Tickets on Sale Soon for Polar Express in Monticello; Rides Begin Mid-November

Monticello Railway Museum announces sale date for popular Polar Express tickets

The holiday train rides are returning in 2021, with the appropriate COVID-19 guidelines to be followed at the time of the event

It’s a tradition many area families know well. No, not the actual train ride itself, but setting the alarm for 11:55 p.m. the night Polar Express tickets are going on sale for the year. It didn’t happen in June this year, and we won’t have to set our alarms for the middle of the night this time, but come Sept. 11 at 8 a.m., Polar Express tickets are officially on sale.

Has your family ever experienced the Polar Express? An important note if this is your first time: make sure you are at your computer at 8 a.m. to give yourselves the best chance to secure tickets for the time you desire. Tickets move fast and you don’t want to miss out completely!

The traditional Polar Express experience in Monticello includes meeting Santa (while he visits the different train cars), caroling, hot chocolate and a treat and more. It is a festive experience that’s sure to make lasting memories.

The Monticello Railway Museum had previously announced in May that it intended to begin selling tickets at some point in September.

Dates, ticket prices and more

There are a number of questions answered on this FAQ page, but the first one is when does the Polar Express take place? According to the site, the 2021 dates are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on Nov. 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 and Dec. 3-5. Trains will depart at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

A visit to the Monticello Railway Museum website shows the different ticket options that will be available.

Coach tickets for $42 per rider of any age. Children under 2 may ride without a ticket but must ride on an adult’s lap.
Special coach tickets for $55 and up, per rider. Seated in a separate car, riders receive a hot chocolate mug on their trip, too.
Deluxe tickets, sold for $300 for a party of four. These tickets are for a table in a restored dining car. Partial table sales are not an option.
Private car, $1,200 for up to 12 riders. Photo below.

Private Car Illinois Central #7 for Polar Express, Photo from mrym.org website — Private Car Illinois Central #7 for Polar Express. Photo from mrym.org

Is your family excited for the Polar Express to return in 2021? We know that many families are. May we be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas as you begin to make your holiday plans this fall!