Monticello Railway Museum announces sale date for popular Polar Express tickets
The holiday train rides are returning in 2022 and tickets for peak times are sure to be claimed quickly
It’s a tradition many area families know well. No, not the actual train ride itself, but setting the alarm for the morning Polar Express tickets go on sale for the year. It won’t be the middle of the night like it historically was several years ago, but come Sept. 10 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 yourself 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 is once again selling tickets in September for rides beginning in November and continuing into December. For many Champaign-Urbana area families, the Polar Express is a holiday tradition they don’t want to miss.
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 2022 dates are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on Nov. 18-20 and 26-28 and Dec. 2-4 and 9-11. 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.
- Deluxe tickets, sold for $320 for a party of four. These tickets are for a table in a restored dining car and include beverages and snacks. Partial table sales are not an option.
- Private car, $1,400 for up to 12 riders. Photo below.
Is your family excited for a ride on the Polar Express this year? We know that many families are. May we be the first to wish you a very wonderful holiday season as you begin to make your plans this fall!