(Last updated: 4 December 2024) Grandpa and Grandma are settled down cozily in south-central Pennsylvania. His grandsons are no longer train-crazy but he is still enamored with the Baltimore tradition of Christmas Train Gardens and continues to update this list of holiday train displays, now in its 20th year. The list is meant to be inclusive, in addition to the traditional Baltimore firehouse holiday train garden, any train display, open house, etc., whether holiday themed or not, is included, with a rather broad geographic coverage as well. It’s all about getting kids and trains together.
WVMGRS club member Tom Roehl created this Google Map from the list. Thanks Tom!
Here are links to some articles on the history of train gardens:
Tracking Down a Seasonal Baltimore Phenomenon (Baltimore City Paper 2000)
Holiday Train Garden Traditions (Fire Museum of Maryland)
Electrifying and Animating Maryland’s Christmas Gardens (Maryland Center for History and Culture)
And you might enjoy, as I did, Paul Race’s musings on “What Do Trains Have To Do With Christmas?”
We strive to maintain a comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date list of train gardens, displays, and open houses in the greater Baltimore-Washington DC area. Please help us by sending any corrections, additions, deletions, broken links, etc. to traingarden@wvmgrs.org
| Baltimore | Maryland – West | Northern Virginia |
| Washinton DC and Maryland Suburbs | Maryland and Delaware – Eastern Shore | Southern Virginia |
| Maryland – North | Maryland – Western Shore | Pennsylvania |
Baltimore
Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department, 5200 Southwestern Boulevard Baltimore, MD. 30th Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Garden. New design every year. New this year is a 6 by 23-foot LEGO display. Plus, four platforms, each with a different holiday theme. The firehouse also hosts Charles Richter’s 27th annual Train Garden that was previously displayed at Arbutus Auto Painting and Bodyworks. Two train gardens at one stop, you can’t beat that! November 24 through January 4, Weeknights 6pm – 8pm, Weekends 11am – 8pm, Christmas Eve, New Year Eve, 11am – 4pm. New Year’s Day, 11am – 6pm. January 4, 11am – 6pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 410-242-6601, www.arbutusvfd.org and www.facebook.com
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD. We’re transforming the Museum into a Winter Wonderland! Hop into our Holiday Festival of Trains, packed with festive fun and merry traditions, both new and old. There will be something to do for kids from 1 to 92! Greet the season this year and begin a family tradition for many more to come. While you’re here, don’t miss our Bank of America Model Train Gallery, G Scale Outdoor Train Garden, or HO Scale model layout. November 23-24, 11am – 4pm. November 22, 25-27, December 2-5, 9-11, 16–17, 23, 26-31, 10am – 4pm. December 6, 12-13, 18-20, 10am – 3pm. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 410-752-2490, www.borail.org
Baltimore City Fire Department, Engine Company 45 and Medic 14, 2700 Glen Avenue, Baltimore, MD. Continuing a longtime tradition, the Baltimore City Fire Department presents its 69th Annual Holiday Train Garden. Each year the garden features displays with themes relative to the Fire Department and current issues. The Train Garden occupies almost half of the station. Operating Monday through Friday 5pm – 9pm, Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Noon – 8pm from November 30 through January 5. 443-984-1529. www.facebook.com
Baltimore Streetcar Museum, 1901 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD. “Santa’s Streetcar”, come ride a streetcar with Santa Claus, enjoy seasonal refreshments and pose for pictures! Saturday and Sunday, December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, Noon – 5pm. 410-547-0264, www.baltimorestreetcarmuseum.org
Charlestown Senior Living, 715 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD. Charlestown Model Railroad Club open house of their layout depicting the 1950’s when steam trains were being phased out and diesel became the new workhorse. The scenery on the long wall of the room is from Western Pennsylvania near Horseshoe Curve. Saturdays year-round from Noon – 2pm. Maps are available at the Gatehouse for visitors to locate the display. ccicharlestown.org
Christmas on 34th Street, Baltimore, MD. This is a Baltimore tradition almost as old as train gardens. For the 78th year, this street in the Hampden district of Baltimore is brilliantly lit up for Christmas, and the glow spills over into the surrounding neighborhood. And, since there are some trains in it, I get to include it in this list! November 30 through January 1, Dusk – 11pm, except Dec 24 and Dec 31 when they stay on all night! www.christmasstreet.com
Clarks Hardware, 10325 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD. Check out their year-round train garden in the front foyer. Santa Saturdays November 30 through December 21, 9am – Noon. Store hours Monday through Saturday, 7am – 8pm. Sundays 9am – 6pm. clarkshardware.com
Dundalk Patapsco Neck Historical Society, 4 Center Place, Dundalk, MD. The 24th annual train garden has trains running on four different levels, some down right where the little ones can see them. Modeling Maryland from Ocean City to our hometown of Dundalk, with over 150 action scenes, including a huge circus and an expanded zoo. Open December 1 through January 1. Monday-Friday, 4pm – 7pm, Saturday-Sunday 1pm – 7pm. Closed Christmas Day. Call 410-284-2331 for more information. www.dundalkhistory.org
Ellicott City Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station Museum, 2711 Maryland Avenue, Ellicott City, MD. This holiday season, enjoy train models set up throughout the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, including our year-round exhibit in the Freight House. Opening November 29 and running through January 5. The Railroad Station Museum is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 3pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am – 5pm. Open 5:30pm – 10:30pm for Midnight Madness December 6! 410-313-1945, www.howardcountymd.gov and www.facebook.com
Epiphany Lutheran Church, 4301 Raspe Avenue, Baltimore, MD. Visit us soon to see our 11th Annual Christmas Train Garden. It’s fun for the whole family! Even bigger and better this year, featuring O, O27, and HO trains, carnival rides, skiers, moving and lighted displays, Harry Potter, Disney, Rudolph’s Village, and more. November 30 through January 5. Saturdays and Sundays Noon – 5pm. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. 410-485-7654, god-is-love.org
Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department, 4 Broadview Boulevard South, Glen Burnie, MD. Second Annual 648 Express Train Garden. November 29 through January 5. Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday, 5pm – 9pm. Also open December 23. Closed Christmas Day. www.fvfc34.org and www.facebook.com
Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Road, Lutherville, MD. See 42 antique fire engines and a 1950s “O” Scale Train Garden. The Underground Subway, Light Rail system plus the Bromo Seltzer Tower, Gwynn Oaks Amusement Park, the Baltimore Zoo, the Viaduct, Baltimore neighborhoods, and a car dealership on fire are featured. Be sure to check out the historic photos of Baltimore area train gardens. Open December 1 through December 29, Saturdays 10am – 4pm, Sundays Noon – 4pm. December 26-27, 10am – 4pm. Photos with Santa November 30 11am – 2pm. 410-321-7500. www.firemuseummd.org
Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD. Come visit us and enjoy some holiday fun provided by train enthusiast Dennis Moore. Our Holiday Train Garden features four continuously operating trains. Visitors of all ages delight in the buttons to activate accessories or sounds. November 22 through January 6. Open during center operating hours, Monday through Saturday 7am – 9pm, Sundays 9am – 6pm. 410-313-4840. www.howardcountymd.gov
Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, 2323 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River, MD. The 9th annual “Planes and Trains” Garden is an O-gauge collaboration of Museum and Jacksonville Senior Center volunteers. Among the new garden displays this year are the US Capital, White House, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Monument plus a few more surprises. November 30 through January 5. Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and December 26-31, 11am – 4pm. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year. There is a sign-in process for which adults will need to register and show their IDs. 410-682-6122. www.mdairmuseum.org
Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show, Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD. A commercial show featuring operating model railroads and dealers selling trains and accessories. December 7-8, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm. 630-279-4087, trainshow.com
Highlandtown Holiday Train Garden, Engine Company 41, 520 South Conkling Street, Baltimore, MD. For our 14th year, we have replicas of the Southeast Anchor Library and the Mimi DiPietro Skating Rink, Bump and Go Trolleys, and also an entire platform featuring old industrial Highlandtown. Santa will be there on weekends. November 30 – December 1, December 7-8, 14-15, 21 through January 1, except Christmas Day, 11am – 5pm. www.highlandtowntraingarden.com and www.facebook.com
Homestead Gardens, 522 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD. Come see their table top train and village plus our animatronic Santa’s Workshop, sure to delight the young and young-at-heart! Display runs November 1 through December 31, Monday through Friday 9am – 7pm, Saturday 9am – 8pm, and Sunday 9am – 6pm. Check for extended hours during the holiday season. 410-384-7966, www.homesteadgardens.com
Howard County Fire and Rescue Train Garden and Open House. Hosted by Ellicott City Fire Company #2, 4150 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD. 27th Annual Holiday Train Garden. The Howard County Fire & Rescue Train Garden Crew (50+ fire department and civic-minded community members) started working in mid-October to design and build new and beautiful holiday displays. November 30 through January 1. Wednesday through Friday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 8:30pm. Christmas Eve, 11am – 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve, 11am – 8:30pm. Check 410-313-2036 for additional hours. www.ellicottcityvfa.com and www.facebook.com
Maranatha Chapel, 3 Bowleys Quarters Road, Baltimore, MD. Holiday Train Garden in the lower level of the church. November 30 through December 29, Fridays 7pm – 9pm, Saturdays 5pm – 8pm, Sundays 4pm – 6pm. 410-344-9673. www.mchapel.org
Marley Station Mall, 7900 Governor Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD. Holiday Train Garden. A tradition in Glen Burnie for 32 years. Created by the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, this legendary display has been completely rebuilt! Features Willy Wonka, Toy Story, Watership Down, Thomas the Train visits Mount Rushmore, a traditional ski slope with Christmas town displays, and much more. Lots of custom 3D printed items in the display this year! November 23-30, December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-31, January 2-4. Open during mall hours. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 410-766-2033. www.facebook.com and pasadenamd.macaronikid.com
Pinehurst Wine Shoppe, 6242 Bellona Avenue, Baltimore, MD. The Burke Express, named in honor of 11-year-old store regular Burke Manual, consists of a suspended layout overhead with over 260 feet of double track. In addition, they set up a LEGO village and train during the holiday season. Open during store hours, Monday through Saturday 10am – 8pm. The Charlesmead Pharmacy next store has an old-fashioned soda fountain serving lunch, milkshakes, and snowballs! www.pinehurstwineshoppe.com
Rawlings Conservatory, 3100 Swan Drive in Druid Hill Park (near the corner of McCulloh Street and Gwynns Falls Parkway), Baltimore, MD. Our annual Poinsettia show returns to the conservatory. No longer is red the main attraction, we have orange, pink with splashes of white, and variegated as well, with names such as Jingle Bells, Monet, and Fireworks. Come brighten your winter day with us! The Baltimore Society of Model Engineers presents their 12 by 14-foot O-gauge 3 rail layout featuring a model of Baltimore’s City Hall, and train themed planters! December 7 through January 5. Wednesday through Sunday, 10am – 4pm. Closed Christmas Day. 410-396-0008. www.rawlingsconservatory.org and www.facebook.com
Scottish Rite Temple, 3800 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD. Our 11th annual train garden is 44 by 12 feet, featuring 13 trains including O, HO, G, and N scales. There is a Halloween display, a Christmas Village, a waterfall and much more. We also have a Nativity scene that is 27 feet long. Our hours of operation are Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 9am – Noon, and December 26, 27 and 30 from 10am – 2pm.
