This holiday season, hop aboard for an Illinois Christmas train adventure at the Happy Holiday Railway – an annual event hosted by the Illinois Railway Museum. Then fully embrace the holiday spirit at the Embassy Suites Riverfront in Rockford, where the halls are decked and good tidings await.

Begin your adventure by making your way to the Illinois Railway Museum's depot to get your tickets for your ride on the Happy Holiday Railway.
alfie2u/TripAdvisor
You can purchase tickets in advance, as well. Cookies and hot chocolate are available while you wait to board.
It’s the holliest-jolliest ride you’ll take this winter.
Illinois Railway Museum/Facebook
The train runs on most Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season.
For the holidays, the museum decks out its trains and buildings.
Illinois Railway Museum/Facebook
The Happy Holiday Railway rides last about 40 minutes, but you'll feel as if you've been transported into a magical holiday world.
Illinois Railway Museum/Facebook
You may even run into one very special conductor's helper.
Illinois Railway Museum/Facebook
(Actually, he rides along on every train!)

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After your Christmas train adventure, chug on over to the Embassy Suites Riverfront in nearby Rockford.
IThoughtof Googleplexfirst/Google
It's at the center of all of Rockford's holiday festivities.
IThoughtof Googleplexfirst/Google
And with the way the hotel gets decked out, you can tell it takes its role very seriously.
Enjoy all of the hotel's uplifting holiday decor.
Embassy Suites Rockford/Facebook
Boost your own spirits with a seasonal cocktail - or hot cocoa - at The Top, the hotel's aptly named rooftop bar and lounge.
Embassy Suites Rockford/Facebook
While you're sipping a cup of cheer, you'll enjoy views out over the river and Davis Park, which is always festively lighted for the holidays.
Edith Webster/Google

Head to the Illinois Railway Museum’s website for times, dates, tickets, and more. And be sure to visit the Embassy Suites Rockford’s Facebook page to see what the hotel has in store for this holiday season.

Have you boarded the Happy Holiday Railway or had a chance to discover why Rockford is the most festive Christmas town in Illinois?

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Featured Addresses
Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd, Union, IL 60180, USA
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S Main St 12th Floor, Rockford, IL 61101, USA