(header photo by Metra)
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(photo by HVRM)
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Many of these organizations also offer other themed rides and events throughout the rest of the year.
Easter Bunny, Pumpkin Trains, Ghost Trains, and visits from Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends are aimed at families with children.
Elegant dinner trains, cigar trains, wine and bourbon tasting trains, and even murder mysteries all on a train are aimed at adults.
We invite you to contact your local Museums and Tourist Railroads to find out who offers what and when.
Is there a "Santa train" event that we left out? Have you found a broken link? Contact us.
Easter Bunny, Pumpkin Trains, Ghost Trains, and visits from Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends are aimed at families with children.
Elegant dinner trains, cigar trains, wine and bourbon tasting trains, and even murder mysteries all on a train are aimed at adults.
We invite you to contact your local Museums and Tourist Railroads to find out who offers what and when.
Is there a "Santa train" event that we left out? Have you found a broken link? Contact us.
We will attempt to update this page, to the best of our ability, as we discover or are notified of additions and changes.
We STRONGLY suggest you personally contact the event operators directly for questions about what they are offering, dates they operate, and questions about ticket availability. Some of these events sell out VERY early.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the Blackhawk Railway Historical Society is NOT responsible for any of these events, including problems with the event host's websites, ticket ordering, cancellations, delays, and equipment substitutions. This is posted for informational purposes only.
⛄ This page last updated November 8, 2025 ⛄
We STRONGLY suggest you personally contact the event operators directly for questions about what they are offering, dates they operate, and questions about ticket availability. Some of these events sell out VERY early.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the Blackhawk Railway Historical Society is NOT responsible for any of these events, including problems with the event host's websites, ticket ordering, cancellations, delays, and equipment substitutions. This is posted for informational purposes only.
⛄ This page last updated November 8, 2025 ⛄
Multiple StatesCPKC U.S. Holiday Train - multiple locations in
Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota "Holiday Train" - popular decorated train stops in select online communities and features a live music show while gathering donations for local food pantries. |
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Illinois
Chicago Transit Authority - Chicago, IL
"Allstate CTA Holiday Train" - decorated train travels all CTA rail lines beginning in late November through late December as part of regular rail service making all stops.
Chicago Union Station/Amtrak - Chicago, IL
"The Polar Express"
"Santa's Trolley Express" - ride with Santa in a specially decorated elevated car Illinois Railway Museum - Union, IL (northwest suburban McHenry County)
"Happy Holiday Railway" - ride with Santa Claus while enjoying animated light shows and holiday songs, gifts given to children on Santa’s “good list,” rides on historic Chicago streetcars.
Indiana Rail Road - multiple stops in Crawford, Jasper, and Moultrie counties in Illinois
"Santa Train" - stops in online communities, allowing local children to visit Santa.
Metra (Chicago Commuter Rail) - multiple suburban Chicago, IL locations
"Holiday Trains" - ride specially decorated holiday trains back to their starting point or stay downtown and use holiday train ticket to return on any scheduled train that day.
Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL (between Champaign and Decatur, IL)
"The Polar Express" - read along with the story as the train makes its round-trip journey to the North Pole, meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, surprises, and a treat—plus a special gift for each passenger who believes.
"Allstate CTA Holiday Train" - decorated train travels all CTA rail lines beginning in late November through late December as part of regular rail service making all stops.
- CTA Holiday Train & Bus - 2025 schedule coming soon!
Chicago Union Station/Amtrak - Chicago, IL
"The Polar Express"
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride | Chicago, IL | The Magic Returns
Cancelled for 2025 due to extensive city street construction around Union Station
Visit PolarExpressRide.com to find officially licensed events throughout the U.S. and Canada
"Santa's Trolley Express" - ride with Santa in a specially decorated elevated car Illinois Railway Museum - Union, IL (northwest suburban McHenry County)
"Happy Holiday Railway" - ride with Santa Claus while enjoying animated light shows and holiday songs, gifts given to children on Santa’s “good list,” rides on historic Chicago streetcars.
Indiana Rail Road - multiple stops in Crawford, Jasper, and Moultrie counties in Illinois
"Santa Train" - stops in online communities, allowing local children to visit Santa.
Metra (Chicago Commuter Rail) - multiple suburban Chicago, IL locations
"Holiday Trains" - ride specially decorated holiday trains back to their starting point or stay downtown and use holiday train ticket to return on any scheduled train that day.
Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL (between Champaign and Decatur, IL)
"The Polar Express" - read along with the story as the train makes its round-trip journey to the North Pole, meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, surprises, and a treat—plus a special gift for each passenger who believes.
