Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story indicated that The Polar Express at Chicago's Union Station was canceled in 2021, however, the event ran for a period of time before closing early for the season. The information has been corrected.
Pajama-clad riders that were hopeful to hop on Union Station's The Polar Express will have to wait for another year.
The popular train ride has been canceled for the 2022 season, citing a "systemwide shortage of railroad personnel" that has left the station with "not enough certified operating crews," according to the Polar Express website.
"We understand this is an important experience for families and will do everything we can to return to Chicago in 2023," the message stated.
Amtrak previously said that while it has "enjoyed operating The Polar Express trains in Chicago the last few years," the rail company is looking ahead to future holiday seasons.
"Until we have sufficient train crews to operate this private charter service in addition to our scheduled trains, we must give staffing priority to our public services, particularly during the holiday season," a statement from the company read.
Despite the not running in Chicago this year, The Polar Express will take place in other cities.
Organizers also urged people to check for other similar events happening in the area. The Fox River Trolley Museum will continue its rides this year, however the event is already sold out, according to its website. Another Polar Express event in Monticello, Illinois, reports that it has also sold out.
FAQs
Organizers elaborated on a Facebook post and said the cancelation is it's due to reconstruction near Union Station in the West Loop. The event was also canceled in 2022 due to staffing shortages.
How long is the Chicago Polar Express train ride? ›
It is required that guests arrive approximately 40 minutes prior to their showtime. This allows time to navigate the station and check in at the Burlington Room in the Great Hall. Boarding will begin at the listed showtime. The train ride itself is one hour in length.
What to expect on the Polar Express train ride? ›
After watching a short live production taken from Chris Van Allsburg's book, The Polar Express, all guests are invited aboard the train. During THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, passengers are served hot cocoa and a cookie, delight in lively songs and dance, and enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, The Polar Express.
How much is Polar Express? ›
Saver Days (9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 27th, 28th & 29th November): Standard Seating: £33.95 Premium Seating: £47.95 Special price for 16:30 trains (20th, 21st, 27th & 28th) Standard Seating: £29.95 Premium Seating: £47.95 Classic Days 30th November, 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, ...
Do you get off The Polar Express? ›
You are on board the train for approximately 1 hour. Once your experience is over you can spend as much time in our gift shop as you wish but we tend to find guests spend around 15min – 30min here before you head back on the shuttle to the car park.
Is Polar Express train ride worth it? ›
Honestly, we had the best time and everyone was so friendly and in character and everything was executed so well. It was definitely a wonderful and festive way to kick off the holiday season. You could REALLY feel the magic of Christmas!
Is Polar Express Chicago worth it? ›
We did the polar express train ride and cannot say better things about our experience! We have a 5 & 7 year old and they completely bought into the magical experience. It was organized and well done. If you are in Chicago in December this is a MUST DO!
Is POLAR EXPRESS better at night or day? ›
Consider what time of day you travel. Younger kids may do better on earlier trains, but the last train ride of the evening is arguably the most atmospheric when it's darker outside, the train cars seem cozier, and you can see the holiday lights better.
Is there a toilet on The Polar Express? ›
Yes, we have toilets available for our disabled guests.
Do you have to wear pajamas on The Polar Express? ›
We encourage our guests, young and young at heart, to wear pyjamas just as in the book with a dressing gown for good measure also. Immerse yourself in THE POLAR EXPRESS™. For the safety of our guests we ask that they wear sturdy, closed toed shoes and not slippers, open toed shoes, flip-flops etc.
On board, the train passengers will be entertained by characters from the film, served Hot Chocolate and a cookie from dancing Chefs and Waiters, as well as have their very own Golden Ticket punched by the Conductor.
Can you eat on The Polar Express? ›
Once on board the train, you will travel to the North Pole while we read the story of The Polar Express. You will enjoy hot chocolate and a yummy treat delivered by our onboard chefs.
What is the difference between standard and premium tickets on The Polar Express? ›
Premium class passengers will each receive the special limited edition ceramic POLAR EXPRESS™ mug and a POLAR EXPRESS™ bag for each pair of seats.
How many hours is the Polar Express? ›
Relive the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Once you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf – Santa himself – will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleighbell, the “first gift of Christmas.”
Can you drink on the Polar Express? ›
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a family-friendly event and no alcohol is sold or allowed on board the train or on the event grounds. Intoxicated passengers or those found in possession of alcohol will be removed from the event without a refund.
What is the duration of the Polar Express train ride? ›
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa.
How long does Polar Express last? ›
We ask guests to arrive at the check-in time shown on your e-ticket at the park and ride this gives us enough time to shuttle you to site and for you to grab a bite to eat if you wish. You are on board the train for approximately 1 hour.
How much time passes in The Polar Express? ›
When he is dropped off, a clock in the living room shows 12:00, just like it was when Santa left the North Pole. This indicates that only five minutes passed during the entire journey. The address of Billy's home is 11344 Edbrooke Avenue. This was the childhood home Robert Zemeckis, the director of the movie.
Is Polar Express better at night or day? ›
Consider what time of day you travel. Younger kids may do better on earlier trains, but the last train ride of the evening is arguably the most atmospheric when it's darker outside, the train cars seem cozier, and you can see the holiday lights better.
