Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself!
- Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family
- See and visit with Santa Claus on the train
- Treats and hot chocolate will be served
- New for 2023: an animated light show and holiday song presentation entertaining you during your train trip
- Gifts will be given to children on Santa’s “good list”
- Holiday lights display throughout the campus including a spectacular animated snow plow display.
- Visit our indoor, heated Model Railroad Exhibit
- See historic trains in the museum’s display barns 3, 7 and 9
- Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included with your ticket
- Free parking
Start a new Christmas tradition with your family this year!
Days for this event are Saturdays and Sundays, November 24th (Black Friday), 25th, 26th, December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, and 23rd. Trips take place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. (Rides at other times on all dates may be added later based on demand). Parking lot opens 30 minutes before the first trip and closes 30 minutes after the last trip returns. Plan to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before your scheduled trip. Ticket prices are $25 per ticket. Everyone past their second birthday must have a ticket. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, all ticket sales are final. Many display buildings and portions of the museum grounds will not be open for this event. Parking is free.
The train ride will leave from the historic 1851 East Union Depot. Santa will ride the train with you. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available. New for 2023, the train ride will feature an animated light show and holiday song presentation providing entertainment during the trip. For those averse to animated lights, car #7658 will omit the entertainment and will feature traditional lights and decorations. Your ticket will permit you to board whichever car you prefer.
Display Barns 3, 6, 7, and 9 will be open. Additionally, streetcars will be in operation on our Trolley Loop, and our Model Railroad exhibit will be open in the heated Multi-Purpose Building. Click here for a property map.
Tickets are available online. If you are unable to print your tickets at home, bring a copy of your order confirmation email to the museum store where you will check in for your ride.
Join us for the most exciting holiday train in the greater Chicago area! All Aboard!
NO REFUNDS - except in case of event cancellation, ALL ticket sales are final.
All schedules and equipment subject to change without notice.
