Santa on the Polar Express
Theatrical release poster
The “Polar Express" the popular book by the author Chris Van Allsburg and the movie based on the book has made Santa train trips all the rage in recent years. You’ll find many area town park districts, public libraries, convention and visitor bureaus, Jaycees, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Illinois Railway Museum and the Fox River Trolley Museum, among others all offering Polar Express trips or holiday trains, featuring Santa Claus. These trips have proved to be very popular—be sure to book early, most of these trips sell out weeks or months in advance. Remember, trains don’t wait for anyone, plan on arriving at the station at least fifteen or twenty minutes before departure time.
Arlington Heights
Santa on the Arlington Heights Polar Express
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Time: 8:15 am - 11:15 am (Arlington Heights - Chicago)
Time: 8:55 am - 11:30 am (Arlington Heights - Harvard)
Time: 12:15 - 3:15 pm (Arlington Heights - Chicago)
Trip departs: Arlington Heights Metra Station,
Downtown Arlington Heights
Sponsor: Arlington Heights Park District
(847) 577-3000
www.ahpd.org/
reservations required
Cost: Residents: Adults & Children - $18
Non-residents Adults & Children - $28.50
Santa will be on the trains visiting with the children—treats will be served and the Polar express story will be read during the trip. For two of the trips the North Pole is Chicago and for one it is Harvard.
Aurora
Santa at the Blackberry Farm Polar Express
Saturday December 5th & 12th
Sunday, December 6th & 13th, 2009
Sponsor: Fox Valley Park District
Train is located at: Blackberry Farm
100 S. Barnes Road
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-1550
Time: 4 pm to 7 pm each day
reservations are not required
www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
Cost: $3.00 residents $5.00 non-residents
Blackberry Farm will be all lit up for the season. For two weekends in December kids can ride on the “Polar Express” in the afternoon and evening. The holiday train wends its way around Lake Gregory at Blackberry Farm before returning to the old-fashioned depot. The Polar Express story is read in the old red brick school and visits with Santa are held in the Early Street Museum.
Bartlett
Santa on the Bartlett Polar Express
Friday, December 4th, 2009
Time: Evening T/B/A
Trip departs: Bartlett Train Station
Sponsor: Bartlett Park District
(630) 540-4800
www.bartlettparks.org
reservations required
Cost: Residents: Adults - $8, Children - $6
Non-residents Adults - $12, Children - $9
Santa will be leaving for the North Pole from the Bartlett train station with cocoa and special treats for the children including a gift from Santa and time to talk with him during the trip. Santa and the kids will sing Christmas favorites on the way home.
Bensenville
Santa on the Bensenville Polar Express
Saturday December 19th, 2009
Time: 10:45 am - 12:31 pm
Trip departs: Bensenville Metra Train Station
Sponsor: Bensenville Park District
(630) 788-7015
1000 W. Wood Avenue
Bensenville, IL 60106
www.bensenvilleparkdistrict.org
reservations required
Ages - infants up to children age 10
Cost: Residents $12 Non-Residents $15
This Polor express trip leaves from the Bensenville train station to the North Pole—Elgin. Along the way children will be read the story, "The Polar Express", while Santa takes time to visit with each child and give each a Christmas present.
Bloomingdale
Santa on the Bloomingdale Polar Express
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Time: 1:30 pm to 4 pm
Sponsor: Bloomingdale Public Library
Event will be at the Bloomingdale Library
101 Fairfield Way
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
To register:(630) 924-2720.
www.bloomingdale.lib.il.us
eservations required - limited to Bloomingdale residents
Cost: check with the library
The Polar Express film will be shown at the library in the lower level. Activities will include crafts, storytelling a train exhibit and more.