Severna Park Model Railroad Club, 3 Riggs Avenue, Severna Park, MD Home of the historic HO scale Chesapeake & Allegheny Railroad, spanning Maryland, “From the Mountains to the Bay,” circa 1950. Noted for their urban scenery, impressive steel works and robust coal operation, this club has been featured on the cover of Model Railroader four times. Located in the old Severna Park train station along the Baltimore & Annapolis rail trail. December 6 from 5pm – 6:30pm for the Severna Park Tree Lighting Ceremony. Open House December 7-8, 14-15, Noon – 3pm. severnapark.railfan.net and www.facebook.com
The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, MD. A spectacular holiday tradition – The 36th annual Christmas Train Garden featuring action packed model trains, animations, and lots of your favorite Characters!! The display contains several trains running simultaneously including a passenger train, freight train, logging train, lighted Merry Christmas Train, Disney Pixar Car race cars, Thomas the Tank and friends trains. Action cars in city streets, logging operation and camp plus a large Christmas carnival with lots of brightly lit carnival rides. Also, a Gnome village, RV park and lots more. Every year the Train Group who designs, produces and constructs the Train Garden add new and exciting features for all to enjoy. November 22 through January 5, open during mall hours. 410-321-1909, www.theshopsatkenilworth.com
Subway City Holiday Train Garden, Mondawmin Metro Subway Station, 2307 Liberty Heights Avenue (intersection with Reisterstown Road), Baltimore, MD. The interactive train garden, in its 12th year, features a four-car subway train moving around a cityscape, platform, zoo, park, neighborhoods and a construction site. Kids young and old can experience the magic of the train garden and are encouraged to participate in the fun by pushing interactive buttons and watching objects move in the train garden. The holiday display was designed and built by MTA Metro Subway employees on their own time with materials and time donated by the MTA and several contractors. You can run the trains yourself by pushing the button! The display is located on the Mezzanine Level of the Mondawmin Metro Station and is available for public viewing 8am – 8pm from December 9 through January 3.
Sykesville and Patapsco Railway, 731 Oklahoma Avenue, Sykesville, MD. This display of railroad history includes a 1910 Pullman Parlor Car, 1927 B&O Caboose, 1910 Interlocking Tower with N, HO, O, and G-gauge model train displays. Open house Saturday December 7, 3pm – 7pm, and Santa will be in the caboose. Open Houses December 1, and 14-15, January 5, Noon – 4pm. www.facebook.com
White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company, 10331 Philadelphia Road, White Marsh, MD. Our Winter Fest includes the 6th Annual Train Garden. A 512-square-foot train garden with eight trains, trolley, an animated water scene, a lighted Christmas boat parade, a tornado from the Wizard of Oz, a circus, and much more. November 29 through January 1. Friday November 29, 9am – 8pm. Weekdays 2pm – 8pm. Saturdays and Sundays, 9am – 8pm. Closed Christmas Day. New Year’s Day, 11am – 5pm. www.wmvfc.org
Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Department, 214 Wise Avenue, Dundalk, MD. 43rd Holiday Train Display. This year’s layout which is over 1000 sq. ft. in size, 5 levels, 13 trains & 2 trolleys on their own loops, 12 trains are O Gauge and one train that is a Lionel Standard gauge train in a scene looking back 100 years to show what it may have looked like back then. One train you can’t see because it is under water and about 250 different animated items bring the display to life which includes our famous operating highways. A 10′ bridge that links the city to the North Pole for the scale O Gauge Polar Express which is new this year. An 8 by 8-foot water area at the end of our 20′ real waterfall that is 5 levels high. And in the water, you may see a sail boat, a shark attacking a jet ski, a power boat pulling a skier or something else moving on the water and it will be running thru the bridge’s piers. Watch animated Orioles & Ravens games, see our giant amusement park which includes our famous roller coaster. Also see our professional lighting system which will let you see the display from morning through evening back into morning. November 30 through January 5. Weeknights 6pm – 9pm, Weekends Noon – 9pm, closed Christmas Day. 410-887-7262, www.wavfc.org and www.facebook.com
Washington DC and Maryland Suburbs
Brookside Gardens, 1500 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. The Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society returns for its 18th year to operate a garden railway inside the South Conservatory. The South Conservatory comes to life with a landscape in miniature, as trains and trolleys wind their way through town and country scenes, past one-of-a kind models of the Brookside Gardens Conservatories, the Dentzel Carousel, the Chautauqua Tower of Glen Echo Park, and many other Montgomery County landmarks. Colorful plantings light up both greenhouses, plantings providing accent and contrast in the scene. Winter may rule the outside landscape but the conservatories will be bright with color and active with sound and motion to match the festive feeling of the season. November 30 through January 5, 10am – 3:45pm daily. Closed Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day. Please note the conservatory and train display is NOT open during the “Garden of Lights”. 301-962-1400, www.wvmgrs.org and www.montgomeryparks.org
