Holiday Express
Visitors can take continuous train rides past holiday light displays, dash through the snow on a cozy winter sleigh ride, and explore the illuminated playground. Children can share their wish lists and pose for photos with Santa Claus and his elves at the Carriage Museum. Guests can also listen to classic holiday stories by a real wood-burning stove, craft candy cane ornaments, and assemble reindeer feed bags.
What to Expect
Unlimited holiday train rides, cozy winter sleigh rides, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Fox Valley Park District
Food & Drink
The concession offers snacks, drinks, and hot chocolate; guests may bring their own food and drinks, but alcohol is not permitted.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $11 per ticket. Everyone ages 1 and up must have a ticket. Special events listed on the page are included with Holiday Express daily admission. – Get tickets
- Hours: Sensory-Friendly Night: 5 to 8 p.m.; Fridays, December 11 and 18: 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20: 2 to 7 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Set up a Fox Valley Park District account before November 5 and log in as soon as sales open, because some dates sell out quickly.
- Buy tickets only through the Fox Valley Park District system, because tickets bought from resellers or other people may not be accepted.
- Show the actual PDF ticket on your phone instead of a screenshot, because staff can't scan screenshots at the gate.
- Dress for a long time outdoors, and wear snow pants and boots if snow is forecast, because the event runs rain, snow or shine.
- Everyone in your group aged 1 and up needs a ticket. There's no will call, so if friends are meeting you later, meet at admissions with their tickets.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory-Friendly Night on Friday, December 4: all of Holiday Express in a low-sensory setting. Every attendee needs a ticket.
- Candy Land Bounce House on December 5 and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer on December 6, included with daily admission.
- Olaf on December 12 and a Toy Soldier on December 13, included with daily admission.
- An Ice Carver on December 19 and the World's Tallest Elf on December 20, included with daily admission.
- Hot Cocoa with Anna & Elsa and Storytime with the Grinch are ticketed separately, and those tickets include Holiday Express.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to reserve a time for the train?
No. The Holiday Express train runs the whole time the event is open, and each ride takes about 8 minutes. You can ride as many times as you like, but you have to get off and rejoin the line each time.
How long should we plan to stay?
Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can arrive any time during opening hours on your ticket date. The lights are in full display later in the day.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drink, but no alcohol. The concession stand sells snacks and drinks, including hot chocolate. Kringle's Café has hot cocoa and treats.
Where do kids meet Santa?
Santa and his elves are at the Carriage Museum (North Pole Oasis) every weekend. Kids can share their wish lists and have their picture taken.
Can our group or business take part?
Yes. Through Deck the Streets, families, businesses, scout troops and clubs can buy a 3-foot or 5-foot wooden tree and decorate it. The trees are displayed on the streets of Blackberry Farm during Holiday Express.
More Christmas Events Near Aurora
More Christmas Events near Aurora
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.