway in Union runs the latest, to December 21. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideMonticello · Nov 13 to Dec 6
- Happy Holiday RailwayUnion · Nov 27 to Dec 21
- Santa's Trolley ExpressSouth Elgin · Nov 28 to Dec 20
- Santa Express TrainWheaton · Dec 10 to Dec 13
- Lunch with Santa on the TrainMonticello · Dec 12 and 13
Look inside the book
Riding a Illinois Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
The Licensed Polar Express in Illinois for 2026
On the map
Where Illinois’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Union: Happy Holiday Railway
- 2South Elgin: Santa's Trolley Express
- 2Wheaton: Santa Express Train
- 3Monticello: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 3Monticello: Lunch with Santa on the Train
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Illinois towns, for shape.
One licensed ride, four weekends, already sold out. Here is what it includes in case seats open up or you plan for next year.
Illinois holiday trains for 2026 at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monticello Railway Museum | Monticello | Nov 13 to Dec 6 | $48 to $60 | Sold out |
| Make It Monticello | Monticello | Dec 12 and 13 | $27 to $37 | On sale now |
| Illinois Railway Museum | Union | Nov 27 to Dec 21 | $25 to $30 | On sale now |
| Fox River Trolley Museum | South Elgin | Nov 28 to Dec 20 | $50 | On sale now |
| DuPage County Historical Museum | Wheaton | Dec 10 to Dec 13 | $35 | Usually sells out fast |
Monticello: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the Wabash Depot Sold out
Licensed Polar ExpressMonticello Railway Museum · Monticello
- Operator
- Monticello Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Wabash Depot, downtown Monticello, Monticello
- Season
- Friday to Sunday, November 13 to 15, 20 to 22, 27 to 29 and December 4 to 6, 2026; 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 and 6:30 pm Sundays
- Ride length
- About an hour round trip
- What's included
- The story read aloud, caroling, hot chocolate, a treat, Santa at the North Pole and a gift for every passenger
- Price
- Coach $48 and Special Coach $60 per rider age 2 and up; Deluxe dining-car tables sold per table
- Tickets
- Sold out for 2026
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 on a lap
Monticello is the only licensed Polar Express in Illinois this year, and the museum’s page now says 2026 tickets are sold out. If you already have seats, the train boards at the Wabash Depot at 200 East Livingston Street downtown, not at the museum’s main site, and the ride is about an hour: the story read aloud, caroling, cocoa, a treat, and Santa boarding at the North Pole. Pajamas are encouraged for everyone.
Coach and Special Coach ride in separate cars, so buy the same class for your whole party. Special Coach riders get their own Polar Express mug. Ticket problems go to tickets@mrym.org by email; the museum asks families not to call.
Check dates and tickets with Monticello Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)Illinois Santa Trains You Can Still Book
None of these is the licensed Polar Express, and each one has something the movie ride does not: a quiet car, an old L train, a Metra charter, or lunch with Santa.
Monticello: Lunch with Santa on the Train
Santa lunch trainMake It Monticello at the Monticello Railway Museum · Monticello
- Operator
- Make It Monticello at the Monticello Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Wabash Depot, downtown Monticello, Monticello
- Season
- Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, 2026
- Ride length
- A train ride from the Wabash Depot
- What's included
- A train ride, a one-on-one visit with Santa, and a kid-friendly sack lunch on the Plus tickets
- Price
- Coach $27; Coach Plus with a Subway lunch $37; dining-car table for four $200; private car for up to 12 $750
- Tickets
- On sale now through Eventbrite
- Best ages
- Ages 2 and up need a ticket; no strollers or car seats on board
If the Polar Express sold out before you got there, this is Monticello’s other December train, run by the local Make It Monticello group from the same Wabash Depot. You get a train ride, a one-on-one visit with Santa, and on the Plus ticket a Subway turkey sandwich, chips, a cookie and water. Families who want a table can book a dining car for four, with coloring pages and games, or the museum’s Illinois Central business car for up to 12.
Everyone 2 and up needs a ticket, and strollers and car seats stay off the train for lack of space. Tickets are picked up at the depot. It runs only on December 12 and 13.