- Polar Express — Monticello Railway Museum 2025 trains SOLD OUT!
Indiana
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society - New Haven (outside Fort Wayne), IN
"Christmas Caboose" - ride with Santa Claus or charter a private caboose for the entire family. Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society - Pleasant Lake, IN
"Indiana Christmas Train" - extended trip through the winter countryside with Saint Nick aboard. Griffith Historical Park & Depot Museum - Griffith, IN
"Santa in the Caboose" - see Santa for a small donation and support the upkeep of the depot & railroad cars at the Historical Park.Hesston Steam Museum - Hesston, IN (between Michigan City, IN and New Buffalo, MI)
"Santa's Candy Cane Express" - ride the train, eat at Doc's Soda Fountain, browse gift shop, bring a new toy for a train ticket for next year.
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum - North Judson, IN (southeast of Valparaiso, IN)
"Santa Trains" - a leisurely journey through the rural landscape and visit Santa, every child receives a special gift. Indiana Rail Road - multiple stops in Jackson, Brown, Greene, and Sullivan counties in Indiana
"Santa Train" - stops in online communities, allowing local children to visit Santa.
Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad - Noblesville, IN
"Reindeer Express" - during ride, write a special letter to Santa and enjoy a visit with Santa Claus himself (All ages) "Ho Ho Homicide Express" - Features dinner and an interactive mystery murder and in which you play a character with awards for the best dressed passengers. (Ages 21 and over) "Murder at the Ugly Christmas Party" - Features dinner and an interactive mystery murder and in which you play a character with awards for the best dressed passengers. (Ages 21 and over)
Whitewater Valley Rail Road - Connersville-Metamora, IN (between Indianapolis, IN, and Cincinnati, OH)
"The Polar Express" - during ride enjoy reading of the book and have Golden Ticket punched, Santa and elves board train at North Pole for return trip and visits each family, presenting everyone with the first gift of Christmas. "Santa Claus Limited" - during short excursion through the countryside Santa Claus will board train and visit with each family, kids 12 and under will receive a candy cane from Santa.
"Christmas Caboose" - ride with Santa Claus or charter a private caboose for the entire family. Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society - Pleasant Lake, IN
"Indiana Christmas Train" - extended trip through the winter countryside with Saint Nick aboard. Griffith Historical Park & Depot Museum - Griffith, IN
"Santa in the Caboose" - see Santa for a small donation and support the upkeep of the depot & railroad cars at the Historical Park.Hesston Steam Museum - Hesston, IN (between Michigan City, IN and New Buffalo, MI)
"Santa's Candy Cane Express" - ride the train, eat at Doc's Soda Fountain, browse gift shop, bring a new toy for a train ticket for next year.
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum - North Judson, IN (southeast of Valparaiso, IN)
"Santa Trains" - a leisurely journey through the rural landscape and visit Santa, every child receives a special gift. Indiana Rail Road - multiple stops in Jackson, Brown, Greene, and Sullivan counties in Indiana
"Santa Train" - stops in online communities, allowing local children to visit Santa.
Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad - Noblesville, IN
"Reindeer Express" - during ride, write a special letter to Santa and enjoy a visit with Santa Claus himself (All ages) "Ho Ho Homicide Express" - Features dinner and an interactive mystery murder and in which you play a character with awards for the best dressed passengers. (Ages 21 and over) "Murder at the Ugly Christmas Party" - Features dinner and an interactive mystery murder and in which you play a character with awards for the best dressed passengers. (Ages 21 and over)
Whitewater Valley Rail Road - Connersville-Metamora, IN (between Indianapolis, IN, and Cincinnati, OH)
"The Polar Express" - during ride enjoy reading of the book and have Golden Ticket punched, Santa and elves board train at North Pole for return trip and visits each family, presenting everyone with the first gift of Christmas. "Santa Claus Limited" - during short excursion through the countryside Santa Claus will board train and visit with each family, kids 12 and under will receive a candy cane from Santa.
Iowa
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad - Boone, IA
"Santa Express" - a journey from Boone to the North Pole and return. Santa will pass through the train, greeting children, and passing out a special gift.
Midwest Central Railroad - Mt. Pleasant, IA
"North Pole Express" - ride on the Midwest Old Threshers Grounds, be transported to North Pole greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Magical Snow Princess, and Santa’s elves, with many activities.
"Santa Express" - a journey from Boone to the North Pole and return. Santa will pass through the train, greeting children, and passing out a special gift.
Midwest Central Railroad - Mt. Pleasant, IA
"North Pole Express" - ride on the Midwest Old Threshers Grounds, be transported to North Pole greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Magical Snow Princess, and Santa’s elves, with many activities.