College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD. “Holiday Trains and Planes” Exhibit. During the holiday season College Park Aviation Museum gets ready for the festivities as miniature trains, villages, tunnels, and depots spark the imagination and bring history to life. The National Capital Trackers bring a fascinating and constantly moving display of model railroads to the Museum. December 13 through December 15, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10am – 5pm. 30l-864-6029, www.pgparks.com and www.nationalcapitaltrackers.org
Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD. Visit our Hobo Codes layout, located in the Museum’s RDC Budd Car. It is an interactive exhibit to engage visitors, especially children, in an educational experience about the history and use of hobo codes, notably along and around America’s railroads. The layout – set in small town America circa 1920-1930 – allows visitors, via a push-button panel, to highlight various hobo codes located throughout the exhibit. Maintained with the support of the Meade Area Railroad Society. Open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday, 11am – 4pm. www.gaithersburgmd.gov and www.marrsrail.org
National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, MD. Holly TrolleyFest. Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 11am – 5pm. December 20, 10am – 3pm. Advance reservations are recommended. 301-384-6088, www.dctrolley.org
Rockville Lions Club, Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive, Rockville, MD. 33rd Annual Modular Train Show. The show features several rooms of large operating displays of model railroads – Z, N, and HO Scales; a Garden Railway Setup in G-Scale; a Lionel modular setup; and a Lego layout – provided by local Model Railroad Associations. Their members are always eager to talk with visitors about their railway systems and the designs, as well as share insights or answer any questions about model railroading. Saturday November 9, 10am – 4pm and Sunday November 10, Noon – 4pm. rockvillelionsclub.weebly.com
U. S. Botanic Garden, Conservatory, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. Explore the plants of the holidays with us! This year’s “Season’s Greenings” features thousands of poinsettias, D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory, model trains in the outdoor gardens, and festive lights and decor throughout the Garden. Display opens November 28 and runs through January 5, 10am – 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. December 10, 12, 17, 19, 26, open until 8pm with live holiday music. 202-225-8333, www.usbg.gov
Maryland – North
Bel Air Winter Wonderland, 136 East Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD. The Winter Wonderland train display will be at the Mason’s Mt. Ararat Lodge AF & AM, across from St. Margarets Church. The display is 28 by 8-foot, 6 running trains, with a lot of movement and themes. We can’t wait to see all of our fans again this year! November 29 through December 22. Fridays, 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays 2pm – 9pm. Also, open Sunday December 8 from Noon – 8pm for the Bel Air Christmas parade. Check websites for additional times. 410-239-2286, christmasinbelair.com and www.facebook.com
Broom’s Bloom Ice Cream and Dairy Store, 1700 South Fountain Green Road (MD 543), Bel Air, MD. Come visit the 3rd annual Harford County Lions Train Garden. November 30 through December 29. Friday through Sunday, 11am – 5pm. Plus December 26, 11am – 5pm. 410-399-COWS, www.bbdairy.com
Chesapeake Susquehanna & Western Model Railroad, 36 Porter Road, North East, MD. 39th Annual Christmas Model Train Open House. Our display is always under construction and continues to change each year. December 3, 10, 6pm – 8:30pm. December 17, 23, 27, 5:30pm – 8:30pm. December 7, 14, 21, 28, 11am – 4pm. December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Noon – 5pm. 410-937-4675
Fallston Volunteer Fire Company, 3108 Fallston Road (Maryland Route 152), Fallston, MD. The Harford County Modular Model Railroad presents their modular HO scale layout with two mainlines of over 150 linear feet each. There is also a 4 by 8-foot Lionel layout, a second 4 by 8-foot HO layout and a G gauge loop. Visitors may run trains including joining in the continuous operating session. November 30 through January 5. Thursdays 4pm – 6pm, Fridays 4pm – 7pm, Saturdays 11am – 7pm and Sundays Noon to 4pm. fvfac.org and www.facebook.com
Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, 3825 Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD. 43rd Annual Train Garden open from November 29 through January 12. Open Fridays 6:30pm – 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1pm – 9pm, Saturday December 14 9am – 9pm for the Craft Fair. Also, December 23, 26, 30, January 2, 6:30pm – 9pm, New Year’s Eve and Day 1pm – 9pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The train garden will be having a sale of surplus track, houses, scenery and some train cars during the craft fair December 14 from 9am – 2:30pm. 410-692-7890, www.jarrettsvillevfc.com
Mason Dixon Large Scale Railroad Society, Joseph’s Department Store, 122 N Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. 33rd Annual Christmas Train Show, November 29 through December 29. From December 6 through December 21, we will share the floor space with over 50 Christmas goods vendors on Fridays and Saturdays. Opening day, Noon-8pm, Friday 5pm – 9pm, Saturday Noon – 8pm, Sunday Noon – 4pm, December 23, 26, 27 5pm – 9pm, December 28, 29 Noon – 5pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Day. Check website for schedule updates and special events. www.facebook.com
Mr. Christmas, 22 Kitzbuhel Road in Parkton, MD. 30th Annual Benefit for the Maryland Food Bank Christmas Light Display. Bring the entire family and enjoy over 50,000 Christmas lights and outside G-Scale Trains on display. November 28 through December 28. Lights go on at 5pm and off at 9pm Sunday through Thursday, on at 5pm and off at 10pm Friday and Saturday. Trains go on at 6pm and off with the lights. www.facebook.com
