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An Illinois Christmas Train Ride At The IRM!

Published: November 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Union, Illinois—about an hour and a half northwest of Chicago—the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) is a living celebration of railroading. It’s widely regarded as the largest railway museum in North America, and you feel that scale the moment you arrive: long lines of historic locomotives and cars under towering display barns, a working depot, and several miles of demonstration track where meticulously restored trains operate most of the year.

IRM preserves the full spectrum of railway history—steam, diesel, and electric, from interurban cars and streetcars to heavyweight Pullmans and streamlined icons.

The collection numbers in the hundreds, with standouts that delight casual visitors and railfans alike, including a 1930s Budd-built streamliner (the Nebraska Zephyr), classic Chicago streetcars, interurban sets, and big steam that turns heads at special events.

But one of the museum’s most beloved traditions isn’t just about machinery—it’s about memories. Each winter, the Happy Holiday Railway transforms IRM into a festive, family-friendly celebration of the season.

It blends the authenticity of historic railroading with the warmth of holiday cheer: twinkling lights, cheerful music, hot chocolate, and a ride through the crisp winter landscape in vintage, heated coaches. For many families, it’s an annual tradition that marks the true beginning of Christmas.

The Chicago & North Western's business train made a stop at the Illinois Railway Museum on October 8, 1988 led by F7A #402. To the left is preserved Burlington E5A #9911A with its "Nebraska Zephyr" consist. Brian Rackley photo.

About the Illinois Railway Museum

Founded by volunteers determined to save electric interurbans and streetcars, IRM has grown into a comprehensive museum that interprets the full story of American railroading. The campus spans hundreds of acres, with multiple exhibit barns, indoor and outdoor displays, a working trolley line, and a demonstration railroad that lets you ride behind historic locomotives. On operating days in the warmer months, you can board trains pulled by classic diesels or steam, hop on an electric interurban or streetcar, or explore the barns to see restorations in progress.

IRM is a volunteer-driven organization with a clear mission: preserve, restore, and operate railway equipment so future generations can understand how trains shaped the country. That hands-on, operating ethos is what sets the museum apart. You’re not just staring at artifacts—you’re hearing brake valves hiss, feeling the sway of the cars, and smelling the tang of oil and steel as living history rolls by.

The Happy Holiday Railway: A Seasonal Favorite

The Happy Holiday Railway typically runs on select weekends from late November through December. The headline attraction is a timed, ticketed train ride in vintage, heated coaches, with a special guest aboard: Santa Claus. The experience is designed to be as immersive as it is festive, with holiday decor throughout the campus and on the train, seasonal music, and chances for photos and family fun.

What to Expect

- Arrival and atmosphere: Guests check in at the East Union depot area, where the scene is usually trimmed with holiday lights and decor. Volunteers in period-inspired attire add to the charm. Warm beverages, treats, and the museum store are typically open, creating a cozy, market-like feel.

- The train ride: You’ll board historic, heated coaches pulled by a vintage locomotive for a winter journey on the museum’s private railroad. The ride is long enough to feel like an adventure without being too much for younger riders—often in the ballpark of 30–45 minutes. Along the way, you’ll hear holiday music and enjoy the sights; if there’s snow on the ground, the effect is magical.

- Santa on board: Santa usually makes his way through the train to greet families and chat with children. Expect smiles, photos, and a keepsake moment. IRM’s volunteer crews do a wonderful job making each visit feel personal, even with a full train.

- Treats and trimmings: Hot chocolate and cookies are part of the tradition, either served on the platform or incorporated into the experience. Concessions and the gift shop are great spots to warm up and pick out a railway-themed ornament, toy, or book.

- Lights and photo ops: Expect festive backdrops on the platform and throughout the boarding area. While the museum’s large exhibit barns are more limited in the winter, selected indoor spaces and displays are often open to browse, depending on the day and weather.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

- Book early: Happy Holiday Railway departures often sell out well in advance. Purchase tickets online and choose a specific date and departure time.

- Arrive early: Plan to be on site at least 30 minutes before departure. This leaves time for check-in, restrooms, and finding your boarding spot without rushing.

- Dress warmly: Cars are heated, but you’ll spend time outdoors on the platform and walking between areas. Winter boots, gloves, and hats are a good idea for everyone.

- Choose your departure wisely: Daylight rides are perfect for younger kids; twilight or evening departures really make the lights sparkle.

- Accessibility: The museum strives to accommodate guests with mobility needs. If anyone in your party requires assistance or accessible seating/boarding, contact IRM ahead of time so staff can advise on the best train and boarding procedures.

- Strollers and gear: Aisles on historic cars can be narrow. Consider a smaller stroller or plan to leave it parked during the ride. Keep essentials in a small bag you can carry on.

- Food and facilities: Restrooms are available near the depot. Concessions and the gift shop are usually open, but the full range of summer amenities will be scaled to winter operations.

- Weather policy: The event typically runs in light snow or cold; extreme weather can lead to schedule changes. Keep an eye on email and the museum’s website or social channels for updates the day of your visit.

Why It’s Special

Many holiday train rides focus on spectacle, but what makes IRM’s Happy Holiday Railway stand out is authenticity. You’re celebrating on a real railroad, on historic cars, surrounded by people who care deeply about preserving this heritage. The volunteers are central to the experience: conductors who punch your ticket with a flourish, car hosts who share a fun fact about your coach’s history, and restoration crews who spend all year keeping these vehicles running. Your ticket directly supports preservation work—new roofs on barns, parts fabrication, paint and upholstery, and the behind-the-scenes infrastructure needed to keep old iron alive in Midwest winters.

Families also appreciate how approachable the event is. The length of the ride suits young children, there’s an easy rhythm to the evening (arrive, warm up, board, visit with Santa, treats, photos), and it’s all contained within a single campus with plentiful parking. For multi-generational groups, it’s a rare outing that delights grandparents and toddlers alike. Railfans get their fix of history and hardware, while kids get a joyful holiday moment they’ll remember.

Beyond the Holidays

If the Happy Holiday Railway is your first visit to IRM, consider returning in fair weather. The museum’s seasonal calendar includes steam and diesel operating weekends, electric railway days with streetcars and interurbans, and special events that bring the entire campus to life. Riding behind a steam locomotive, boarding a Chicago interurban, or stepping into a gleaming streamliner is a thrill at any age—and it deepens the context for that holiday train you enjoyed in December.

Planning Your Visit

- Location: Union, Illinois, with easy access by car from the Chicago area and southern Wisconsin.
- Tickets and schedule: Holiday dates, times, and pricing vary by year. Visit the Illinois Railway Museum website for current details and to purchase timed tickets in advance.
- Membership: If you love what IRM does, consider becoming a member. Memberships support preservation and often come with perks that make it easier to come back throughout the year.

In a season that can feel busy and commercial, the Happy Holiday Railway offers something simple and genuine: time together, a connection to history, and the thrill of wheels on rail as the countryside slips past your window. It’s the kind of tradition that grows richer each year—and a wonderful introduction to one of the Midwest’s most remarkable museums.