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The Museum is closed until Happy Holiday Railway.

Happy Holiday Railway

Looking for an amazing and enchanting way for your family to spend time with Santa? Come ride the Illinois Railway Museum’s Happy Holiday Railway!

Purchase Tickets Online

Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself!

  • Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family
  • See and visit with Santa Claus on the train
  • Treats and hot chocolate will be served
  • An animated light show and holiday song presentation entertain you during your train trip
  • Gifts will be given to children on Santa’s “good list”
  • Holiday lights will be on display throughout the campus including a spectacular animated snow plow display
  • New for 2024: an awe-inspiring holiday light tour throughout Barn 6 available for viewing day or night
  • Visit our indoor, heated Model Railroad Exhibit
  • See historic trains in the museum’s display barns 3, 7 and 9
  • Rides on historic Chicago streetcars are included with your ticket
  • Free parking

Holiday Train Dates, Times, and Ticket Prices

Days for this event in 2024 are Saturdays and Sundays, November 29th (Black Friday), 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. Trips take place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. Plan to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before your scheduled trip.

Opening weekend includes a fireworks display at 5:45 PM. Kick off the holiday season with a festive fireworks display. Fireworks are scheduled on Friday, November 29, November 30, and December 1. The fireworks show is included in the price of admission.

Ticket prices are $25 per ticket, the same as 2023. Everyone past their second birthday must have a ticket. Parking is free.

The train ride will leave from the historic East Union Depot. Santa will ride the train with you. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available. The train ride will feature an animated light show and holiday song presentation providing entertainment during the trip.

For those averse to animated lights, "quiet car" #7658 will omit the entertainment and will feature traditional lights and decorations. Your ticket will permit you to board whichever car you prefer.

Additional Attractions

Display Barns 3, 6, 7, and 9 will be open. New for 2024, Barn 6 is home to an incredible holiday light tour both day and night. Streetcars will be in operation on our Trolley Loop and our Model Railroad exhibit will be open in the heated Multi-Purpose Building. Click here for a property map.

Proceeds from your attendance enable the Illinois Railway Museum to continue to provide and expand its educational outreach programs to school groups, community gatherings, and all who visit the museum. Learn about IRM's mission.

IRM is running a canned food drive during this year's Happy Holiday Railway. Donations benefit the M.O.R.E. Center, which serves the needy of Marengo and Union. Wishlist items include:

  • Baby food
  • Boxed baking mix
  • Canned fruits
  • Canned vegetables
  • Meals in a can (soups, stews, Spaghetti-Os)
  • Pasta
  • Personal care items (deodorant, diapers, feminine products)

Where to Go

Happy Holiday Railway is located at the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union IL 60180, located northwest of Elgin in McHenry County. Click here for driving directions.

All Aboard for the North Pole!

Purchase Tickets Online

NO REFUNDS except in case of event cancellation. Tickets may be rebooked depending on availability - click here to rebook on a different date or trip time.

Special Fare Days - No passes honored during this event. All schedules and equipment subject to change without notice.

Christmas train at the Illinois Railway Museum

A big thank you to our sponsors!

  • Illinois Railway Museum
  • November 29, 2024
  • Friday, 11:30AM to 7:00PM

Contact event manager

Thank you Kindly

Happy Holiday Railway

7000 Olson Road, Union, Illinois 60180, USA

Friday, 11:30AM to 7:00PM
November 29, 2024

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Happy Holiday Railway

7000 Olson Road, Union, Illinois 60180, USA

Friday, 11:30AM to 7:00PM
November 29, 2024

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