8 Super Fun Santa Trackers to Track the Big Man on Christmas Eve

by Katie BrownDecember 17, 2021

While we can’t explain the science behind Santa’s global gift deliveries, we can offer a few ways to find out how and when he’ll arrive. This year, when your kids ask you about the big guy’s arrival, you can have an answer at the ready when you use any—or all!—of the following Santa tracker apps, websites and smart speaker/home assistant skills.

Read on for our the best kids Santa trackers that let your little elves follow jolly Old St. Nick on his gift-giving world tour this Christmas Eve.

NORAD Tracks Santa

Since 1958, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has fielded calls and emails from around the world to keep curious children (and adults) informed about Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve. An impressive 1,500 volunteers staff telephones and computers to answer calls and live updates are provided through the NORAD Tracks Santa website (in seven languages), over telephone lines and by email.

You can also follow NORAD Tracks Santa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Sirius XM Kids Place Live

In collaboration with the NORAD Santa Tracker, kiddos can tune into Kids Place Live (Ch. 78) to get live updates on the big man in red. Starting on Christmas Eve at 3 p.m. EST, you can hear Santa's progress with update every 15 minutes, along with festive holiday tunes.

Google Santa Tracker

On Christmas Eve, Google Santa Tracker will showcase Santa’s dashboard: the technology that powers his sleigh during his around-the-world journey making the most important of deliveries! Families can follow Santa’s progress and even learn a little about some of his stops. Starting Dec. 1, use the site to explore Santa’s Village, engage in some activities and even meet a few of his elves.

“Alexa, where's Santa?”

If you want to get those kids off to bed so you can enjoy some quiet time and a glass of wine, convince them that Santa is on his way by enabling the NORAD Tracks Santa skill on your Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

Santa Update

Santa Update is for those who can’t wait a minute longer for the holiday hype. You can already keep abreast of Santa’s work by reading the site’s daily blog, which chronicles newsworthy happenings like recent improvements in wrapping technology, the Elf Parade, the local light decorating contest and efforts to test fly Santa’s new sleigh. The site is bursting with creative links and thoughtful details that will show your kiddos how committed the North Pole team is to preparing for Christmas and making their deliveries.

"Google, track Santa."

If you have a Google Home smart speaker, simply ask Google to “Call Santa” to make sure you’re still on the nice list or “Track Santa” to find out how close he is to making the magical delivery at your house before you go to sleep. Google explains this handy Christmas feature at its blog.

Email Santa

Although the primary activity on the Email Santa website is—you guessed it—emailing Santa (fill-in-the-blank letters with near-immediate responses are available for the impatient!), you can also track his whereabouts, watch the countdown to Christmas Day, view “live texting” between Santa and his elf squad on Christmas Eve, watch “live tweets” between Santa and Mrs. Claus, read Santa’s blog, laugh (or groan) at elf jokes, watch Christmas webcams from around the world—and oodles more. Your pet can even email Rudolph!

Santa Video Call & Tracker App

The Santa Video Call and Tracker app, available for iOS devices, purports to be the “only Santa Video Call app with varied and customizable conversation options.” When you purchase the full version, Santa will even call your child by her name and knows (thanks to you) her age, month of birth, where she lives, her interests, and recent life events—at least, as much as you’d like to share. The app’s Santa Tracker locates the big guy in red within an “Elfiish Micrometer” and children can send Santa on test flights as well as zoom in and out on the three-dimensional globe as they watch Santa on the big night.

Happy Santa tracking!

— Katie Brown & Keiko Zoll

Feature photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

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Take a Peek inside Santa’s $1.15M North Pole Home on Zillow

by Christina MarficeDecember 13, 2021

The Zillow listing for Santa’s North Pole home includes a 3-D tour of the whimsical village where the elves live

If you (or your kids) have ever wondered what Santa’s life is like when it’s not Christmas, Zillow is here to help. For the sixth year, the real estate website has a listing for the magical, whimsical North Pole home that allows you to view photos of just about every room on the property—and even take a 3-D tour!

“A winter lover’s paradise nestled on 25 idyllic acres,” the listing reads. “The property includes Santa’s main living quarters, a community of tiny elf homes, a state-of-the-art toy-making facility, garage with space for an all-weather sleigh and stables that board eight live-in reindeer, plus a bonus stall for red-nosed company.”