Check dates and tickets with Make It Monticello(opens in a new tab)Union: the Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum
Santa trainIllinois Railway Museum · Union
- Operator
- Illinois Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- East Union Depot, Illinois Railway Museum, Union
- Season
- November 27 to 29, December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, and Monday December 21, 2026; departures 11:30 am to 7:00 pm
- Ride length
- 40-minute train ride, plus time on the museum grounds
- What's included
- Santa on the train, treats and hot chocolate, an animated light and song show, gifts for children, plus Mrs. Claus, a lit barn tour, the model railroad and streetcar rides
- Price
- Adult $30, child $25
- Tickets
- On sale now; museum passes are not honored
- Best ages
- All ages; everyone past their second birthday needs a ticket
The Illinois Railway Museum is the biggest railroad museum in the country, out on farmland northwest of Elgin, and its Happy Holiday Railway is a 40-minute ride from the old East Union Depot with Santa on board, treats and cocoa, an animated light show with holiday songs, and gifts for the kids. Car 7658 is a quiet car that skips the animation and keeps just the traditional lights, and your ticket lets you board whichever you prefer.
The ticket also covers the grounds: lights across the campus, Mrs. Claus in a heated tent, a light tour through Barn 6, the indoor model railroad and rides on old Chicago streetcars. Opening weekend has fireworks at 5:45 pm, weather permitting. Arrive 30 minutes early; parking is free.
Check dates and tickets with Illinois Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)South Elgin: Santa's Trolley Express on the Fox River
Santa trolleyFox River Trolley Museum · South Elgin
- Operator
- Fox River Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Blackhawk Station, Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, South Elgin
- Season
- Weekends November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026, from 10:30 am, plus Friday evenings December 4, 11 and 18 from 5:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 40 minutes
- What's included
- Hot chocolate before boarding, a holiday story and sing-alongs on the ride, and Santa boarding at the North Pole stop to visit each family
- Price
- $50 from November 1 (earlier windows were $38 and $45)
- Tickets
- On sale now; each departure booked separately
- Best ages
- All ages; every passenger needs a ticket
The Fox River Trolley Museum decorates its 1950s Chicago L cars and runs them along the Fox River to a North Pole Trolley Station, where Santa climbs aboard and works his way through every car for wishes and photos. On the way out there is a holiday story and sing-alongs, and before boarding you get a free cup of cocoa in a restored vintage car. The museum makes a point of saying this is its own event and not connected to any movie.
Every Santa trolley boards at Blackhawk Station in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, about two miles south of the museum, so do not go to the museum itself. Check in 15 minutes ahead. All sales are final, with no rain checks.
Check dates and tickets with Fox River Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)Wheaton: the DuPage County Historical Museum Santa Express on Metra
Santa commuter trainDuPage County Historical Museum · Wheaton
- Operator
- DuPage County Historical Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Wheaton Metra station, Wheaton
- Season
- Thursday December 10 and Friday December 11, 2026, at 9:45 am; Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13 at 9:15 am; times to be confirmed by Metra
- Ride length
- About 1 hour 30 minutes on the train, then a party back at the museum
- What's included
- A story, music and Santa on the train, then cookies, milk, cocoa, crafts, cartoons, a scavenger hunt and more Santa photos at the museum
- Price
- $35 per person; under 1 year free
- Tickets
- Went on sale October 6; it usually sells out within minutes
- Best ages
- All ages; everyone 1 and older needs a ticket
Once a year the DuPage County Historical Museum charters a Metra train out of the downtown Wheaton station for its Santa Express. The ride is about an hour and a half with a story, music and Santa, and then everyone heads back to the museum for cookies, milk and hot chocolate, crafts, a scavenger hunt, old holiday cartoons and more photos with Santa in front of the museum’s Christmas tree exhibit.
Tickets are $35 for everyone over a year old, and the museum warns they go in minutes. Tickets are nonrefundable but can be transferred if you tell the museum first; it asks buyers to check with staff before buying from anyone reselling, to avoid scams.
