One of Illinois’ Most Popular Christmas Attractions is Coming Back for 2023

Ready for some great holiday news?!? The Polar Express Train Ride is coming back to Chicago this December, and you won't want to miss your chance to jump on board!

 2023 Christmas Count Down

Everywhere you look there are signs that the 2023 holiday season is coming in hot, but a big one for me is when our neighbors down the street put up the inflatable, Christmas countdown snowman in their yard.

This special snowman officially made his appearance last week, and now my kids force us to drive by their house daily to see how many days are left. (FYI...as of this morning it says 70 days until Christmas).

Christmas arrived at retail stores weeks ago, but now we're starting to see "save the dates" for our favorite holiday events so I'm officially chomping at the bit for all the fun to begin!

 The Polar Express Train Ride Returns to Chicago

The Polar Express Train Ride at Chicago's Union Station is one holiday event I always hear people raving about but have not had the chance to take my kids to yet. I went to buy tickets in 2022 but sadly learned The Polar Express Train was canceled due to staffing issues. My kids were bummed and so was I, but it's coming back this December, and tickets are on sale now!

Here's how the experience is described on the event's website;

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

The Polar Express Train Ride will begin departing from Union Station in Chicago on Sunday, December 3, 2023, and will run through January 1, 2024. You can choose from five different ride times on Saturdays and Sundays, and 4 different ride times Tuesday - Friday (it's closed on Mondays except January 1).

Tickets are on sale now, but rumor has it they will likely sell out by the end of October, so get yours NOW at chicagothepolarexpressride.com.

Here's some more inspiration for 2023 holiday fun in Illinois...