Chicago
Santa Claus on the CTA Holiday Train
Saturday, November 21th through Wednesday, December 23rd 2009
Sponsor: Chicago Transit Authority
1-888-968-7282
Cost: Normal fares apply—there is no premium to ride on the Holiday Train
Note: For detailed schedule for the Holiday Train check the CTA website: www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/holidaytrain.aspx
Holiday Schedule 2009:
Note: The hours shown are approximate:
| Saturday, Nov. 21 | 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Red and Purple Lines |
| Sunday, Nov. 22 | 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Red and Purple Lines |
| Wednesday, Nov. 25 | 12 noon to 6 p.m. | Pink Line and Loop 'L' |
| Friday, Nov. 27 | 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Blue Line |
| Sunday, Nov. 29 | 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Blue Line |
| Wednesday, Dec. 2 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Green Line |
| Thursday, Dec. 3 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Green Line |
| Friday, Dec. 4 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m | Green Line |
| Saturday, Dec. 5 | 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Green Line |
| Wednesday, Dec. 9 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Brown and Orange Lines |
| Thursday, Dec. 10 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Brown and Orange Lines |
| Friday, Dec. 11 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Brown and Orange Lines |
| Saturday, Dec. 12 | 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Brown and Orange Lines |
| Wednesday, Dec. 16 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Red Line |
| Thursday, Dec. 17 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Purple Line |
| Friday, Dec. 18 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Red Line |
| Monday, Dec. 21 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Red Line |
| Tuesday, Dec. 22 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Purple Line |
| Wednesday, Dec. 23 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Yellow Line |
Every Christmas season The Chicago Transit Authority gives the citizens of the windy city a marvelous gift—the CTA Holiday train. This spectacular and beautifully lit up train with Santa and his elves, runs on different CTA routes from Saturday, November 21st through Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009. The six car train can be seen coming from a long way off, with thousands of brightly colored lights festooning the cars. The interiors of the cars are gaily decorated with a plethora of multi-colored lights, garlands and red bows with poles wrapped to resemble candy-canes. Santa arrives in dramatic fashion, on a sleigh in an open flatbed car in the middle of the train—which has been outfitted with reindeer, Christmas trees and luminous shining lights. As the train pulls into a station Santa can be seen greeting the children and boarding passengers and of course ho ho hoing! Santa Claus on the CTA Holiday Train.
CTA Holiday Train is a TOP 10 SANTA EVENT IN CHICAGOLAND AND NORTHERN ILLINOIS.
The CTA Holiday Train
Clarendon Hills
Santa on the Clarendon Hills Polar Express
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Time: Time: 1 pm to 3 pm
Trip departs: Clarendon Hills Metra Station
1 South Prospect Avenue at Burlington
Sponsor: Clarendon Hills Park District
(630) 323-2626
reservations required
www.clarendonhillsparkdistrict.org
Cost: $20 per person - children under one year of age are free
There will be the magical “Polar Express” story on the train, hot chocolate and cookies. When the train reaches the North Pole—Aurora, Santa joins the group. He will be on the ride back for songs with the children and a chance for you to take pictures. For Clarendon Hills residents only.
Darien
Santa on the Darien Polar Express
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Time: 1 pm to 3 pm
Trip departs: Downers Grove Main Street Metra Station
Sponsor: Darien Park District
www.darienparks.com
(630) 968-6400
reservations required
Cost: $15.00
All aboard! Children can once again ride to the mythical North Pole to meet Santa Claus while listining to the classic “Polar Express,” tale this Christmas season. There will be refreshments, Christmas Carols and a visit with Santa. Darien residents only—anyone twelve months or older must have a ticket.
Downers Grove
Santa on the Downers Grove Polar Express
Saturday, November 21st, Sunday, 22nd, 2009
Time: 8:40 am - Saturday and Sunday
Trip departs: Downers Grove Main Street Metra Station
Sponsor: Downers Grove Park District
www.dgparks.org
(630) 963 1300
reservations required
Cost: Residents $25.00 - non-residents $30.00
Hop on the train in Downers Grove for the magical trip to the North Pole—Aurora. On the way the "The Polar Express" story will be read and chocolate milk and cookies will be served. At the North Pole, Santa Claus boards the train and joins in the merriment for the return trip. Registration is open to Downers Grove residents only.
Elk Grove Village
Santa on the Elk Grove Village Polar Express
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Times: Saturday 9 am
Trip departs: Itasca Metra Station
Irving Park Road (Route 19) & Walnut Street
Sponsor: Elk Grove Park District
(847) 437-9494
registration required
www.elkgroveparks.org
Cost: Residents: ages two & up $15. Non-residents: ages two & up $20. Adults $5
Once again, kids get to hear the “Polar Express” story by Chris Van Allsburg have snacks and meet Santa at the North Pole (or Elgin if you prefer). There will be visits with Santa on the way back.
Elmhurst
Santa on the Elmhurst Polar Express
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Time: Two departures - 11 am and 3 pm
Trip departs: Elmhurst Metra Station
128 W. 1st Street at York Road
Sponsor: Elmhurst Park District
(630) 993-8901
reservations required
www.epd.org
Cost: T/B/A
The “Polar Express” story comes to life when the children get on the train to go to the North Pole. There will be treats, Christmas carols, cookies and a special visit with Santa Claus on the way home.
