Christmas Express 2026
Families board a holiday train ride traveling from the New Lenox station to Tinley Park and back. The event includes a meal, a visit with Santa and his elves, and activities at Santa's Workshop at Harald Viking Lodge. Guests can also explore the Tinley Park Holiday Market near the station.
What to Expect
Holiday train ride from New Lenox to Tinley Park with Santa.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
CASA of River Valley
Food & Drink
A meal is included with tickets.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and family-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Children under two are free when sitting on an adult’s lap on the train; all others require a ticket. Tickets include a Santa visit, a meal, and activities. Zeffy suggests an optional 15% contribution at checkout; it can be changed to $0 or another amount, and CASA does not receive it. – Get tickets
- Hours: Return trains depart at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
- Parking: Parking near New Lenox Metra Station is abundant and free on weekends; guests may use any adjacent lot. Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks are nearby on Route 30 for coffee or restrooms.
- Accessibility: Strollers are allowed on the Metra train, and Metra may ask riders to keep accessible seats open for those who need them.
Tips & Advice
- Check in at the New Lenox Metra Station registration desk about an hour before departure to collect wristbands; physical and digital tickets aren't issued.
- Use any adjacent lot near the station: weekend parking is free and abundant, and nearby Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks offer coffee or restrooms.
- You may return on any Metra train from Tinley Park, so choose a return that leaves time to enjoy the activities.
- Groups cannot reserve seats; arrive together and follow volunteers’ directions, as they will try to seat your party together.
- Strollers are allowed, but avoid using belongings to take up a seat and leave accessible seats open for passengers who need them.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: tickets are sold through Zeffy, and the contribution it suggests at checkout is optional and can be set to zero.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get tickets in the mail or by email?
No. There are no physical or digital tickets. Check in at the registration desk at New Lenox Metra Station about an hour before your scheduled departure. You'll get wristbands there for the whole day.
Do I have to take a specific train back?
No. You can return on any Metra train, so you have time to enjoy all the activities in Tinley Park.
What else is there to do in Tinley Park?
Besides CASA's Santa's Workshop at Harald Viking Lodge, you can visit the Tinley Park Holiday Market. It runs on both Saturday and Sunday, with activities around the train station and Oak Park Avenue.
How will I find my way around once I arrive?
At check-in, each guest gets a QR code that opens the map. CASA volunteers with signs guide you to Harald Viking Lodge and through the activities.
Where can I park in New Lenox?
Parking near the New Lenox Metra Station is plentiful and free on weekends, and you can use any adjacent lot. Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks are nearby on Route 30 for coffee or restrooms.
More Christmas Events Near New Lenox
More Christmas Events near New Lenox
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.