what you get
- Trolley Ride to Take in Some of Chicago's Best Holiday Spots
- Visit Christkindlmarket, The Magnificent Mile, drive by Millenium Park Christmas Tree, State Street & Macy's Holiday Windows
- Visit Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights
- Chili Buffet before the Trolley Departs
- Gift Bag with Souvenir Santa Hat
- BYOB (21+ Event)
Join us for a BYOB trolley ride through Chicago's seasonal attractions, lighting displays and holiday landmarks.
Head to Matilda (3101 N Sheffield) for check-in, where the lights display begins with Matilda's unique, upside down Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling. Here, we'll shoot the breeze while enjoying a chili bar (vegetarian chili available), and prep for our gawker ride through Chicagoland's yuletide lights.
As soon as we board a vintage trolley, we'll be whisked off toward Christkindlmarket, The Magnificent Mile, State Street and Macy's Holiday Windows, and the Christmas Tree at Millenium Park followed by a visit to Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights. We'll have the chance to get off the trolley and explore the Christkindlmarket and ZooLights.
While on the trolley we'll listen to classic Christmas music, sing Mariah Carey and enjoy whatever beverages we brought!
After soaking in the urban winter wonderland, we'll head back to Matilda and rave about all the seasonal sparkles we just saw.
3:00-7:30pm Event Schedule
- 3:00-3:15pm - Check-in at Matilda
- 4:00pm - Trolley boards and departs Matilda
- 4:00-7:30pm - Trolley Tour with stops at Christkindlemarket and Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights
- 7:30pm - Trolley arrives back to Matilda
4:00-8:30pm Event Schedule
- 4:00-4:15pm - Check-in at Matilda
- 5:00pm - Trolley boards and departs Matilda
- 5:00-8:30pm - Trolley Tour with stops at Christkindlemarket and Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights
- 8:30pm - Trolley arrives back to Matilda
5:00-9:30pm Event Schedule
- 5:00-5:15pm - Check-in at Matilda
- 6:00pm - Trolley boards and departs Matilda
- 6:00-9:30pm - Trolley Tour with stops at Christkindlemarket and Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights
- 9:30pm - Trolley arrives back to Matilda
*Fine Print: All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are only valid for scheduled event date and event time. Event is 21+. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted into the event. No promo codes are valid 12/1, 12/8 or 12/15. No refunds or reschedules will be provided to anyone who misses scheduled event. Event is rain, shine, or snow. No refunds will be given to customers who do not attend the scheduled event due to weather. If roads are closed on the trolley route due to extreme weather and event must be cancelled customers will be contacted via e-mail. Space is limited and trolleys will not be oversold or overbooked. Two trolleys will run each event. For groups larger than 6, to guarantee your group is on the same trolley tickets must be purchased together. Each trolley has a max of 34 customers. You may bring beverages/cooler with you to the event, but will be asked to keep all beverages stored away until we board the trolley. Coolers must be small enough to fit under trolley bench. Duration of event is 4.5 hours. Trolley ride is 3.5 hours*
FAQS
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
benefitzco@gmail.com
How many people fit on a trolley? Can you rent the entire trolley or do a private event?
Yes! Each trolley can fit 34 customers. We can do private events that would start at a different bar (very close to Matilda). If you are interested in learning more about a private event please e-mail benefitzco@gmail.com with approximate number of people and the date you would like to do the tour. *Please note NO private trolleys are available on 12/1, 12/8 or 12/15. A private party bus could be booked for one of those dates.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
21+. The event is 21+ and no one under the age will be permitted into the event. Must have valid 21+ ID for entry.
I am a vegetarian, is there a food option for vegetarians?
Yes, there will be both meat and vegetarian chili.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Please bring your ticket (either printed or electronic) and your ID with you to check-in.
The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?
As long as the attendee has a ticket (either printed or electronic) it does not matter if the ticket name matches teh name of the attendee.
Something has come up and I can’t make the event for the date I scheduled. Can I reschedule my ticket for a different date?
You cannot transfer your ticket to a different date. Once tickets are purchased all sales are final. You may give your tickets away (again the ticket name does not need to match the attendee name).
I would like to add on one more ticket for a friend, but it says the event is sold out. Can I add on just one more ticket?
Unfortunately, no. Once an event says sold out there are no more tickets available for that date. We are limited due to seating constraints on the trolley and cannot oversell the event.
Are we allowed to drink on the trolley?
Yes! The event is BYOB and you are allowed to drink on the trolley. We will have cups provided as you are not to drink out of glass on the trolley.
What time should I arrive for the event?
If you bought a 4-8:30pm event please arrive for check-in between 4-4:15pm. If you purchased a 5-9:30pm event please arrive for check-in between 5-5:15pm. If you arrive early that's okay, but we will check-in during those scheduled times.
How long will we have at each of the stops?
The tour will drop off at both Chriskindlmarket and Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights. You will have approximately 45 minutes at each stop. Due to the hours of the venues, we can not guarantee you will get the full 45 minutes. We do our absolute best to keep the tours running on schedule, but sometimes traffic can delay us. Please come prepared to enjoy your time on the trolley as much as your time off the trolley!
Where do I park for this event?
Parking for this event is not included and customers should check street signs before parking (many neighborhood streets have permit requirements). You can park at a meter and download the app to refresh the meter while you are gone on the tour or the nearest parking lots would be The Vic theater lot (3130 N Sheffield Ave) or Illinois Masonic parking lot (836 W Wellington Ave).