Glen Ellyn
Santa on the Glen Ellyn Polar Express
Friday, December 11th
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Times: Friday 7:15 pm - 9 pm
Saturday 9:15 am - 11 am and 11:15 am - 1 pm
Trips departs: Glen Ellyn Metra Station
551 Crescent, Glen Ellyn
Sponsor: Glen Ellyn Park District
185 Spring Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
For information:
(630) 858-2462
registration required
www.gepark.org
Cost: $15 per household - 2 children
Be sure not to miss the train for this trip to the North Pole. Guess what, the Polar Express will be read to the kids who will recycie their own copy of the story. Chocolate milk and cookies will be served and everyone gets to talk to Santa and sing holiday songs. Please note, these trips sell out early.
Glenview
Santa on the Skokie Polar Express
Saturday, December 20th, 2009
Time: 10:45 am
Trip departs: Glenview Metra Station
1021 Depot Avenue
Glenview, IL
Sponsor: Skokie Park District
9300 Weber Park Place
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 674-1500
reservations required
Cost: $8 residents; $14 non-residents
www.SkokieParkDistrict.org
Hop on Skokie’s Polar Express (leaving from the Glenview Metra Station) to the North Pole (also known as Fox Lake) and enjoy cookies and other goodies. There will be carols while the children listen to the story “The Polar Express.” Santa gets on the train at the North Pole and rides back with the kids.
Hanover Park
Santa on the Hanover Park Polar Express
Saturday, December 19th
Sunday December, 13th 2009
Time: Saturday, 19th 9:45 am to 11:30 am
Sunday, 13th 1:45 pam to 3:30 pm
Trip departs: Hanover Park Metra Station
Lake Street (Route) 20 one block west of Barrington Road
Sponsor: Hanover Park Park District
(630) 372-PARK
reservations required
www.hpparks.org
Cost: 11 & under $6 for residents & $9 for non-residents 12 & over $8 for residents & $12 for non-residents.
Hanover Park is another town offering a Polar Express train trip from Hanover Park to the North Pole. There will be holiday music, the Polar Express story and Santa Claus, plus hot chocolate and treats at the station for the group.
Highland Park
Santa on the Highland Park Polar Express
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Time: 9 am & 3 pm Saturday, December 5th
Time: 3 pm Saturday, December 12th
Trip departs: Highland Park Downtown Metra Station
Sponsor: Park District of Highland Park
(847) 579-3120
reservations required
www.pdhp.org/
Cost: Residents: children $15.00 - adults $25.00 Non-residents: children $22.00 - adults $45.00
Take the trip to the North Pole—Waukegan, with Highland Park children who will hear the story, “Polar Express”. Hot chocolate and donuts will be served before the train departs. Santa will be visiting with the children on the return trip, there will be holiday music and plenty of fun for all.
Hinsdale
Santa on the Hinsdale Polar Express
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Time: 9 am to 12:15 pmTrip departs: Hinsdale Metra Station
21 W. Hinsdale Avenue (Hinsdale at Washington Street)
Sponsor: Hinsdale Park and Recreation Department
(630) 789-7090
www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr/
reservations required
registration required
Cost: $34 per person, ages two and up.
Get on the train in your pajamas in Hinsdale and head for the North Pole where you’ll meet with Santa Claus. A meal will be served at the North Pole (Walter Payton’s Roundhouse Restaurant—in the Aurora station). There will be time for photographs, crafts and more. Restricted to Hinsdale residents only.
Hoffman Estates
Santa on the Hoffman Estates Polar Express
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Time: 3 pm to 5 pm
Trip departs: Schaumburg Metra Station
2000 S. Springinsguth Road
Sponsor: Hoffman Estates Park District
For Information: (847) 885-7500
www.heparks.org
registration required
Cost: T/B/A
Ages three and up
Take a ride on the Polar Express and hear the story by Chris Van Allsburg along the way. On the way back, Santa will be with us, there will be Christmas Carols and gifts for the children
Itasca
Santa on the Itasca Polar Express
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
Time: 9 am - 10:30 am (Itasca to Elgin, round trip)
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm (Itasca to Elgin, round trip)
Time: 1 pm - 2:30 pm (Itasca to Elgin, round trip)
Trip departs: Itasca Metra Station,
Irving Park Road (Route19) and Maple Street
Sponsor: Itasca Park District
((630) 773-2257
www.itasca.com
reservations required
Cost: Adults & Children - $15
Children 6-months and under are free.
All aboard for an exciting trip to the North Pole where the kids will meet with Santa. There will be a story, and plenty to do—there will be chocolate milk and cookies for everyone, plus each kid will receive a gift from Santa.