Check dates and tickets with DuPage County Historical Museum(opens in a new tab)Which Illinois Holiday Train Works for Your Family
Chicago and the North Shore
Wheaton is the shortest trip and can be reached on Metra, but tickets are the hardest to get. The Illinois Railway Museum in Union is the biggest outing of the season, with enough on the grounds to fill an afternoon.
Kids who get overwhelmed
Union’s quiet car skips the animated light show, and the Fox River trolley is short and calm, about 40 minutes.
Champaign, Decatur and Springfield
Monticello’s Lunch with Santa on December 12 and 13 is the one to book now that the Polar Express is sold out there.
Metro East
The licensed Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station is across the river and runs most evenings from mid-November to December 30; see our Missouri page.
How Far Illinois Holiday Trains Are From Chicago and Downstate
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Loop | Wheaton | About 45 minutes |
| Chicago Loop | South Elgin | About 1 hour |
| Chicago Loop | Union | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Rockford | Union | About 45 minutes |
| Champaign | Monticello | About 30 minutes |
| Springfield | Monticello | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Chicago Loop | Monticello | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Chicago Loop | East Troy, WI | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
Northern Illinois families are close to Wisconsin: the East Troy Railroad Museum runs daytime and evening Christmas trains from November 28 to December 20, on our Wisconsin page. Southern and eastern Illinois are closer to Indiana’s holiday trains, on our Indiana page.
Free to print
Something for the Metra ride
Free printable Rally pages with a red train to color, a maze and a word search. Print them the night before and pack a few crayons.
Get the free printablesIllinois Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
What happened to the Chicago Polar Express?
The licensed ride at Chicago Union Station will not operate in 2026, according to its official event page, which says the organizers hope to return in the future. There is no replacement licensed ride in the Chicago area this year.
The CTA Holiday Train
Chicago’s own holiday train is the Allstate CTA Holiday Train, a decorated L train with Santa riding a flatcar, which runs on regular CTA lines for the price of a fare. The CTA posts the line-by-line schedule in mid-November; it was not out yet when we checked.
Book Fox River early
The Fox River Trolley Museum raises its price as the season gets closer, from $38 in summer to $50 from November 1, so buying early pays off.
The CPKC Holiday Train in Illinois
The lit-up CPKC Holiday Train makes four free stops in Illinois. With Magic! and MARIS: Franklin Park on Monday, November 23, at 5:30 pm (Ruby Street crossing, north of Franklin Avenue), then Pingree Grove at 9:00 am (Village Hall, Railroad Street and Reinking Road) and Byron at noon (Tower Road near the high school) on Tuesday, November 24. With Allen Stone: Gurnee on Tuesday, December 8, at 5:15 pm (Viking Middle School park, 4460 Old Grand Avenue). Each show is about 30 minutes from the train’s stage car; bring a food bank donation.
Getting there by train
For Monticello, Amtrak’s Illini and Saluki stop in Champaign, about 30 minutes away; see our Illini and Saluki with kids guide.
The Morning of the Big Train Ride
Our book opens with Rally up before everyone else, sitting by his suitcase with his turtle, his green bone and his yellow ball, too excited to wait. That is exactly what the morning of a 9:15 Santa Express looks like in most houses.
Rally’s train ride started as my mom’s idea, and I finished the book after we lost her; you can read about it on our story page. While you wait for the train, our free printable train coloring pages help pass the time.
A train story for Illinois kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon
More for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in Missouri
- Christmas trains in Wisconsin
- Christmas trains in Indiana
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Chicago: event update(opens in a new tab)
- Monticello Railway Museum: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Make It Monticello: Lunch with Santa on the Train(opens in a new tab)
- Illinois Railway Museum: Happy Holiday Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Fox River Trolley Museum: Santa's Trolley Express(opens in a new tab)
- DuPage County Historical Museum: Santa Express Train(opens in a new tab)
- CTA: Holiday Train and Bus(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Illinois Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Illinois Polar Express Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Illinois Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is the Polar Express running at Chicago Union Station in 2026?
No. The official site for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Chicago Union Station says the event will not operate in 2026, and that the organizers hope to return in the future. The only licensed Polar Express in Illinois this year is at the Monticello Railway Museum, and it is already sold out.
What Christmas train rides are in Illinois in 2026?