Perryville Railway Museum, Perryville MARC Train Station, 650 Broad Street, Perryville, MD. The museum features railroad pictures and memorabilia from different time periods of Perryville history. There is a model train layout showing how the tracks for both Norfolk Southern and Amtrak run through Perryville, with Christmas trains and decorations for the holidays. Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Noon – 4pm. www.perryvillemd.org
Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 1200 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD. 12th annual Christmas Festival of Lights Train Garden. Enjoy the outdoor, lighted display featuring more than 100,000 festive Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, then come inside to visit our amazing train garden. December 2 through December 29. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 6pm – 9pm. The outdoor light show also operates Monday through Thursday, 6pm – 9pm until December 19. 410-838-3178, smlc.nm-secure.com
Steppingstone Farm Museum, 461 Quaker Bottom Road, Havre de Grace, MD. Due to a fire that destroyed the Display Barn, the Museum is closed at this time. We hope to be back in operation in early 2025. 410-939-2299, www.steppingstonemuseum.org
Maryland – West
Antietam Station, 17230 Shepherdstown Pike (Route 34), Sharpsburg, MD. The Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum presents their Open Houses with operating model train layouts. November 30, 10am – 1:30pm, January 5, 12, 19, 26, Sundays Noon – 4pm. 301-800-9829. http://antietamstation.com
Brunswick Railroad Museum, 40 West Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD. For over 50 years, the Museum has preserved the history of Brunswick. Known during the Civil War as Berlin, this small town along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was incorporated as Brunswick in 1890. That same year the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad began construction of the 5-mile rail yard that would reshape Brunswick into a company town with a population of over 5000! See lots of real trains running just down the street! Saturdays 10am – 4pm, Sundays, 1pm – 4pm. 301-834-7100, www.brunswickmuseum.org
Frederick County Society of Model Engineers, 34 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Walkersville, MD. Our restored heavyweight Chesapeake & Ohio Horse Express Car has been moved to the grounds of the Walkersville Southern Railroad and Museum. Come see our large 55-foot HO Layout. November 29, December 1, 7, 14, 11am – 4pm, as staffing permits. Please check Facebook before attending to make sure we will be open. www.facebook.com and wsrr.org
Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, 300 South Burhan’s Boulevard (US 11), Hagerstown, MD. The 34th anniversary “Trains of Christmas” Show. Come and enjoy our Christmas at the Roundhouse Celebration, featuring the “Trains of Christmas” including the Polar Express! This 3 rail “O” scale layout features your favorite steam & diesel trains operating on 4 levels of winter wonderland. You get to enjoy the Trains of Christmas in addition to the year-round displays at the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum. November 29 through February 23, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Noon – 4pm. Also, open December 26, 30, January 2. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Day. 301-739-4665, www.roundhouse.org
Harrisonville, a Model Railroad Town, 3837 South Mountain Road, Knoxville, MD. Our 38th year, come see 26 trains running indoors and one running outside around a 5,000-gallon pond! Beautiful self-painted backdrops, custom built bridges of various lengths and types, greatly detailed buildings and figures, several “one of a kind” custom assemblies and a collection of some locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories, many dating to the 1940’s. And children will love it!! Many hidden characters from TV and movies to be found. Train cars for sale. November 24 through January 5. Wednesday, Thursday 5pm – 8pm. Friday 5pm – 7pm. Saturday 11 – 3pm. Closed December 7.
Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, 3209 Main Street, Manchester, MD. Come and see this Spectacular Holiday Train Garden with over 800 square feet of entertainment for the whole family! November 29-30, 4pm – 9pm. December 1, 15, 22, 3pm – 8pm. December 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 5pm – 9pm. December 7, 14, 21, 4pm – 9pm. December 8, 3pm – 5pm. 410-239-2286, www.manchestervfd.org
Maryland and West Virginia Model Railroad Association, Allegany County Fairgrounds, off US Route 220 South – 11490 Moss Avenue Extended, Cumberland, MD. Holiday Season Open House. If you’re in the Cumberland area between Thanksgiving and Christmas, stop by the fairgrounds and check out our layout! Wednesdays December 4, 11, 18, 6pm – 9pm. Sundays December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, January 5, 1pm – 5pm. www.facebook.com
Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, 702 North Main Street, Mount Airy, MD. 20th Annual Holiday Train Garden. December 1-29. Every Saturday and Sunday, Noon – 5pm. 301-829-0100 Option 2, www.mavfc.org
Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company, 2030 South Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster, MD. 42nd Annual “Christmas in the Valley” This year’s layout includes an amusement park, farms, towns, a quarry, and fire scenes along with many other detailed items. Saturday November 9, 9am – 3pm. November 30 through December 22, Saturdays and Sundays, Noon – 4pm. Plus Christmas Eve, Noon – 4pm. 410-848-1977, www.pleasantvalleyfire.org