Photos of the house show off Santa’s cozy bedroom, where he stashes his jacket and boots when he isn’t on his sleigh, the sprawling property, and more.

I personally would move to the North Pole just for this statement window showing the idyllic, snowy property outside.

The home is listed as off-market (of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus aren’t moving any time soon), but with a price “Zestimate” of $1,154,137. As Zillow cheekily notes in a press release, “Santa is seeing a surge in his homeowner equity. Santa’s home was worth just over $650,000 when he first claimed his home on Zillow six years ago. Now the home has appreciated enough to earn Santa a tidy return, and like many homeowners in the U.S.”

Check out Santa’s house on Zillow to see all the photos, plus 3-D tours and more.

4 Ways to Alleviate Holiday Gift-Buying Stress

By Suzanne Barchers

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

December 10, 2021

It would seem that the supply chain disruptions and other pandemic-related problems have reached the North Pole. This might not be a huge issue if the calendar said “July,” but it doesn’t. For many parents—and especially those who pose as Santa’s helpers—the calendar might as well say “Panic.”

In the last few years, many kids understood that things (namely, gifts) would be different. The holidays were out of whack due to complications from the coronavirus. So our kids gamely girded themselves and looked forward to 2022. They assumed what we all did, which was that the world would be back to normal by then.

As we near the end of 2022, however, that hasn’t happened. Unemployment remains a concern for many of us, as does getting together comfortably and confidently with loved ones. So does getting the perfect toys for our children this holiday season.

As caregivers, we know in our hearts that giving children patience, hope, and resilience is more important than giving them things. At the same time, we feel guilty if we can’t fulfill their wish lists. Instead of piling stress on ourselves during an already stressful time, we can take a few steps toward having a safe, wonderful, memorable holiday with our kiddos—even if our bank accounts aren’t as booming as their imaginations or their desired gifts aren’t on the shelves.

Here are four ways to ease holiday anxiety and set expectations for children this year:

1. Talk to kids about the gift of giving. Kids can be very empathetic. Even if the family is in a financially stable position, we don’t always need to shelter little ones from others’ realities. For instance, I tell my grandkids about the single mom I knew who wanted her six kids to have something, anything on Christmas morning. She sent out a digital plea for used clothes and toys—and her requests were answered by neighbors. We talk about how happy and thankful she was and why it was so important that others helped out.

Being able to speak openly about other people’s experiences can help shift children’s feelings from “What can I get?” to “What can I do?” When my boys were young, I would encourage them to clear their shelves of unwanted items before Santa came. Together, we would take the toys and their gently used clothing to a donation drop-off that supported kids with special needs. My sons learned early that others had much less, and that living a balanced life had serious rewards. They also felt better when they didn’t get everything they wanted during the holidays.

2. Encourage children to weigh their holiday wish list items. After our kids write their holiday wish lists, we can look them over and use them as springboards to help our children consider wants versus needs. It’s helpful to have them add a “w” next to “wants” and an “n” next to “needs.” Then, we can explain that presents that are needed might be more important this year. For example, your child might ask for a tablet for school and recreation. Although the tablet is likely pricier than other smaller “wants” on the list, you might deem it an important gift because it’s necessary for education.

Even though kids might not like to make these kinds of tough choices, they usually understand why they’re necessary. And it gives us parents the opportunity to teach our children a valuable tool, which is making wiser purchasing decisions later in life. After all, adults who can’t delineate between wants and needs often find themselves in difficult financial straits. This practice can set kids on the right path.

3. Embrace the old-fashioned gift exchange. Those of us who came from large families are all too familiar with gift exchanges. Sometimes called “Secret Santa” or “Secret Elf,” gift exchanges give people the opportunity to focus on finding just one person a gift (rather than getting presents for everyone in a family or friend group). Typically, there is a dollar limit on items, and everything is kept secret until the gifts are exchanged.

If finances are tight or we just want to shake things up, my family creates “promise” gifts that cost nothing, but are still meaningful. This could be a chore exchange between siblings or coupons to babysit or run errands. Other types of (mostly) cost-free presents include handmade items such as baked goods or artwork. Exchanging gifts such as these allows kids—who often don’t have the means to go out and buy gifts—to be more involved in the holidays.

