Event · Community

Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum

When

Fri, Nov 27 · 11:30 AMDepartures at 11:30 am, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 pm; 40-minute ride

Where

Illinois Railway Museum7000 Olson Road, Union, IL 60180Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Whole family; everyone past their second birthday must have a ticket

Cost

$30 per ticket for adults and $25 per ticket for children; under 2 free; free parkingADA-accessible seating in a rented Metra coach with a wheelchair lift (up to five wheelchairs plus companion seats per trip); a 'quiet car' omits the animated lights and entertainment.

Organizer

Illinois Railway Museum

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 27 · Sat, Nov 28 · Sun, Nov 29 · Sat, Dec 5 · Sun, Dec 6 · Sat, Dec 12 · Sun, Dec 13 · Sat, Dec 19 · Sun, Dec 20 · Mon, Dec 21

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union runs its Happy Holiday Railway on ten dates in 2026: Friday through Sunday, November 27 to 29, the weekends of December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, and Monday, December 21. Families board at the historic East Union Depot for a 40-minute ride through the winter countryside with Santa on the train, treats and hot chocolate, an animated light show and holiday songs, and gifts for children on Santa's good list; a 'quiet car' keeps traditional lights without the entertainment. Trips leave at 11:30 am, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5, 6 and 7 pm; arrive at least 30 minutes early. Tickets include the museum's holiday light tour in Barn 6, the display barns, streetcar rides, the heated model railroad exhibit and a visit with Mrs. Claus, and opening weekend adds fireworks at 5:45 pm. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children; everyone past their second birthday needs one. Parking is free.