The Polar Express™ holiday train experience will not run at Chicago Union Station in 2026, organizers announced this week. The decision confirms that the themed ride has now been absent for three consecutive years.
The Polar Express attraction, known for its seasonal, family‑focused celebration of the classic holiday story, traditionally operates out of Union Station during the winter months. Its cancellation for 2026 extends a hiatus that began in 2024 and continued through 2025.
Organizers of the Polar Express™ train ride confirmed the lack of service for the upcoming year without providing additional details. Their statement reiterated that the ride will not be operating in 2026, leaving the holiday schedule at Union Station unchanged from the prior two years.
The three‑year gap marks an unusual pause for a program that has long been part of Chicago’s festive offerings. While the ride has drawn visitors in past seasons, its absence this year means families will need to seek alternative holiday activities throughout the city.
Chicago Union Station, a historic transportation hub, has hosted the Polar Express™ experience each winter since its inception. The continued suspension of the ride underscores a period of inactivity that began in 2024 and now includes 2025 and 2026.
No further announcements have been made regarding a possible return after the 2026 cancellation. The organizers have left the future of the holiday-themed train ride open, with the current status remaining a non‑operational year at Union Station.