4. Perform random acts of kindness as a family. The holiday season is the perfect time to find ways to commit random acts of kindness every day. My family has stocked up our car with bottles of water, holiday candies, warm mittens, and small and inexpensive toys to hand out to people who are homeless or a parent with a cranky tot. It’s amazing how excited kids get about helping a neighbor take in groceries or giving a crying toddler a stuffed animal to cheer them up. Remember: Kind gestures don’t have to be as grand as paying someone’s restaurant bill (although that’s terrific if we can afford it!) to illustrate the true meaning of the season.

Finding unique ways to celebrate the holidays might be a necessity this year with the ongoing pandemic. But once kids see how meaningful and fun it can be, it might become a tradition. Not only will these new practices ease the anxiety we have about buying gifts this year, but they will also show our children what’s important—the joys of being together, giving gifts that have lasting meaning and creating new memories.

Suzanne Barchers

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Suzanne Barchers, Ed.D., is the education advisory board chair at Lingokids, an educational platform for children ages 2-8. Suzanne is the former editor-in-chief & vice president of LeapFrog Enterprises & managing editor at Weekly Reader. She's an award-winning author of over 250 books for teachers & children & served on advisory boards for PBS & the Association of Educational Publishers.

Letters to Santa Always Arrive on Time with This Magical Mailbox

by Karly WoodNovember 28, 2021

The Elf on the Shelf isn’t the only magic happening in the days leading up to Christmas. Thanks to this magical mailbox, your kiddos have a direct line to Santa!

When the kids have finally wrapped up their Christmas list, all they have to do is pop it in Santa’s Enchanted Mailbox. Close the door, raise the flag and wait for the letter to head out on its way. Once the magical song and chime have finished, open the door and you’ll find the letter has departed for the North Pole!

photo: Santa’s Enchanted Mailbox

Santa’s Enchanted Christmas Mailbox is $40 and worth every penny when it comes to creating magic. It’s recommended for ages 2 to 10 and comes with four envelopes to get your letter writing off to a great start.

––Karly Wood

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Fill a Child in Need’s Christmas Wishlist with USPS’s Operation Santa

by Erica LoopNovember 28, 2021

The U.S. Postal Service is in on the best Secret Santa action ever! Through USPS Operation Santa, you can gift a child in need with something off their holiday wish list.

Every year children from across the country put pen to paper and write out a hopeful list of possible presents. While many of these would-be gifts end up under the Christmas tree, many go unanswered.

photo: Mike Arney via Unsplash

Low-income families who need money for necessities, such as rent or food, can’t always fill their kiddo’s Santa lists themselves. Here’s where the USPS and you can help. Through Operation Santa you can make a difference in a child’s life, giving them the Christmas of their dreams.

So how can you help a child this holiday season through the USPS? Visit the USPS Operation Santa website and browse letters from hopeful children. Choose a letter to adopt (or a few), fill the wishlist, wrap the gifts and bring them (plus the necessary postage) to a participating post office by December 18, so kids can receive them by Christmas.

Here’s a bit more info on how the program works: the USPS receives thousands of letters to Santa every year and scans them, with personal information hidden. Once they’re live on the website, people like you can adopt the letters and help Santa fulfill their wishes! The gifts are shipped on behalf of the North Pole so you can deliver holiday magic together.

—Erica Loop

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All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Take This Season

by Yuliya GeikhmanNovember 17, 2021

Holiday train outings, or rides on the “Polar Express” can be a magical and festive event for kids. Some of these train rides are directly inspired by the “Polar Express” book and movie, some are all about Santa and his little helpers and most have some form of refreshment, singing, performance, and even a little gift. But take note! These rides tend to sell out pretty early, so if you want to take a train trip to the North Pole this holiday season, you’ll need to start looking now. We’ve picked the best holiday train rides to take in 2021, and all are located less than two hours (give or take 10 minutes!) away from central Manhattan by car. Book now and enjoy the ride!

Holiday Train Shows

If you can't make it to an actual locomotive, you can still take in one (or more) of the magical model train shows happening this holiday season.

The New York Botanical Garden Train Show
The New York Botanical Garden celebrates the 30th anniversary of its holiday train show in 2021. This magical display features more than 175 New York landmarks re-created with nuts, bark, leaves, and other plant parts as designed by Laura Busse Dolan and the creative team at Applied Imagination.

Humming along between familiar sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Macy’s and the original Penn Station, large-scale model trains cover almost a half-mile of track across rustic bridges and trestles, through tunnels and past cascading waterfalls. And don't forget to look up at the trains zooming overhead!

