Happy Holiday Railway
Visitors embark on a train ride through the winter countryside accompanied by Santa Claus, an animated light show, holiday songs, cookies, and hot chocolate. On the museum grounds, guests can meet Mrs. Claus in a heated tent, view campus light displays including an animated snow plow, and take a holiday light tour in Barn 6. The event also features rides on historic Chicago streetcars, open display barns filled with historic trains, and a heated model railroad exhibit.
What to Expect
Ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus and festive lights.
Event Details
Duration
The train ride lasts 40 minutes.
Ages
Everyone past their second birthday requires a ticket.
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Illinois Railway Museum
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and cookies or other treats are served during the train trip.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, cozy, nostalgic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults: $30 per ticket; children: $25 per ticket. Everyone past their second birthday must have a ticket. Parking is free. Opening-weekend fireworks are included in the price of admission. No passes are honored during the event. – Get tickets
- Hours: Trips depart at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and 7:00pm. Event hours are 10:00 AM–8:30 PM on each listed event date. Opening-weekend fireworks are at 5:45 PM.
- Parking: Parking is free.
- Accessibility: Quiet car #7658 skips the animated lights and songs. There's a warming station next to boarding, Mrs. Claus is in a heated tent, and the model railroad is in a heated building.
Tips & Advice
- Get to the East Union Depot at least 30 minutes before your departure, and use the warming station next to the boarding area while you wait.
- Book a trip on opening weekend if you'd like to see the fireworks, which are included with admission but may be cancelled in bad weather.
- Bring canned goods, baby food, pasta or personal care items for the canned food drive benefiting the M.O.R.E. Center in Marengo and Union.
- Choose quiet car #7658 if animated lights bother your child, since it keeps traditional lights and decorations without the light show and songs.
- Buy a ticket for everyone past their second birthday, and leave museum passes at home because no passes are honored during this event.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening weekend fireworks on November 27, 28 and 29, included with admission and weather dependent.
- Canned food drive this season for the M.O.R.E. Center, which serves the needy of Marengo and Union.
- Quiet car #7658 on every trip skips the animated entertainment for guests who are averse to animated lights.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an option for kids who don't like flashing lights?
Yes. Quiet car #7658 skips the animated light show and holiday songs and has traditional lights and decorations instead. Your ticket lets you board whichever car you prefer.
Are there treats on the train?
Yes. Hot chocolate and cookies are served on board, and Santa rides along. Children on his "good list" get gifts.
What else is there to do besides the train ride?
Meet Mrs. Claus in a heated tent near the entrance and see the light displays around campus, including an animated snow plow. You can also take the holiday light tour in Barn 6, ride historic Chicago streetcars and visit the heated Model Railroad Exhibit.
Do little ones need their own ticket?
Everyone past their second birthday needs a ticket.
Can I change my trip time?
You can rebook to another date or trip time if space is available. There are no refunds unless the event is cancelled.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.