We confirmed five holiday train rides in Illinois for 2026: the Polar Express in Monticello; the Lunch with Santa on the Train in Monticello; the Happy Holiday Railway in Union; Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin; the Santa Express Train in Wheaton. One of the 5 Illinois rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 13 with the Polar Express in Monticello and ends December 21.
What Christmas events are happening in Monticello, Illinois, in 2026?
Two holiday train events run in Monticello in 2026: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Monticello Railway Museum (November 13 to December 6, $48 to $60); Lunch with Santa on the Train from Make It Monticello (December 12 and 13, $27 to $37). The Polar Express in Monticello includes the story read aloud, caroling, hot chocolate, a treat, Santa at the North Pole and a gift for every passenger. For other Monticello, Illinois, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Union, Illinois, this year?
For families, Union has Happy Holiday Railway from Illinois Railway Museum (November 27 to December 21, $25 to $30). It includes Santa on the train, treats and hot chocolate, an animated light and song show, gifts for children, plus Mrs. Claus, a lit barn tour, the model railroad and streetcar rides. For other Union, Illinois, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in South Elgin, Illinois, this year?
For families, South Elgin has Santa's Trolley Express from Fox River Trolley Museum (November 28 to December 20, $50). It includes hot chocolate before boarding, a holiday story and sing-alongs on the ride, and Santa boarding at the North Pole stop to visit each family. For other South Elgin, Illinois, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Wheaton, Illinois, this year?
For families, Wheaton has Santa Express Train from DuPage County Historical Museum (December 10 to December 13, $35). It includes a story, music and Santa on the train, then cookies, milk, cocoa, crafts, cartoons, a scavenger hunt and more Santa photos at the museum. Plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes on the train, then a party back at the museum. For other Wheaton, Illinois, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Chicago Loop, Illinois find a Christmas train ride?
From Chicago Loop, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Wheaton, about 45 minutes; South Elgin, about 1 hour; Union, about 1 hour 15 minutes; Monticello, about 2 hours 30 minutes; East Troy, WI, about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Where can families near Rockford, Illinois find a Christmas train ride?
From Rockford, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Union, about 45 minutes. Each Illinois ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Rockford families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Champaign, Illinois find a Christmas train ride?
From Champaign, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Monticello, about 30 minutes. Each Illinois ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Champaign families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Springfield, Illinois find a Christmas train ride?
From Springfield, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Monticello, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each Illinois ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Springfield families can compare before they drive.
Is the Monticello Polar Express sold out?
Yes. The Monticello Railway Museum's Polar Express page says tickets for 2026 are sold out. The ride runs Friday to Sunday on four weekends between November 13 and December 6 from the Wabash Depot downtown. The museum's tickets sold online only, with Coach at $48 and Special Coach at $60 per rider age 2 and up.
What Santa trains are near Chicago?
The closest are the Santa Express from the Wheaton Metra station, Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin and the Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. All three run in late November or December 2026. Wheaton sells out fastest, while Union has the most dates, ten in all through December 21.
How much is the Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum?
The Illinois Railway Museum lists Happy Holiday Railway tickets at $30 for adults and $25 for children for 2026, and everyone past their second birthday needs a ticket. Museum passes are not honored on these special-fare days. The fare covers the 40-minute Santa train plus holiday lights, streetcar rides and other activities on the museum grounds.
Is there a quiet option for kids who do not like loud lights?
Yes. On the Illinois Railway Museum's Happy Holiday Railway, car 7658 is a quiet car without the animated light show and holiday song presentation, though it keeps traditional lights and decorations. The same ticket lets you board whichever car you prefer, so you can choose on the day.
Do any Illinois Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Illinois holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the Happy Holiday Railway in Union, which runs until December 21. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Illinois in the drive-time table above. There is a quiet car, number 7658, without the animated light show, for kids who find the flashing lights too much.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Illinois?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Illinois is for the Happy Holiday Railway in Union: $25 to $30. At the top end is the Polar Express in Monticello: $48 to $60. Prices come from each Illinois railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Happy Holiday Railway in Union: adult $30, child $25.
