Looking for magical Polar Express train rides and Christmas trains near Chicago in 2025? Whether you’re looking for a full-on Polar Express adventure, a budget-friendly Santa ride, or a spectacular lighted train, Chicagoland’s Christmas train season offers something for everyone — from toddlers to grandparents.
Chicago’s Union Station Polar Express is canceled again this year, but Chicagoland has 10+ incredible holiday trains — from authentic Polar Express rides in Geneva, Itasca, and Union to the free CTA Holiday Train downtown. The best Chicago Christmas trains include Illinois Railway Museum’s Happy Holiday Railway ($25), Geneva Polar Express with pizza ($40-53), Itasca Polar Express ($25-35), Blackberry Farm ($10), and the CTA Holiday Train (free citywide).
Here’s your 2025 guide to the best Chicago Christmas trains, organized by region so you can plan your trip like a local.
🎄 CHICAGO CHRISTMAS TRAINS AT A GLANCE 2025
🚂 Total Trains: 10+ Polar Express & Santa trains in Chicagoland suburbs + CTA Holiday Train
📍 Locations: Illinois Railway Museum (Union), Geneva, Itasca, Aurora, Oswego, Glenview, New Lenox, South Elgin
🎟️ Price Range: $10-$53 per person (FREE CTA Holiday Train option)
📅 Season: Late November through December 22, 2025
⚠️ CANCELED: Chicago Union Station Polar Express (construction, returns 2026)
🔥 Fastest to Sell Out: Wheaton Polar Express (minutes!), Geneva & Itasca (days), Illinois Railway Museum (weeks)
👨👩👧 Best Full Experience: Illinois Railway Museum Happy Holiday Railway ($25 – train + lights + museum)
🎅 Best Polar Express: Geneva (includes Aurelio’s Pizza meal!) or Itasca (true to Chris Van Allsburg book)
💰 Best Budget: Blackberry Farm Aurora ($10) or FREE CTA Holiday Train (all Chicago rail lines)
⭐ Top Pick: Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL – 40-minute train with Santa, hot cocoa, animated lights, museum exhibits
🎫 Booking Tip: Most Chicago suburb trains require advance registration August-October and sell out by mid-November!
🆓 Free Option: CTA Holiday Train operates late Nov-Dec on Red Line, Blue Line, all CTA routes citywide
📍 Where Are Chicago Christmas Trains Located?
All trains are in Chicago suburbs within 25-60 miles of downtown. Use this interactive map to find trains near you:
💡 Distance from Chicago: Northwest trains (Union, Glenview) are 45-60 miles. Western trains (Geneva, Itasca, Aurora) are 30-45 miles. South train (New Lenox) is 40 miles. CTA operates throughout Chicago.
What Happened to Chicago Union Station Polar Express?
Chicago’s famous Union Station Polar Express is CANCELED for 2025 — the second consecutive year due to extensive street reconstruction above the station. This was Chicago’s highest-profile Christmas train, operating on actual Amtrak equipment.
When it returns: Expected 2026 (no official confirmation yet)
Best alternative: Illinois Railway Museum Happy Holiday Railway in Union offers similar magic with more activities
Don’t let the cancellation ruin your plans! The suburban options are fantastic — many families actually prefer them.
FREE Option: CTA Holiday Train
Chicago Transit Authority
Citywide on all CTA rail lines
Dates: The CTA Holiday train will run Friday, November 29-Monday, December 23, 2025
Cost: FREE (regular CTA fare: $2.50 adults, under 7 free)
Book: No tickets needed | transitchicago.com
Chicago’s most beloved FREE tradition! CTA trains and buses decorated with thousands of twinkling lights run regular routes throughout December. Santa rides on a sleigh car waving to passengers. On select dates, Santa stops at stations for photos. The CTA Holiday Train is one of many free Chicago activities that make the city magical.