Michigan
Coopersville & Marne - Coopersville, MI
"Michigan Santa Train Ride" - all kids get to meet and receive a special gift from Santa and his elves.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad - Flint, MI
"Christmas Holiday Magic" - evening ride on 1800s-themed railroad.
Little River Railroad - Coldwater, MI
"Christmas Express" - steam powered round trip, visit Santa on board. Steam Railroading Institute - Owosso, MI (between Lansing and Flint, MI)
"North Pole Express" with Pere Marquette #1225 - round trip to Ashley, Michigan for a two-hour Christmas party with live entertainment, get your picture taken in front of the train, and meeting Santa Claus.
"Michigan Santa Train Ride" - all kids get to meet and receive a special gift from Santa and his elves.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad - Flint, MI
"Christmas Holiday Magic" - evening ride on 1800s-themed railroad.
Little River Railroad - Coldwater, MI
"Christmas Express" - steam powered round trip, visit Santa on board. Steam Railroading Institute - Owosso, MI (between Lansing and Flint, MI)
"North Pole Express" with Pere Marquette #1225 - round trip to Ashley, Michigan for a two-hour Christmas party with live entertainment, get your picture taken in front of the train, and meeting Santa Claus.
Minnesota
Friends of the 261 (Railroading Heritage of Midwest America) - St. Paul, MN
"North Pole Express" - kids write letter to Santa on train ride to North Pole, where Santa boards and greet all the children and collects their letters on return trip.
"North Pole Express" - kids write letter to Santa on train ride to North Pole, where Santa boards and greet all the children and collects their letters on return trip.
Missouri
St. Louis Union Station - St. Louis, MO
"The Polar Express" - decorated trains take riders on a journey to the North Pole as they interact with the Polar Express characters, arrive at the North Pole where Santa Claus boards train and visits every good little boy and girl.
"The Polar Express" - decorated trains take riders on a journey to the North Pole as they interact with the Polar Express characters, arrive at the North Pole where Santa Claus boards train and visits every good little boy and girl.
Wisconsin
East Troy Electric Railroad - East Troy, WI
"Daytime Christmas Trains" and "Santa's Special Evening Trains"
- daytime and nighttime rides running run from East Troy Depot to Santa's workshop.
"Parade Train" - decorated train running from Elegant Farmer to East Troy for Christmas Tree lighting.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum - North Freedom (Wisconsin Dells), WI
"Santa Express" - ride an early 1900s Christmas adventure, Santa visits every family while Santa’s elves give small gifts for the children.
National Railroad Museum - Green Bay, WI
"The Polar Express" - begins with a cup of hot chocolate and a dramatic reading of the book, Santa will visit with some of the passengers on the train or at the North Pole.
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association's Soo Line #1003 - Hartford, WI
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in the caboose and inspect their 1913-built locomotive under steam.
Wisconsin Great Northern - Spooner, WI
"Santa Pizza Train" - includes ride, a personal pizza and your first beverage, a visit with Santa in his private car for great photo opportunities, and a holiday cookie with hot chocolate on the return trip. "Holiday Wine Train" - an adults-only lounge car to each of the "Santa Pizza Trains" includes a holiday wine from Door Peninsula Winery, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, soft holiday music, traditional decorations, and probably even a toast with Santa.
"Daytime Christmas Trains" and "Santa's Special Evening Trains"
- daytime and nighttime rides running run from East Troy Depot to Santa's workshop.
"Parade Train" - decorated train running from Elegant Farmer to East Troy for Christmas Tree lighting.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum - North Freedom (Wisconsin Dells), WI
"Santa Express" - ride an early 1900s Christmas adventure, Santa visits every family while Santa’s elves give small gifts for the children.
National Railroad Museum - Green Bay, WI
"The Polar Express" - begins with a cup of hot chocolate and a dramatic reading of the book, Santa will visit with some of the passengers on the train or at the North Pole.
- The Polar Express Train Ride - National Railroad Museum
2025 Polar Express Train Ride SOLD OUT
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association's Soo Line #1003 - Hartford, WI
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in the caboose and inspect their 1913-built locomotive under steam.
Wisconsin Great Northern - Spooner, WI
"Santa Pizza Train" - includes ride, a personal pizza and your first beverage, a visit with Santa in his private car for great photo opportunities, and a holiday cookie with hot chocolate on the return trip. "Holiday Wine Train" - an adults-only lounge car to each of the "Santa Pizza Trains" includes a holiday wine from Door Peninsula Winery, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, soft holiday music, traditional decorations, and probably even a toast with Santa.