While the swimming pools may still be open, ice cream is still being consumed daily, and school supply shopping is in full swing; it is never too late to start planning for Christmas. Especially when it comes to the Polar Express train ride. Although this event takes place in December near Christmas, the popularity of this event means you need to register as early as now.

Never heard of the Polar Express and don’t know why it is so popular? The idea is based off of the loved Christmas book and movie. During the train ride. families hop aboard a train in their pajamas and hear a reading of the story The Polar Express while often times eating a snack. Santa usually comes aboard the train for a visit. Riders then return back to the station. It is a super cute family tradition that doesn’t break the bank.

Last year my town’s park district sold out this event in only a matter of hours. We were not able to get tickets. This year I am determined to be more prepared, and I will help you be more prepared by telling you what days the tickets go on sale in your town so your children can too experience the magic of the Polar Express.

Polar Express Train Rides in Lake County

Antioch Park District , North Pole Express Train
Antioch Metra Station, 305 Depot St., Antioch
Train Departs: November: 29th & 30th.
December : 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22,& 23rd.

To Register: Tickets go on sale for residents on Thursday, October 13th at 9:00 a.m.
Ticket prices and limits will be announced sometime in August.
For more information, call Antioch Parks and Recreation at 847-395-2160

 

Barrington Park District, Barrington Express to Santa’s Workshop
Barrington Metra Train Station, 201 S. Spring St., Barrington
Train Departs : Exact days and time are still to be determined. Information will be released in fall program booklet.

To Register: Ticket prices have not yet been released. 2015 pricing was $16 for Residents / $18 for non residents.

 

Deerfield Park District, Santa on the Deerfield Candy Cane Train
Deerfield Metra Station , 860 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield
Train Departs: December 4, at 1:00 p.m.

To Register: Registration opens on August 1, at 7:00 a.m. online and at 9:00 a.m. in person. Ticket pricing is $17 for residents and $21 for non-residents.

 

Grayslake Park District , Polar Express
Grayslake Train Station - Lake Street, 67 St Paul St. & Lake St., Grayslake
Train Departs : Sunday December 4, at 1:52 p.m.

To Register: Registration for this event will begin on 8/4 for Residents and 8/15 for Non-Residents. Ticket includes train ride, snacks, special guest, carols and a gift. Space is limited to 50 people per car, 2 cars available. Tickets may be purchased online or in person. Cost s $15 child resident and $12 per adult. Every child that rides needs a ticket, no-resident rates are higher.

Lake Forest Park District , Santa on the Lake Forest Claus’s Coach
Lake Forest West Metra Station, 10205 North Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest
Train Departs: Saturday, December 10th from, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Sunday December 11th, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30p.m.

To Register : All passengers must be registered and all children must ride with at least one adult and all adults must have a child passenger. Registration begins on August 9th at 8:30 a.m. for residents and August 16th for non-residents. Ticket pricing is $28 Residents / $34 Non-Residents.

 

Lindenhurst Park District , Santa on the Lindenhurst Polar Express Storytime Train
Grayslake Metra Station. Lake & St. Paul Streets, Grayslake.
Train Departs : To be determined. The park district will announce the exact day with the fall park district book. Please note this information will be released to the public in mid- November.

To Register : Ticket pricing and registration information will be available in mid-November. 2015 pricing was $10 for residents ; non-residents $11.

Mundelein Park District, Polar Express Storytime Train
Prairie Crossing Train Station, 3001 Midlothian Road, Libertyville
Train Departs : Exact days and time are still to be determined. Information will be released in fall program booklet.

To Register : Ticket pricing has yet to be determined. 2015 pricing was $12 per person resident/ $22 per person non resident. Tickets and boarding passes will be mailed to each family. Registration day to be determined in August. You can purchase them online or in person at the Park District.

 

Park District of Highland Park, Santa on the Train
Highland Park Downtown Metra Station, 2700 Saint Johns Avenue, Highland Park
Train Departs : December 3, 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and December 10, 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

To Register: Children’s tickets are $27 residents / $47 non-residents, adult tickets are $15 residents/ $25 non-residents. Registration is open now.

Round Lake Park District, Santa on the Polar Express Storytime Train
Round Lake Metra Station, Route 134 and Cedar Lake Rd., Round Lake
Train Departs : To be determined. Information will be released in fall program booklet.

To Register: Registration days and ticket pricing to be determined in the fall program booklet. 2015 pricing was $22 residents; $27 non-residents. Children 1 year old and older will need a ticket.

 

Vernon Hills Park District, Polar Express
Libertyville Metra Station, 200 Lake St., Libertyville
Train Departs: Saturday, December 10th with time slots at 9:42 a.m., 11:42 a.m., and 1:42 p.m.

To Register : You will need to register in person at the Sullivan Community Center or the Lakeview Fitness Center. Purchase date anticipated in August. Ticket Prices and limits will be announced at a later time. All riders must register to have a ticket aboard the Polar Express! Children under 2 are free but do need to be registered for space reasons.
For more information call Vernon Hills Park District at (847)367-7270.

 

Polar Express Rides Outside of Lake County

Christmas Express Santa Train
2002 Church Street, East Troy, WI
Train Departs : November 26 & 27, December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. , and 2:30 p.m.

To Register: Tickets can be purchased online at www.easttroyrr.org. Advanced registration is required to secure a spot. Ticket pricing to be announced at a later date. Bring a non-perishable food item with each member of your party and receive a 25% discount on tickets at our Depot. All donated items benefit the East Troy Food Pantry.

 

Which one will you be riding on with Santa ?

Miss your chance to get tickets? Check out our post on how to create your own polar express party.

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