On select dates, you can also check out the garden's holiday light display, NYBG GLOW, which in addition to dazzling light creations, features music, dance, food and more.

Nov. 20 - Jan. 23, 2022
Tickets: $32/adults;$30/student/senior; $18/kids two–12; free for children under two. Combo train show/GLOW: $35/adults (13-64), $20/kids two 0 12.
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
718-817-8700
Online: nybg.org

Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at the New-York Historical Society

This year, this holiday train tradition goes to the amusement park! Joining a selection of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models from the renowned Jerni Collection, 2021's festive display includes never-before-seen toy rides. Visitors can marvel at a miniature Ferris wheel, carousel, blimp ride, and roller coaster.

Aside from being fun for the kids, the Jerni Collection, which includes hand-crafted and hand-painted pieces dating from approximately 1850 to 1940, is considered one of the finest collections of antique trains and toys in the world.

Tickets: Adults/$22; Seniors/Educators/Active Military/$17; Students/$13; Kids (five–13 years old)/$6; Kids four and under/free
Admission is pay-as-you-wish from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays

Nov. 19-March 13, 2022
170 Central Park West at 77th St.
Upper West Side
212-873-3400
Online: nyhistory.org

If you're still a little nervous about being in an enclosed space with strangers, check out the Catskill Mountain Railroad's Catskill Mountain Express! This version of a holiday train ride invites passengers onto open-air trains for a 60-minute journey to Santa's Workshop at the North Pole. Passengers get a cookie from the local bakery, and a wave from Santa as the train passes. Kids also get a small gift after the North Pole is reached. (Handwarmers are sold on-site, and you're welcome to bring blankets!)

Tickets: $29/adults; $23/kids
Nov. 26-Dec. 23
55 Plaza Rd.
Kingston, NY
845-332-4854
Online: catskillmountainrailroad.com

Wayne Tristate Santa Train

Location: Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center, Wayne NJ (1hr from NYC)

Date: Saturday, December 18

Price: TBD

Online: tristaterail.org

Details are still being determined for this trip; "Like" Tristate Rail's Facebook page to get updates. This hour-long experience will give kids a chance to meet Santa, who will also be giving each child a present and a candy cane. The trip will also have a few special guest appearances by other characters, and children will receive a small toy and an activity book. The train is equipped with bathrooms and is wheelchair accessible. See Covid-19 protocol here.

Whippany NJ Polar Express

Location: 1 Railroad Plz, Whippany NJ (1hr 15m from NYC)

Date: Select dates Nov. 1-Dec. 31

Price: $42-$80/depending on class and date

Online: whippanythepolarexpressride.com

A popular holiday train ride option, this Polar Express has been refreshed during its year off in 2020. Seating has also been adjusted to improve the visibility of the show for passengers. Choose from Coach Class or First Class for your two-hour journey (First Class is in a restored 1940s car). This spectacular train ride is themed around "The Polar Express" movie, and it sets the mood by playing the sweeping soundtrack during the ride. Passengers make their way to "the North Pole," where hot chocolate and cookies are served, "dancing chefs," perform, and there is a readalong of the children's book that the movie was based on. A small gift is included in the price—a silver sleigh bell (and a ceramic Polar Express mug if you're in First Class)—and throughout the ride, families can enjoy musical performances by characters from the movie. First Class passengers get the benefits of larger windows, plush seating, and plenty of space for legs and little ones.

See Covid-19 protocols here.

Santa Express

Location: 242 E Main St, Thomaston CT ( 1hr 50m from NYC)

Date: Every weekend (Fri.-Sun.) between Thanksgiving and Christmas

Price: Santa Express - Coach: $29.50/person; First Class: $59.50/person; $1 for kids 2 and under

Online: rmne.org

This train ride lasts about an hour and 20 minutes and gives families a chance to interact with Santa and his elves. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa's toy bag while elves and other characters lead passengers in carols and singalongs. First class travelers will also be served hot cocoa and get more comfortable seating. Afternoon and evening rides are available, with evening rides being lit up with Christmas lights. Keep in mind that there are no restrooms on the trains.