Thurmont Main Street, Thurmont Plaza Shopping Center, 224 North Church Street, Thurmont, MD. The Frederick County Society of Model Engineers will be hosting their 5th Annual Holiday Kick-Off Train Display. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a large variety of trains that will bring back memories from your childhood. A great event for all train enthusiasts of all ages! (Located next to The Dirty Dawg) Food trucks too! November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. Noon – 4pm. www.thurmontmainstreet.com and www.facebook.com
TownMall of Westminster, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, MD. The Four County Society of Model Engineers will have their 9th Annual Holiday Train Display set up in the Belk Outlet courtyard. December 21-28, during mall hours. townmallofwestminster.com and www.fcsme.org and www.facebook.com
Upperco Volunteer Fire Company, 16020 Carnival Avenue, Upperco, MD. Join us for our 6th Annual Yuletide Village, Light Trail, and train garden. November 29 through December 28. Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30pm – 9:30pm. www.uppercovfc.org and www.facebook.com
Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum, 41 North Main Street, Union Bridge, MD. The museum houses an extensive collection of WM artifacts and memorabilia, a voluminous photo archive, archival material directly from the Western Maryland, and an extensive railroader’s library. Major exhibits include the Caller’s Boards from Hagerstown and Ridgely, and the CTC panel for the Lurgan Subdivision. An N-Scale model railroad is also featured. Wednesdays 9am – 3pm (closed for lunch 11:30 – 12:30), Sundays 1pm – 4pm. 410-775-0150. www.westernmarylandrhs.com
Westminster Toy Train Show, Agricultural Center, 706 Agricultural Center Drive, Westminster, MD. Toy trains and related items for sale. Find those things needed for your Christmas Garden or to add to your collection! Large operating train layout by the Baltimore American Flyer Club. November 24, 10am – 3pm. http://carrollcountyagcenter.com
Maryland and Delaware – Eastern Shore
Auburn Heights, 3000 Creek Road, Hockessin, DE. Join us for Holiday Trains at Auburn Heights, featuring operating model train layouts decorated for the holidays (Gauge 1, HO, O & Standard gauges), rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad, photo op with Santa in a vintage car, and more! December 7, 4pm – 9pm. 302-239-2385. auburnheights.org
Cambridge Rescue Fire Company, 307 Gay Street, Cambridge, MD. Gaze in wonder at this long-running train display housed in the “Old Firehouse” at Cambridge’s Rescue Fire Company in Downtown Cambridge. Now in its 90th year, the Rescue Fire Company Train Garden is one of Cambridge’s most beloved and oldest Christmas traditions, one shared and cherished across generations. Children revel in joy watching the passing O Scale trains, while adults find fun details hidden throughout the display. Local landmarks abound, from the businesses on Cambridge Creek, to the historic “old firehouse” in which the display is housed. And, in addition to being one of Cambridge’s oldest holiday highlights, the RFC Train Garden is perhaps the oldest public model train display in continuous operation in the United States. First opened in 1934, the Train Garden has survived the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam era, rise and decline in Cambridge industries, and Rescue Fire Company’s move to the Cambridge Public Safety Complex in 2007. December 1 through 31. Weeknights 6pm – 9pm, Weekends 1pm – 4pm and 6pm – 9pm, closed on Christmas Day. Check websites prior to arrival for theme nights and other information. 410-228-1211, rfctraingarden.org and www.facebook.com
Corddry Company Crossing Model Railroad Club, 110 West Green Street, Snow Hill, MD. Inside Corddry Crossing Hobbies. The 33rd Annual Corddry Company Crossing Train Garden that is reminiscent of Snow Hill many years ago. Children and their families will love this enchanted wonderland reduced to “O” gauge. The layout is an 8 by 36-foot O sale layout ran on MTH’s DCS system currently and is being rebuilt slowly, and will be better than before! Tuesday through Thursday 4:30pm – 8pm, Friday 4:30pm – 6pm, and Saturday 10am – 6pm. 410-710-8038. www.snowhillmodeltrains.com and www.facebook.com
Delaware SeaSide Railroad Club, 36668 DuPont Boulevard (Route 113), Selbyville, DE. Open House featuring 5 different scale layouts from N to G. Wednesdays 5pm – 7pm. Saturdays 10am – 3pm. 302-448-5654. www.delawareseasiderailroadclub.com
Delmarva Model Railroad Club, 103 State Street, Delmar, DE. 38th Annual Holiday Open House. 4 Weekends of great fun for the whole family! Come see over 8,000 sq. ft. of operating train layouts, including N scale, N Scale modules, HO, O Tinplate, O Scale, Standard, and LGB (G Scale). November 30 – December 1, December 7-8, January 4-5, 11-12. Saturdays 11am – 4pm, Sundays Noon – 4pm. 302-856-9250 or 410-723-1709. www.delmarvamodelrailroadclub.org
Eagle Line Railroad, 12169 Ober Lane, Ridgely, MD. We have one of the largest Model Railroad Displays on the Shore! Every year we open our display during the holiday season for all to enjoy. Everyone is welcome to bring your family and friends and enjoy this creative attraction that we love to share with all! December 3 through January 9, Tuesday and Thursday 7pm – 9pm. Closed Christmas Eve. December 29, January 5, Sunday 1pm – 4pm. Santa will be our guest December 19. www.eaglelinerailroad.com
Eastern Shore Train, Toy and Hobby Show, Dockside Hall, Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD. There will be 5 major operating layouts in all gauges and everything in model trains will be offered for sale from numerous independent vendors. November 29 through December 1, Friday and Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, 10am – 3pm. www.delawareseasiderailroadclub.com