Which Illinois Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Illinois ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin: about 40 minutes. The longest is the Santa Express Train in Wheaton, at about 1 hour 30 minutes on the train, then a party back at the museum. Ages for Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin: all ages; every passenger needs a ticket.
Which Illinois Christmas trains have Santa?
All 5 Illinois rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Monticello: the story read aloud, caroling, hot chocolate, a treat, Santa at the North Pole and a gift for every passenger. The Lunch with Santa on the Train in Monticello: a train ride, a one-on-one visit with Santa, and a kid-friendly sack lunch on the Plus tickets.
What does the Polar Express in Monticello cost in 2026?
Fares for the Polar Express in Monticello: Coach $48 and Special Coach $60 per rider age 2 and up; Deluxe dining-car tables sold per table. The Polar Express runs Friday to Sunday, November 13 to 15, 20 to 22, 27 to 29 and December 4 to 6, 2026; 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 and 6:30 pm Sundays.
How much are tickets for the Lunch with Santa on the Train in Monticello?
Fares for the Lunch with Santa on the Train in Monticello: Coach $27; Coach Plus with a Subway lunch $37; dining-car table for four $200; private car for up to 12 $750. The Lunch with Santa on the Train runs Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, 2026. Make It Monticello tickets: on sale now through Eventbrite.
What is included with the Happy Holiday Railway in Union?
The Happy Holiday Railway in Union includes Santa on the train, treats and hot chocolate, an animated light and song show, gifts for children, plus Mrs. Claus, a lit barn tour, the model railroad and streetcar rides. For the Union ride, plan on 40-minute train ride, plus time on the museum grounds. There is a quiet car, number 7658, without the animated light show, for kids who find the flashing lights too much.
How much is Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin?
Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin costs $50 from November 1 (earlier windows were $38 and $45). Santa's Trolley Express runs weekends November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026, from 10:30 am, plus Friday evenings December 4, 11 and 18 from 5:30 pm. Fox River Trolley Museum tickets: on sale now; each departure booked separately.
How much are tickets for the Santa Express Train in Wheaton?
The Santa Express Train in Wheaton costs $35 per person; under 1 year free. The Santa Express Train runs Thursday December 10 and Friday December 11, 2026, at 9:45 am; Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13 at 9:15 am; times to be confirmed by Metra. DuPage County Historical Museum tickets: went on sale October 6; it usually sells out within minutes.
What is included with the Polar Express in Monticello?
The Polar Express in Monticello includes the story read aloud, caroling, hot chocolate, a treat, Santa at the North Pole and a gift for every passenger. For the Monticello ride, plan on about an hour round trip. It boards at the downtown Wabash Depot, not at the museum's main grounds, so put the depot address in your GPS.
What is included with the Lunch with Santa on the Train in Monticello?
The Lunch with Santa on the Train in Monticello includes a train ride, a one-on-one visit with Santa, and a kid-friendly sack lunch on the Plus tickets. Make It Monticello ride length: a train ride from the Wabash Depot. Every child gets an individual visit with Santa rather than a quick wave down the aisle, and the dining-car tables come with coloring pages and games.
Where does the Happy Holiday Railway in Union leave from?
The Happy Holiday Railway in Union boards at East Union Depot, Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, in Union. Arrive 30 minutes early; parking is free. Illinois Railway Museum tickets: on sale now; museum passes are not honored. There is a quiet car, number 7658, without the animated light show, for kids who find the flashing lights too much.
How long is Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin?
For the South Elgin ride, plan on about 40 minutes. Included with Santa's Trolley Express in South Elgin: hot chocolate before boarding, a holiday story and sing-alongs on the ride, and Santa boarding at the North Pole stop to visit each family. You ride 1950s Chicago elevated cars, the old L, along a line the museum says dates to 1896.
What happens on the Santa Express Train in Wheaton?
The Santa Express Train in Wheaton includes a story, music and Santa on the train, then cookies, milk, cocoa, crafts, cartoons, a scavenger hunt and more Santa photos at the museum. For the Wheaton ride, plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes on the train, then a party back at the museum. It is a real Metra train out of downtown Wheaton, so kids who ride the commuter line with a parent get to see it turned into Santa's train.