Chicago, IL · Heritage railroad · 2026 season

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Chicago Union Station

The official Chicago Union Station event page announces that the Polar Express will not operate in 2026.

Illustrative stock photo: Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 decorated with a Christmas wreath
Illustrative stock photograph. Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 with a Christmas wreath on November 18, 2013. Historical holiday decoration; the source does not identify this departure as the Polar Express. The Commons file was cropped vertically by 5% in 2024. Bill Morrow / Wikimedia Commons · Image source · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop; photograph otherwise unchanged.

Not operating in 2026

Not operating in 2026

The operator’s explicit current-season cancellation notice supersedes its continued appearance in the licensed-host directory.

No operating departures are established for this season. Follow official updates.

Source recheck due; confirm current plans with the operator.

Ticket availability has not been rechecked today.

Source reviewed 2026-10-12 · Ticket status observed 2026-10-12

Tickets and official updates

This event is not currently presented as an operating ride. Follow the operator for updates.

Check official updates →

Where to board

Chicago boarding location

Chicago Union Station campus, 500 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60606; no 2026 event

Former event station. The Chicago Polar Express is not operating in 2026.

Official boarding information →

Plan your visit

Boarding
Chicago Union Station campus, 500 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60606; no 2026 event. Former event station. The Chicago Polar Express is not operating in 2026.

More holiday rides in Illinois

Each ride has its own schedule and ticket status; these links do not guarantee availability.

Sources and railway guide