Why it’s great: No advance tickets, no driving to suburbs, accessible to everyone
Insider tip: Track schedules on @cta Twitter. Best photo spots: Loop elevated stations (State/Lake, Clark/Lake)
Northwest Suburbs Christmas Trains
Illinois Railway Museum – Happy Holiday Railway
Address: 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL; 60 miles NW of Chicago
Dates: Nov 28-30, Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-22, 2025
Times: 11:30am-6pm (multiple departures)
Price: $25 per person (under 2 free)
Duration: 40-minute ride + 2-3 hours museum
The Experience:
My top pick for Chicago-area Christmas trains! The 40-minute ride features Santa aboard, hot chocolate, cookies, and an animated holiday light show. Your ticket includes full museum access with vintage trains, operating streetcars, model railroads, and Barn 6’s spectacular light display. Opening weekend (Nov 28-30) includes fireworks at 5:45pm.
Best for: Families wanting full experience beyond just train ride
Must-know: A “Quiet car” is available for sensory-sensitive kids (no animated lights)
Arrive: 45 minutes early to explore museum before your ride.
Kohl Children’s Museum – Kohlights Twinkle Train
2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview; 25 minutes north of Chicago
Dates: Select evenings Nov 28-Dec 21, 2025
Price: $16-28 (under 12 months free)
Short train ride through interactive light displays where kids can change colors and effects. Includes indoor museum access and character meet-and-greets (Anna & Elsa). This was a favorite of my friend’s nieces and nephews last year; the length of the train ride was perfect for 3’s and 4’s.
CPKC Holiday Train
Dates: November 23, 2025
Address: Southside of Ruby Street Railway Crossing, North of Franklin Avenue, Franklin Park, Il
Cost: FREE (bring food bank donations)
This is not an actual train ride: it’s a traveling concert! Decorated freight train stops at communities for free outdoor performances from a stage car. All proceeds benefit local food banks.
Best for: Unique experience, supporting charity
Tip: Check schedule for closest stop, arrive early for good viewing
Western Suburbs Christmas Trains
Geneva Polar Express
Geneva Train Station, 328 Crescent Place
45 minutes west of Chicago
Dates: Dec 6-7, 2025
Times: 9:30am-12pm and 1:30pm-4pm
Price: $40-47 (kids 1-17), $45-53 (adults), under 11 months free
Duration: 2.5-3 hours including meal
The Experience:
The most COMPLETE Polar Express near Chicago! Train to “North Pole” to pick up Santa, then full meal at Aurelio’s Pizza. Every child gets personal Santa time and photos. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas. Geneva is also known for its charming western suburb location, making it a great day trip from Chicago.
Why it’s worth it: Meal included makes this special — you’re not rushing to eat before/after
Book early: Opens August, sells out by October
Residents save: $13 with Geneva Parks residency
Itasca Polar Express
Itasca Train Station, Irving Park Rd & Maple St; 30 minutes west of Chicago
Dates: Dec 6-7, 2025
Times: 12:45-2:20pm and 2:45-4:20pm
Price: $25 (residents), $35 (non-residents), under 9 months free
Duration: 90 minutes
The Experience:
TRUE to the book! Kids get chocolate milk (not hot cocoa, staying authentic), Christmas cookies, and Polar Express story read aloud. Santa boards at the “North Pole” and rides back. Includes fun snowball fight on return trip.
Best for: Ages 3-8 who love the book
Must do: Wear pajamas!
Sells out: Within days of registration opening
Blackberry Farm Holiday Express
100 S Barnes Road, Aurora; 45 minutes west of Chicago
Dates: Dec 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2025 (Dec 5 is sensory-friendly)
Price: $10 per person (ages 1+)
The Experience:
Chicago’s BEST BUDGET train! Includes festive train ride through lights PLUS bounce houses, crafts, Santa visits, and reindeer food bar. December 5 is designated low-sensory night with reduced lights/sounds.
Best for: Budget-conscious families, young kids
Why we love it: $10 for whole experience is unbeatable
Dress warmly: Mostly outdoor event
Santa’s Trolley Express
Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, South Elgin; 45 minutes west
Date: Dec 20, 2025 (ONE NIGHT ONLY)
Price: $38-43
Vintage 1950s trolley ride with Santa through forest preserve lights. Nostalgic experience, limited capacity.