Easton Volunteer Fire Department, 315 Aurora Park Drive, Easton, MD. Our 11th annual Holiday Layout features over 150 Department 56 buildings and Lionel trains operating on hundreds of feet of track. What began in 2013 as a small layout has more than tripled in size after a positive reception from the community and numerous donations of buildings and trains to allow us to expand. The holiday train will fire up its engine to the delight of Easton area families. This festive tradition brings holiday treats, entertainment, and characters including Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, and Santa’s elves. November 29 through December 25. Open weekdays 6pm – 8pm and weekends 2pm – 8pm. Christmas Day, 6pm – 8pm. 410-822-4848. eastonvfd.org and www.facebook.com
First State Model Railroad Club, 624 Horsepen Rd., Felton, DE. Annual Open House. November 30 – December 1, 9am – 3pm. 410-822-4848. www.fsmrrc.org and www.facebook.com
Georgetown Public Library, 123 West Pine Street, Georgetown, DE. 13th Annual Holiday Train Display with Delaware Seaside Railroad Club! Join us for a magical time as we play with trains, learn about their history, and enjoy this wonderful display to get us in the holiday spirit! Saturdays November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 10am – 1:45pm. georgetown.lib.de.us www.delawareseasiderailroadclub.com
Homestead Gardens, 5580 Dupont Parkway, Smyrna, DE. Come see their table top train and village plus our animatronic Santa’s Workshop, sure to delight the young and young-at-heart! Display runs November 1 through December 31, Monday through Friday 9am – 7pm, Saturday 9am – 8pm, and Sunday 9am – 6pm. Check for extended hours during the holiday season. Visit after dark and also enjoy their unique and spectacular outdoor light display, beginning November 16.410-384-7966, www.homesteadgardens.com
Museum of Eastern Shore Life and Queen Anne’s Railroad Society, Kent Narrows Outlets Shopping Center, 61 Piney Narrows Road, Chester, MD (Take Exit 41 from Route 50/301 at the West end of the Kent Narrows Bridge). The Festival of Trains has 10,000 square feet of operational layouts in G, O, HO, TT, N and Z scales. We will even have some Lego Trains! Dive deep into the models and displays with an event wide scavenger hunt featuring items across all scales. Not to mention, some layouts are interactive for the kids to operate! We will also have several historic displays highlighting the region’s railroad history such as railroad photos, maps and memorabilia. Fun for all ages! December 7-8, 14-15, 11am – 4pm. Santa visits Sundays Noon – 2pm. 410-758-8640. www.qarrs.org and www.facebook.com
Ocean City Branch, Worcester County Library, 10003 Coastal Highway – Ocean City, MD. This spectacular Winter Train Garden is provided from the personal collection of train enthusiast Dennis Moore, a local resident. Visitors of all ages will delight in interacting with buttons that activate accessories and sounds. A scavenger hunt for our young patrons will also be available. The Winter Train Garden is open during the library’s normal operating hours November 15 through January 15. Monday through Thursday, 9am – 6 pm. Friday, 9 am – 5pm. Saturday, 9am – 4pm. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, 249 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD. The 3rd Annual OPVFD Train Display. November 23, 6pm – 9pm. November 24 – January 5, Fridays 6pm – 9pm, Saturdays 9am – 1pm and 6pm – 9:00pm, Sundays 10am – 1pm. opvfd.com and www.facebook.com
Pocomoke River Canoe Company, Moved to Corddry Company Crossing Model Railroad Club in 2024 (see entry above).
Pocomoke Train Garden at the Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market Street, Pocomoke City MD. Come visit our train garden at the museum. December 1 through January 1, Thursday through Saturday from 11am – 4pm. Sunday 11am – 3pm. Closed Christmas Day. Also, December 14-15, 10am – 4pm, Santa’s Train Wonderland featuring additional layouts. Santa will arrive by boat at 1pm Saturday and will be there at 1pm Sunday, and free admission! 410-957-9933. delmarvadiscoverycenter.org and www.facebook.com
Ridgely Winter Festival, 2 Central Avenue, Ridgely, MD 21660. Come see the Shore Boyz Railroad Club display. December 14, 4pm – 9pm. www.christmasinridgely.com
Seaford Museum, 203 High Street, Seaford DE. The Seaford Museum’s Annual Holiday Train Exhibit features a large O-Scale layout with two operating Lionel trains and more than 100 “Department 56” ceramic buildings and figures. Kids (of all ages) can push buttons to operate animated scenes. The layout is surrounded by display cabinets featuring dozens of antique toy trains gathered from local collectors. November 29 through January 11. Tuesday through Sunday from 1pm – 4pm. (Closed Christmas Eve and Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and Day) 302-628-9828, www.seafordhistoricalsociety.com
Stockton Volunteer Fire Company, 1501 Snow Hill Road, Stockton MD. 2nd Annual Neil Payne, Pop Jerscheid Train Garden. November 30 – January 1. Friday 5pm – 9pm. Saturday 11am – 3pm and 5pm – 9pm.Noon – 9pm. Sunday 11am – 5pm. December 23 – January 1, every day 11am – 3pm and 5pm – 9pm. www.facebook.com
Sudlersville Train Station Museum, 101 Linden Street, Sudlersville, MD. Holiday Model Train Display. December 7 and 14, Saturday 10am – 4pm. www.sudlersvillemuseum.org
Winterfest Holiday Train Garden Display, Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD. If you’re looking for a fun and festive activity to add to your Winterfest of Lights tradition this holiday season, then come on over and enjoy the Ocean City’s Beach Patrol’s Holiday Model Railroad Display! For our 2nd year, we have a larger space with HO, S, O, and G scale trains. It’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! November 21 – December 31, Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30 pm -9pm. Also, open New Year’s Eve. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day. www.ococean.com
