Lunch with Santa on the Train

Join us on December 6th and 7th for the 2025 Lunch with Santa on the Train at the Wabash Depot in Monticello, Illinois, a holiday favorite with kids of all ages.

Enjoy a train ride, an individual visit with Santa, and a kid-friendly sack lunch. Our Coach Class Tickets are $25 per person.

The Dining Car Experience accommodates up to 4 riders (one table) in one of two dining cars. Turkey sandwiches from Subway of Monticello with chips, a cookie, and water are included along with a commemorative keepsake. While in the Dining Car, there will be coloring pages and games to enjoy at the table! The Dining Car experience is $165 per table.

Would you like a Private Car Experience and ride the rails like a railroad baron? You can enjoy an exclusive experience aboard Illinois Central Business Car #7! The price affords you the use of the observation lounge in our private car and includes space for up to 12 passengers of any age. You will be provided turkey sandwich meals from Subway of Monticello for up to 12, fun activities to enjoy during the ride, a family-fun Christmas basket for you and your guests, 4 commemorative keepsakes, and some extra goodies for dessert. This Private Care Experience costs $750 for up to 12 people.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: The 11:15 a.m. train on Saturday, December 6th takes place during the Monticello Christmas parade. Those who ride the 11:15 a.m. train will miss the parade.

How much do tickets cost?

Coach Tickets are $25 per person. Our Dining Car Experience costs $165 for a table of up to four people. The Private Car Experience costs $750 for up to 12 people.

Who needs a ticket?

Anyone 2 and older will need a ticket. Those under 2 are required to sit on a lap and will not receive a meal without a ticket. Dining Car ticketholders will find it difficult to hold a child on their lap. **Strollers and Car Seats will not be allowed on the train due to space constraints.

Where are my tickets/Where will the train load?

Your tickets will be ready for pick-up at the depot in downtown Monticello (Wabash Depot) located at the corner of Livingston and Independence Streets (use 200 E Livingston St, Monticello, IL 61856 for GPS) on the day of your train. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time to ensure time to pick up tickets and board the train. Tickets will not be mailed.

How long is the train ride?

The ride is approximately an hour.

Will my child get to meet Santa personally?

Santa will visit with each child. Santa will visit individually during the train ride.

What is in the lunch?

Coach tickets receive lunch for a kid – a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chips, and a drink. Everyone with a coach ticket will receive a lunch. Cheese sandwiches are available, on request, for those with allergies. Dining car tickets will receive a turkey Subway sandwich, chips, a cookie, and water for each rider (4). Private car riders receive a turkey Subway sandwich, chips, a cookie, and water for each rider (up to 12).

What about restrooms?

There are no restrooms on the train. Plan to use the restrooms in the depot or across the street, inside the Wabash Center, before the train ride.

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