Book immediately: One date, sells out fast
South Suburbs Christmas Trains
CASA Christmas Express
New Lenox Train Station, 201 N Prairie Road; 40 minutes south
Dates: Dec 6-7, 2025
Route: Round-trip New Lenox to Tinley Park
Train ride with meal (breakfast or lunch), Santa visit, and activities. All proceeds support CASA of River Valley, which advocates for abused and neglected children.
Why it matters: Your ticket helps kids in need — meaningful AND magical
Quick Tips for Chicago Christmas Trains
Booking Strategy:
- Book early: Geneva/Itasca sell out in days, others by mid-November
- Set reminders: Registration opens August-October for most
- Resident discounts: Check eligibility — save $10-15 per ticket
What to Wear:
- Pajamas encouraged for Polar Express rides
- Layer up — mix of indoor/outdoor at most locations
- Boots — platforms and paths can be icy
What to Bring:
- Camera (fully charged + backup battery)
- Snacks for waiting time
- Letters to Santa (many have mailboxes)
- Cash for gift shops
Special Needs:
- Illinois Railway Museum: Quiet car #7658
- Blackberry Farm: Sensory-friendly night Dec 5
- Call ahead for wheelchair accessibility
Arrival:
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early
- Time for parking, bathrooms, photos
- Illinois Railway Museum: Arrive 45+ minutes to explore
FAQ: Chicago Christmas Trains 2025
No. It’s canceled for the second year due to construction above the station. Expected to return in 2026 but not confirmed. Best alternatives are Illinois Railway Museum (Union, IL), Geneva Polar Express, or Itasca Polar Express.
Wheaton Polar Express sells out in minutes. Geneva and Itasca sell out within days. Most others sell out by mid-November. Book as early as possible when registration opens (usually August-October).
The CTA Holiday Train is FREE (just regular CTA fare). Decorated trains run on all rail lines throughout December with Santa on his sleigh. No advance tickets needed.
For ages 1-3: CTA Holiday Train (short, free, flexible) or Blackberry Farm ($10, activities). Skip long Polar Express rides — too much sitting for young kids.
Encouraged but not required for Polar Express trains (Geneva, Itasca). Makes great photos! Dress in layers underneath for warmth.
Geneva Polar Express includes full meal at Aurelio’s Pizza. CASA Christmas Express in New Lenox includes breakfast or lunch. Others provide cookies/hot cocoa only.
CTA Holiday Train is fully ADA accessible. Illinois Railway Museum and Geneva are accessible when you call ahead. Historic equipment may have limitations — always call specific venue to discuss needs.
Arrive 30 minutes early minimum. Illinois Railway Museum: arrive 45-60 minutes to explore museum before train ride. CTA Holiday Train: no early arrival needed (regular transit service)
Make It a Chicago Holiday Tradition
Whether it’s the spectacular Illinois Railway Museum with its vintage trains and animated lights, an authentic Polar Express ride in Geneva or Itasca with pajamas and hot cocoa, or catching the free CTA Holiday Train during your regular commute, these Christmas trains capture the magic of the season.
After riding eight different trains across Chicagoland with my family, I can tell you the memories are worth every penny (or free ride!). My daughter still talks about sitting with Santa on the Geneva Polar Express, clutching her golden ticket in her snowflake pajamas.
Book early, bundle up, and let Chicago’s Christmas trains create magic for your family this year.
More Chicago Christmas Activities
After your Christmas train adventure, explore more magical holiday experiences:
- 5 Reasons to Visit the Walnut Room at Macy’s State Street Chicago at Christmas – a Chicago Christmas tradition
- Unveiling the Magnificent Chicago Christmas Tree: A Must-See Holiday Spectacle – the perfect way to get in the spirit of the season.
- Find your own fresh-cut Christmas tree at one of these iconic Chicago Christmas Tree Farms
- Explore Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, a German holiday market