Polar Express train rides in Illinois.
Illinois has one licensed Polar Express train ride for 2026: Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello. It runs Nov 13 - Dec 6.
On the ride, kids hear the story, get hot chocolate and a treat, and meet Santa. Each railroad sets its own dates, prices, and rules for lap kids and strollers, so check the details below. Rides often sell out, so book early.
Polar Express rides in Illinois
Monticello, IL
Monticello Railway Museum
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 6 · Fridays to Sundays, Nov 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and Dec 4-6, at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm (no 8:00 pm train on Sundays)
- Depot
- Wabash Depot, 200 E. Livingston St., downtown Monticello (not the museum grounds)
- Price
- Coach $48, Special Coach $60 (ages 2 and up); Deluxe $340 per table of 4; private cars cost more. Sold out for 2026
- Length
- About 1 hour round trip
- Lap children
- Under 2 ride on an adult's lap or with their own ticket
- Included
- Story read-along, hot chocolate and a treat, caroling, and Santa with a sleigh bell for each child on the way back. Special Coach adds a mug
A one-hour round trip from the old Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello. Kids follow the story, drink cocoa, sing carols and get a bell from Santa on the ride back.
Booking: Tickets are ready at the depot from 3:30 pm on your day. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. All seats are assigned. Email the museum with ticket questions instead of calling.
Parent tip: All 2026 tickets are already sold out. Sales for the next season usually open on a summer weekend, so watch the museum's site.
Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.
Rides in nearby states
French Lick, IN
French Lick Scenic Railway
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Dec 23 · Select dates, Nov 6-Dec 23, with shows at 12:30, 2:30, 5:30 or 7:30 pm
- Depot
- French Lick depot, 8594 West State Road 56
- Price
- $47-$117 by date (value, moderate and peak nights)
- Length
- About 65 minutes
- Lap children
- Under 2 ride free (the railroad's general rule; confirm when you book)
- Included
- Ticket punch, hot chocolate and cookies, the story read aloud, Santa giving each guest a silver sleigh bell, and carols on the way back
A 65-minute ride from the French Lick depot to the North Pole and back. Chefs serve cocoa and cookies, Santa hands out bells, and elves lead songs on the return trip.
Booking: Buy tickets ahead; there are no walk-ups. The depot opens at least 2 hours before the train. Boarding starts about 15 minutes before, and the train does not wait. The show uses flashing lights.
Parent tip: Most 2026 shows were sold out by late October. Check the calendar for single open seats, and look at Sunday evening and early November dates first.
Branson, MO
Branson Scenic Railway
- Dates
- Nov 12 - Jan 2 · Select dates, Nov 12-Jan 2
- Depot
- Branson depot, 206 E Main St
- Price
- Deluxe Coach from $51 adult, $39 child (2-11), plus tax; First Class and dome cars cost more
- Length
- About 1 hour 15 minutes on the train; about 2 hours in all
- Lap children
- Lap infants 23 months and under are $8
- Included
- Hot chocolate and a treat, a reading of the book, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa; First Class adds a mug
A 75-minute ride from downtown Branson with the book read aloud and Santa on board. It's a good add-on to a Branson holiday trip.
Booking: Arrive about 40 minutes before showtime to park and check in. The platform is not heated. Parking by the depot is limited, but you can drop off at the door.
Parent tip: Make sure you book the Polar Express ride and not the regular daytime train.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis Union Station
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 30 · Evenings, Nov 13-Dec 30; 4:30, 6:00, 7:15 and 8:30 pm
- Depot
- St. Louis Union Station, 201 S. 18th St
- Price
- Holiday Saver from $19.99; Coach from $35; First Class from $45 (sets of 4); premium cars from $100
- Length
- About 45 minutes on the train
- Lap children
- Children 2 and under ride free on a lap (no ticket needed)
- Included
- Hot chocolate and a cookie, a reading of the book, and a visit from Santa on board
One of the shortest rides, at about 45 minutes, which suits toddlers. It leaves from the historic train station downtown and has the lowest starting price in the West.
Booking: Doors open 1 hour before the ride. Train doors close 10 minutes before departure, and late guests can't board. Strollers stay in a secure area at the entrance. Parking $5.
Parent tip: Get there when doors open. Train doors close 10 minutes before departure and late families can't get on.
Green Bay, WI
National Railroad Museum
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 13 · Fridays to Sundays, Nov 20-Dec 13
- Depot
- Museum depot, 2285 South Broadway (across the parking lot from the Lenfestey Center)
- Price
- $35-$75 a seat by car (Northern Lights coach $35 up to table and lounge seats $70-$75). Sold out for 2026
- Length
- About 105 minutes: a 30-minute pre-show, then 75 minutes for the ride and Santa
- Lap children
- Everyone needs a ticket, including lap babies
- Included
- Hot chocolate and a sugar cookie, and Santa on the train. Northern Lights and Glacier Gulch riders can see Santa again in the depot after
A pre-show at the museum, then a 75-minute train ride and visit with Santa. Pajamas are welcome for kids and adults.
Booking: Arrive 30-40 minutes before showtime, not earlier; doors open 30 minutes before. Glacier Gulch is the only wheelchair-accessible car. There are no restrooms on the train.
Parent tip: All 2026 shows are sold out and the museum will not add more. Buy only from the museum, since resold tickets are not honored.
Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.
Questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Illinois?
Monticello Railway Museum runs it from Wabash Depot, 200 E. Livingston St., downtown Monticello (not the museum grounds) in Monticello.
When does the Polar Express run in Illinois in 2026?
Monticello Railway Museum: Nov 13 - Dec 6 (Fridays to Sundays, Nov 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and Dec 4-6, at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm (no 8:00 pm train on Sundays)).
How much is the Polar Express train ride in Illinois?
Monticello Railway Museum: Coach $48, Special Coach $60 (ages 2 and up); Deluxe $340 per table of 4; private cars cost more. Sold out for 2026. Check the official site for the price on your date.
See every Polar Express train ride in the US or Christmas in Chicago.
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