Phillipsburg Polar Express

Location: 100 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg NJ (1hr 50m from NYC)

Date: Nov. 26-Dec. 19, various times & dates

Price: $42/adult, $32/child, $5/lap sitters (under 2)

Online: 877trainride.com

The Phillipsburg rendition of the Polar Express train ride includes music from the movie, a reading of the book, hot chocolate and cookies, a gift of a sleigh bell, and more. There will be performances and jugglers, as well as visits from Santa and other characters. Travelers are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this whimsical ride. Tickets for certain dates have already sold out, so if you're interested in this one, act fast to get your tickets!

Essex Steam Holiday rides

Location: 1 Railroad Ave, Essex CT (2hr 10m from NYC)

Date: Nov. 19-Dec. 23, various dates & times

Price: $45-$75

Online: essexsteamtrain.com

[Editor's Note: Sadly, this train trip is already sold out for the 2021 season!] The North Pole Express is an hour and a half ride that turns each train car into an interactive musical performance of "The Night Before Christmas." Expect cookies and cocoa and visits from Mrs. and Mrs. Claus. First Class tickets for the North Pole Express are already sold out, so get your tickets soon to ensure a spot.

—Yuliya Geikhman

This House Looks Swell! You Can Buy the Griswold Holiday House on Amazon

by Sarah ShebekNovember 12, 2021

“Welcome to our home—what’s left of it.” National Lampoon fans need to add this set to their Christmas décor! The Griswold Holiday House looks just like the original in the beloved movie with plenty of flashing lights to spread cheer.

Grab this house on Amazon for $160 and get it in time to decorate. LED lights illuminate using an AC adaptor and the lights can be steady or changed to blinking. It’s hand-crafted and hand-painted so it will last for years to come. With 713 five star reviews, the house is obviously a hit!

You’ll want to buy the accompanying figurines to complete the scene. “Fire it Up Dad” depicts Clark in his iconic holiday pose. “Cousin Eddie” is clad in his familiar bathrobe and fur hat. And the “Griswold Family Tree” is so big it droops over the station wagon, root system still attached.

Department 56 makes these pieces and has plenty of other festive sets to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a Hogwarts Hall or a North Pole village, your living space is about to get a fun upgrade!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Amazon

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Here’s How to Send a Text Message to Santa & Get a Response

by Shahrzad WarkentinNovember 8, 2021

Want to send a quick hello to the big man himself? Now you can send text messages to Santa and get an answer direct from the North Pole!

To start texting with Santa all you have to do is complete your contact information on the online form here, including the names of your kids. After you submit the form, you’ll receive an initial text confirming that you want to receive texts from Santa. Reply “yes” to the text and you’re ready to correspond with the jolly old elf.

photo: Pexels

You can then expect to receive your first text from Santa on Dec. 1, with texts arriving approximately every five days throughout the month of December. Santa will send a variety of messages like jokes, holiday recipes, facts and little reminders to keep the season merry. All of the messages are completely kid-appropriate, free and of course, direct from Santa himself.

“I wanted to take people inside my process this year, show them how I prepare for my biggest night and spread Christmas cheer,” Santa said in a statement. “Mrs. Claus and I have been getting better and better at texting. The elves have been teaching us. We can even send emojis and GIFs now!”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured image: Skeeze via Pixabay

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Pinkies to the Sky! Holiday Teas to Plan Now

by Debra FlanaganNovember 2, 2021

The holidays are quickly approaching, and that means one thing in Chicago. No, not sub-zero temps (at least not yet) — SHOPPING!! We live in one of the best cities in the world for working your way through the holiday wish lists. But all that shopping can be exhausting. Take a much-needed timeout for afternoon tea to rest and recharge. Our fair city offers the time-old tradition that will turn a day of shopping with the kids into a cherished memory. Here are our picks for getting in touch with your inner Brit with a spot o’ tea.

LondonHouse: River Vista Tea Service

Tea service is offered daily in the Bridges Lobby Bar which offers a stunning view of the Chicago River and its famous bridges. You'll begin with a tea selection of Rare Tea Cellars and Sparrow Coffee teas and a basket of fresh scones and breads. From there, you'll pick sweet and savory bites from a 3-tiered tower crafted by the culinary and pasty teams. Tea service is $75/adults and $25/kids. Reservations can be made on tock.

