All aboard!

Creating holiday magicfor families who need it most.

Based in Chicagoland, Operation North Pole gives children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families an unforgettable day of joy, wonder, and connection, powered entirely by volunteers.

Donate Family Registration Opens August 15, 2026 at 8:00am CST

North Pole Express · Boarding Pass

One magical day, just for you.

Issued by Operation North Pole · Est. 2009

JOY

SEAT · A1

Our Mission

One magical day. A lifetime of memories.

Families navigating a serious illness deserve moments of joy, connection, and holiday magic.

Every year, hundreds of volunteers come together to build a North Pole experience that families carry with them long after the snow melts.

Read our story

In their words

“A review doesn't even seem like it would touch on how phenomenal and amazing this organization is. This was one of the most amazing days of our children's lives.”

— Jessica H.

“Thank you does not seem adequate for the tremendous day we were given. The love and kindness shown was overwhelming.”

— Kate K.

“Today was one of the best days my family has ever had. Every detail is thought of and how much love and devotion is felt from the second you arrive.”

— Carly S.

Choose your path

There's a place for you at our table.

Families

Learn about eligibility and start your registration for our next North Pole experience.

A smiling family of four aboard the Operation North Pole train

Volunteers

Help bring the magic to life on event day and year-round.

Join us

Donors

Give joy and comfort to families who need it most.

A joyful crowd cheering and holding a North Pole arrow sign

Donate

Events

Join us at fundraisers, decorating days, and gift-wrapping events throughout the season.

Metra train conductor waving from the cab of the Operation North Pole holiday train

See events

How it works

How the magic works

01
Families Apply
Eligible families submit a registration to join our next North Pole experience.
02
The Community Rallies
Hundreds of volunteers, donors and partners prepare every detail.
03
The Journey Begins
Families board the holiday train and step into a fully reimagined North Pole.
04
Memories Go Home
Each family leaves with gifts, photos, and a day they'll carry forever.

Experience Highlights

What a North Pole day feels like.

A warmly lit cottage glows inside a snowy evergreen wonderland

Winter Wonderland

A transformed indoor village of magic.

The colorful Operation North Pole train decorated with presents and characters

Festive Train Ride

All aboard the North Pole Express.

Santa Claus smiling and ringing a bell during a North Pole event

Santa Visit

One-on-one time with the big guy himself.

Volunteers smiling together holding brightly wrapped Operation North Pole gifts at a wrapping event

Gifts & Treats

Hand-wrapped presents and holiday sweets.

A smiling father holding his daughter who is wearing a pink North Pole Fire Academy helmet

Family Photos

Memory keepsakes from the day.

A smiling child in an elf hat reaching up joyfully as snow falls around them

Wonderland Activities

Crafts, characters, entertainment.

A miniature therapy horse with a flowing white mane wearing a Happy Holidays halter

Therapy Animals

Pups and miniature horses to meet.