Libertyville
Santa on the Libertyville Polar Express
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Time: 9:42 - 11:10 am and 11:42 - 1:10 pm
Trip departs: Libertyville Metra Station
200 W. Lake Street
(Lake Street at Milwaukee Avenue)
Sponsor: Libertyville Park District
996-6800
www.vhparkdistrict.org/
Cost: Residents: $20 - adults & children Non-residents: $25 - adults & children
This Polar Express ride takes everyone to the North Pole (Fox Lake) where you will meet with Santa Claus and he will ride back with you. There will be a story, plenty of fun and goodies for everyone.
Lisle
Santa on the Lisle Polar Express
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Time: 9:45 am & 1:45 pm
Trip departs: Lisle Metra Station
Mail Ticket requests to: Polar Express
PO Box 492
Lisle, IL 60532-0492
Sponsor: Lisle Convention & Visitor Bureau
(630) 769-1000
reservations required
www.lislecvb.com
Cost: $13.00 per person for both children and adults
Here’s another town offering a Polar Express train trip. This one goes from Lisle to Union Station in Chicago—or the North Pole if you prefer. There will be Santa, elves, costumed characters and holiday activities are featured..
Morton Grove
Santa on the Morton Grove Polar Express
December December 5th, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm
Trip departs: Morton Grove Metra Station
8501 Lehigh Road
Morton Grove, IL
Sponsor: Morton Grove Park District
6834 W. Dempster
Morton Grove, IL 60053
For information: (847) 965-1200
registration required
www.mortongroveparks.com
Cost: $14 per ticket
This trip is for Morton Grove children who want to go to the North Pole. When you get there, Santa Claus will be waiting for the young ones and will ride back on the train while everyone enjoys milk and cookies. Because of very limited space a lottery will be used for registration. Note, this event is for Morton Grove residents only.
Mount Prospect
Santa on the Mount Prospect Polar Express
Monday, December 21st
Tuesday, December 22nd
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
Times: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - 1:20 pm to 4:15 pm
Trip departs: Prospect Heights Metra Station
55 S. Wolf Road
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Sponsor: River Trails Park District
For information: (847) 255-1200
www.rtpd.org
registration required
Ages: for children one month and up.
Cost: Residents $10 per person; Non-residents$12 per-person
Take a trip on the Polar Express to the north Pole. Leaves from Prospect Heights station and goes to Lake Villa, (the North Pole). Mount Prospect residents of of the River Trails Park District can register for this program.
Naperville
Santa Train in Naperville
Saturday December 5th, 2009
Times: 10 am and 12 noon departures
Trip departs: Metra Station
200 East 5th Avenue
Naperville, IL
Sponsor: Naperville Jaycees
(630) 961-9375
reservations required
www.naperjaycees.org
Cost: $15 per person
Another yearly Santa train is run by the Naperville Jaycees with plenty of time to converse with Santa, play some games, and meet some other fascinating costumed characters along the way. Tickets can be purchased, if available, online at the Naperville Jaycees website.
Oakbrook Terrace
Santa Train in Oakbrook Terrace
Saturday December 12th, 2009
Times: 10:45 am to 2:30 pm
Trip departs: Downers Grove Metra Station
Main Street Station
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Sponsor: Oakbrook Terrace Parks Department
& Butterfield Park District
(630) 627-6100
reservations required
www.obtpd.org
Cost: $27 per person for Oakbrook Terrace residents and $30 for non-residents
Take a ride to the North Pole and hear the story of the Polar Express. At Santa’s workshop (Walter Payton's Roundhouse), lunch will be served and there will be pictures with Santa. One the way home, there will be Christmas songs and Santa will read a story.
Oak Park
Santa on the Oak Park Polar Express
Sunday, December 13, 2009
imes: 9 am to 11 amTrip departs: Oak Park Metra Station
Trip departs: Oak Park Metra Station
1115 W. North Boulevard
Oak Park, IL
Sponsor: Park District of Oak Park
(708) 383-0002
reservations required
www.oakparkparks.com
Cost: $12 residents; $18 non-residents
The kids from Oak Park can take their exciting Polar Express train trip to the North Pole to find Santa. There will be chocolate milk, cookies, stories and holiday songs and Santa visits. Families will be selected by lottery.
Park Ridge
Santa on the Park Ridge Polar Express
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Times: 2:30 pm to 4 pm and and 4:30 to 6pm
Trip departs: Park Ridge Dee Road Metra Station
Sponsor: Park Ridge Recreation & Park District
(847) 692-3621
registration required
www.prparks.org
Cost: $20 resident; $34 non-resident
Park Ridge children and their parents get to take the journey to the North Pole, (downtown Chicago) where the “Polar Express” story comes to life. There will be refreshments and Christmas Carols along the way. Santa joins in the fun on the way back where the good times continue.