Daily, noon-3 p.m.; LondonHouse, 85 E. Wacker Dr., Loop. Online: londonhousechicago.com

Teddy Bear Tea at Hotel Zachary

Create warm winter memories with high tea for you, your little one and their best stuffed friend with Teddy Bear Tea at Hotel Zachary. On Sunday afternoons families are invited to enjoy a festive tea service, featuring Rare Tea Cellars. Children can indulge in a pot of house-made hot chocolate, tea sandwiches and light bites, scones, cupcakes and more sweet treats. Tea service is $45/adults, $25/ages 12 & under. Reservations can be made on Resy.com. While you're in the area, stop by Gallagher Way's Winterland for non-stop holiday cheer.

Nov. 28 - Dec. 19, Sun., 1 p.m.; Hotel Zachary, 3630 N. Clark St., Lakeview; Online: hotelzachary.com

The Peninsula: Afternoon Tea - November

The Lobby will serve Afternoon Tea, featuring finger sandwiches, sweet and savory treats presented on a tiered silver tea stand for $125/adult, including a glass of Champagne, and $55/kids. Afternoon Tea seatings are Fri.-Sun., 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. A string duo provides entertainment. For Afternoon Tea in November, make your reservation via Tock.

Nov.; The Peninsula’s The Lobby, 108 E. Superior St., Near North Side; Online: peninsula.com

The Peninsula: Holiday Afternoon Tea

The Lobby is nothing short of spectacular during the holiday season. The menu features finger sandwiches including Smoked Salmon, Organic Egg Salad, Classic English Cucumber and Cranberry Chicken. Petite seasonal pastries with choux, chocolate and winter fruit creations as well as fruit and plain scones, house-made preserves and Devonshire clotted cream. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Tea service is $125/adult, including a glass of Champagne, and $55/kids. Holiday carolers, Mrs. Claus and a string duo provide the entertainment (note: entertainment varies based on day of the week). For Holiday Tea, make your reservation via Tock.

Nov. 26 - Jan. 9, Daily, 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.; The Peninsula’s The Lobby, 108 E. Superior St., Near North Side: Online: peninsula.com

The Langham Hotel: Holiday Tea at Pavilion

For the die-hard holiday shopper who starts on State Street and treks to North Michigan Ave, the Langham hotel is the perfect place for a shopping halftime. Executive Chef Damion Henry presents a delectable menu with sweet and savory treats featuring seasonal flavors. Pavilion's afternoon tea sommeliers provide a memorable experience with attentive and elegant service.

Enchanting teas are accompanied by live music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon creating a harmonious afternoon of indulgence. Specialty menus for children and guests with dietary restrictions are available upon request. For reservations, please click here.

Nov. 17-Jan. 9, Mon.-Thurs., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. & Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; The Langham Hotel, 330 N. Wabash, Near North Side; Online: langhamhotels.com

The Drake: Palm Court Holiday Tea

If you want to feel like royalty, afternoon tea at the Drake is for you. After all, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana and the Empress of Japan — each of whom has enjoyed tea at the famous hotel — wouldn’t settle for just any cuppa. During the holiday season, Palm Court will transform into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations, seasonal pastries, a harpist and even a merry band of carolers Reservations can be made online at OpenTable or by calling 312-932-4619.

Beginning Nov. 3, Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; The Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place, Near North Side; Online: thedrakehotel.com

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

Chicago Children’s Theatre invites families to celebrate the holidays at the company’s ever-popular, seasonal smash hit, The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party. Kids are encouraged to dress in their holiday best, or just come as they’re comfortable, to this incredibly charming, meticulously designed puppet show starring Peter Rabbit and his favorite animal friends.

After the show, go on stage to gently play with the puppets and take pictures. Then, head to the lobby for a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies!

Nov. 20-Dec. 24, Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.; The Station, 100 S. Racine, West Loop; Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org

Vanille

Vanille Patisserie’s French-inspired afternoon tea experience will transport you and your bébés to the city of lights. Enjoy Vanille signature pastries, scones, finger sandwiches and French macarons while sipping on the finest of Benjamin’s Tea and Hot Chocolate with house-made marshmallows.

Locations in Lincoln Park & Hyde Park; Online: vanillepatisserie.com

High Tea with Gerri

Nestled in the historic village of Long Grove, Gerri's Tea Room represents her roots and heritage as a native of Ireland and London-trained culinary aficionado. Opened in 2012, the tea room features a classic experience and introduction to the past time of afternoon tea in an elegant and charming setting. A four-course Traditional Tea is $43/person and a five-course Emporer's Tea is offered for $47/person. Also available is a Prince & Princess Tea, $24/ages 10 & under.

