Member Blog
Q: Does my museum membership or pass entitle me to free tickets or free admission?
A: No, passes are not valid during Happy Holiday Railway. Museum memberships, discount coupons, and other types of passes are not valid for entry to the museum grounds during the event nor for train tickets.
Q: Can I bring my pet or emotional support animal with me?
A: No; the only animals allowed on the grounds of the Illinois Railway Museum are trained service animals. Pets and other animals are not permitted on the museum grounds or aboard the train.
Q: What happens if there is snow or inclement weather?
A: Happy Holiday Railway will still operate normally in the event of snow or bad weather. In case of a severe weather event, such as a significant snowfall that leads to the closing of roads in the area, any changes to the event schedule will be posted at www.irm.org.
Q: Can tickets be changed to a different date or time?
A: Yes, tickets can be changed to a different date or time as long as that trip has enough seats available. All tickets on the reservation must be changed to the same date and time; tickets on the same reservation cannot be split between different trips. Contact the Illinois Railway
Q: Are my tickets refundable?
A: Tickets to Happy Holiday Railway are not refundable. They can be transferred to a different date and time, though, depending on availability. Contact the Illinois Railway Museum at www.irm.org/contact for details.
Q: Where does the train go?
A: The Happy Holiday Railway train ride travels over the demonstration railroad of the Illinois Railway Museum. The train will travel roughly three miles from the museum and will return over the same tracks to the boarding area. The train will travel through the bucolic McHenry County countryside, but there
Q: What should kids wear to the event?
A: Kids of all ages are welcome to wear pajamas for the full holiday bedtime story experience! Whether or not pajamas are worn, warm clothing, coats, and comfortable shoes are all strongly recommended. The Illinois Railway Museum is an outdoor museum and some walking will be necessary to make your
Q: Are there restrooms on the train?
A: No, there are not restrooms on board the train. There are restrooms inside the climate-controlled East Union Depot, located at the boarding area, for use before or after your trip.
Q: Is the event wheelchair-accessible?
A: The 2024 Happy Holiday Railway train is not wheelchair-accessible. This is because the historic railroad cars used by the museum predate the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you do not require a wheelchair but will need assistance climbing the steps into the cars, please request assistance from a member
Q: How soon should I book my tickets?
A: We recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as you know what date and time you can attend Happy Holiday Railway. The event consistently sells out, with some trips selling out months in advance, so reserving your seats early is the best way to ensure the date and time you