Schaumburg
Santa on the Schaumburg Polar Express
Friday, December 18th, 2009
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Trip departs: Schaumburg Metra Station
Sponsor: Schaumburg Park District
(847) 985-2114
www.parkfun.com
Cost: $10 child resident, $15 Child non-resident, $7 adult resident, $ 11 adult non-resident
Children should put on their pajamas for this evening “Polar Express” ride to the North Pole when the story by Chris Van Allsburg becomes real. There will be plenty of fun and goodies for all.
South Elgin
Santa on the South Elgin Polar Express
Saturday, December 5th, 12th & 19th
Sunday, December 6th, 13th, & 20th , 2009
Time: 5:00 pm
Trip departs: Fox River Trolly Museum
Sponsor: Fox River Trolly Museum
Post Office Box 315
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve station
35W003 Il Route 31
South Elgin, IL 60177
www.foxtrolley.org/events
Cost: T/B/A
Another opportunity for children to make the exciting trip to the North Pole is at the Fox River Trolly Museum. Reservations are required for this event and the only way to make a reservation is to write the Museum in advance.
Streamwood
Santa on the Streamwood Polar Express
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Times: Saturday 3:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Times: Sunday 11:30 am & 3:30 pm
Trip departs: Hanover Park Metra Station
1975 W. Lake Street — Route 20 one block west of Barrington Road
Sponsor: Streamwood Park District
(630) 372-PARK
reservations required
www.streamwoodparkdistrict.org
Cost: Residents 11 years & younger $8.00 non-residents 11 years & younger $14.00
Residents 12 years & older $11.00 non-residents 12 years & younger $18.50
Here’s still one more trip based on the “Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. The story will be read on the way to the North Pole—Bensenville. There will be snacks, juice, goodie bags, holiday songs and of course Santa on the return trip from the North Pole.
Union
Santa at the Happy Holiday Railway in Union
Saturday, December 5th, 12th & 19th
Sunday December 6th, 13th and 20th 2009
Times: Saturdays: 2 pm to 7 pm
Sundays: 1 pm to 6 pm
Sponsor: Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson Road
Union, IL 60180
(815) 923-4391
www.irm.org
Cost: $12 per personEvery weekend in December children and families get to take an exciting train trip through dramatic and strikingly beautiful light displays to visit Santa Claus and his elves at their toy workshop. At the end of the visit kids will receive a small gift from the old fellow. Tickets are available online.
West Chicago
Santa on the West Chicago Polar Express
December 12th, and 19th 2009
Times: December 12th departures 1:39 pm and 5:39 pm
December 19th departures 9:39 am and 1:39 pm
Trips departs: West Chicago Metra Station
508 W. Main Street
West Chicago, IL 60185
Sponsor: West Chicago Park District
(630) 231-9474
reservations required
www.we-goparks.org/trips.htm
Cost: $15.00 residents, $18.00 non-residents
This is a great trip on the Metra train decorated for the holidays. While the kids are snacking on cookies and juice they will hear the Polar Express saga and sing Christmas songs. On the way back there will be time for pictures and visits with Santa.
Westmont
Santa on the Westmont Polar Express
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
Times: 11 am to 12:30 pm & 3 pm to 4:30 pm
Trip departs: Westmont Metra Train Station
1 West Quincy Street (Quincy & N. Cass Avenue.
Sponsor: Westmont Park District
Westmont Center
1 S. Cass Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 963-5252
reservations required
www.wpd4fun.org
Cost: T/B/A
Everyone meets at the Westmont Center where the “Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg will be read. The next stop is the Westmont Metra Train Station for the trip to the North Pole—Aurora, where the kids will meet Santa and enjoy refreshments. There will be music and entertainment on the return trip.
Worth
Santa on the Worth Polar Express
Friday, December 18th, 2009
Times: 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Trip departs: Palos Heights Metra Train Station
11451 Southwest Highway
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Sponsor: Worth Park District
708) 448-7080
rregistration required
www.worthparkdistrict.org
Cost: Residents $6; non-residents $9
This trip is based on the book "Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. It leaves from Palos Heights Metra Station and will head to the North Pole—Chicago’s Union Station where the kids will meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and have pictures taken. Book early, space is limited and the Worth Park District expects this trip to sell out.
Please note—all of the above events are subject to change without notice