Daily, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Gerri’s Tea Room, 144 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove; Online: htwg.net

—Debra Flanagan

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6 Holiday Train Rides to Kick Off the Season

by Ivanna EliasNovember 1, 2021

All aboard the holiday express! The holiday season is upon us so now is the time to plan ahead for the best part, the quality time spent together. Kick this season into high gear by starting a new Christmastime tradition of going on a festive train ride to the North Pole. We’ve compiled a list of all the best options so scroll down and discover your Christmas adventure.

Tip: Book soon! Tickets sell out fast!

The Polar Express Ride

Inspired by the beloved classic The Polar Express, the Southern California Railway Museum has brought the story to life with an enchanting recreation you won't want to miss. The experience begins as you board a completely decked-out holiday train and have your golden ticket punched by the animated train crew. Once settled on board, the activities (set to the sounds from the original motion picture) ensue, with hot cocoa and shortbread biscuits served by dancing chefs, to a reading of the famous children's story and joyous singing with merry carolers. Meanwhile, the express chugs along all the way to the North Pole for a visit with Santa!

Cost: $50-$70/adults; $44-$64/children(2-11); free for children under 2

Southern California Railway Museum
2201 South A St.
Perris, CA 92570
Online: socalthepolarexpressride.com

Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train

'Tis the season to board the Christmas Train! Depart from the train station at Santa's village and travel through historic Irvine Park past twinkling Christmas lights and decorations to the North Pole. Here, alight the train and meet jolly Ol' Saint Nick. After snapping your next family portrait and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, board again and journey back to Santa's village through the tunnel of lights. Then, in Santa's Village, there is no shortage of fun-filled activities, from cookie decorating to storytime with Mrs. Claus to a festive jump house and ice fishing.

Cost: Irvine Regional Park Entrance $3-$7/vehicle
Christmas Train $20-$30/person; free for children under 2
Santa's Village $6/activity

Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Rd.
Orange, CA 92869
Online: irvineparkrailroad.com

North Pole Limited

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum is offering the North Pole Limited train ride this holiday season. Onboard this 90-minute journey to pick up Mr. and Mrs. Claus, you will hear Santa's elves singing our favorite Christmas carols while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate, followed by a reading of a popular Christmas story. Then, every passenger will enjoy a personal meeting with Santa on the train as it makes its way back to Campo Depot.

Cost: $35-$50/adult; $25-$40/children(3-12); $10/children under 3

Campo Depot
750 Depot St.
Campo, CA 91906
Online: psrm.org

El Dorado Frontier's Winter Wonderland

El Dorado Frontier is a mini theme park found inside El Dorado Park. It is most famously known for its mile and a half long train ride that was built over 60 years ago. Every weekend during December, they host a Winter Wonderland extravaganza. Admission includes an unlimited carousel and train rides, while their other attractions are priced separately and include gem panning, hand-car mining buggy rides and carnival games. Lastly, the owners have really put a lot of thought into the aesthetics of this place and there are plenty of festive photo opportunities.

Cost: El Dorado Park Entrance $8/vehicle
El Dorado Frontier $17/person

El Dorado Frontier
7550 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90808
Online: eldoradofrontier.com

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Goat Hill Junction Christmas Weekend

Next on our Christmas list, is this fun-size train that will surely impress your little conductors. In Costa Mesa, on the third weekend of every month, Goat Hill Junction offers free public rides on the cutest miniature locomotives you've ever seen. For the weekend of December 18 & 19, the trains will be decked out in holiday décor. The ride typically lasts 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. The only requirement is riders must be walking and at least 31" tall.

Orange County Model Engineers
2480 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Online: http://ocmetrains.org

Disneyland Railroad at Disneyland Park

Lastly, for an extra magical Christmas, Disneyland Park is the place to be and after a long closure, the Disneyland Railroad is open again! The ride is a perfect way to enjoy all the scenic holiday views that Disneyland is so famous for. There are four different stations to hop on and off of the train throughout the park and with an 18-minute long journey, it provides a perfect walking break for you and your littles.

Disneyland Park
1313 S Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
Online: https://disneyland.disney.go.com

—Ivanna Elias & Beth Shea

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