Maryland – Western Shore
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD. Our Holiday Train Display is part of the Garden in Lights. Guests of all ages will delight in this beautiful train display by George Leah, Jr., and his holiday helpers! It’s a charming exhibit that will spark memories of Christmases past and delight those new to model trains. George will be operating an “O” scale train display featuring trains from the 1950s through today, meandering through a miniature landscape. December 4-13, 5pm – 8:45pm. 410-867-9500, www.annmariegarden.org
Homestead Gardens, 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. Set amid lavish banks of the nursery’s Christmas flowers and decorations, this stunning train garden, offers so much to see that benches are set up around the display. With 7 G-gauge trains running through a wonderland of lavish scenery. Animated skiers and cable cars traverse the slopes under natural light pouring through the translucent roof. Plus, our new animatronic Santa’s Workshop. Display runs November 1 through December 31, Monday through Friday 1pm – 7pm, Saturday 10am – 7pm, and Sunday 10am – 6pm. Thanksgiving Week, Monday through Wednesday 10am – 7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – 8pm. Christmas Eve 10am – 5pm. December 26 to 30, 11am – 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visit after dark and also enjoy their unique and spectacular outdoor light display, beginning November 16. 301-261-4550, 410-798-5000, www.homesteadgardens.com
Saint Clement’s Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, MD. 39th Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit. Enjoy a holiday exhibit of antique and collectible dolls (like Barbie, American Girl and more), classic trains and other retro toys in this festive holiday display inside the museum. Write a letter to Santa and send it out at the mailbox at the museum. Find holiday books around the museum to read or try your hand at operating lots of model trains, and more! December 1 through January 5, 10am – 5pm (closed Christmas Eve and Day) 301-769-2222, www.co.saint-marys.md.us and www.facebook.com
Northern Virginia
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station, VA. 32nd Annual Holiday Train Show. Almost all scales are represented by our model train clubs: Lionel, HO, O, N, Standard, Z and Lego inside the museum and caboose, and the Garden scale outside encircling the museum. If the weather cooperates, we also will have numerous antique cars on display. Saturday December 7 10am – 5pm, Sunday December 8 Noon – 4pm. 703-425-9225, www.fairfax-station.org
Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show, Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA. A commercial show featuring operating model railroads and dealers selling trains and accessories. December 21-22, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm. 630-279-4087, trainshow.com.
Herndon Depot Museum, Artspace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. 18th Annual Herndon Holiday Model Train Show. Operating model train displays will be provided by members of the Northern Virginia N-Trak (N gauge) December 7, 10am – 4pm. The W&OD Caboose on Lynn Street will be open 11am – 2pm. www.herndonhistoricalsociety.org
Martin K. Alloy Boys & Girls Club, 9501 Dean Park Lane, Manassas, VA. The National Capital Trackers present their festive, magical and truly awe-inspiring Christmas landscape at the Annual Winter Wonderland Train Show. Free to the community, this show is engaging for the whole family – kids will spend hours admiring the beauty and the adults will love the scale exhibit. Get into the holiday spirit at the Winter Wonderland Train Show. December 14-15, 10am – 5pm. www.nationalcapitaltrackers.org
Middleburg Library, 101 Reed St., Middleburg, VA. Come see the Northern Virginia NTRAK Railroad Club’s display, Friday December 13, 10am – 5pm. Saturday December 14, 10am – 3pm. www.nvntrak.org
Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, 231 Dominion Road, Vienna, VA. The NVMR is a HO scale model railroad layout that is on permanent display at the Vienna station. The club models a small railroad, the Western North Carolina, set in the 1950’s. Open Houses November 16, December 14, and January 18. 1pm – 5pm, and open December 2 6pm – 9pm for the Holiday Stroll. 703-938-5157, www.nvmr.org
Purcellville Library, 220 East Main Street, Purcellville, VA. Come see the Northern Virginia NTRAK Railroad Club’s display, December 15-17. Friday and Saturday, 10am – 5pm. Sunday, 12pm – 3pm. www.nvntrak.org
Southern Virginia
Chesapeake Bay and Western Model Railroad Club, 110 Dare Road, Suite F, Yorktown, VA. Fall Open House. Welcome to Virginia’s largest HO Scale model railroad club. Our layout features 28 scale miles of double-track mainline, multiple sidings, classification yards and 247 turnouts. Take the adventure of a lifetime and view various industrial complexes, picturesque scenery and the chance to be a part of a phenomenon which served as the backbone to the growth and expansion of this country. November 23, 10am – 4pm. November 24, Noon – 4pm. cbw-mrc.com and www.facebook.com
Chesapeake Holiday Craft Show, Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Kids Run Trains will also be on hand to demonstrate their awesome trains! November 23, 10am – 5pm. November 24, 11am – 4pm . chesapeakeconference.com and www.facebook.com
Christmas Market on Main, Historic Main Street, York, VA. Model train display in the basement of York Hall (301 Main Street). December 7, 10am – 3pm. December 8, 11am – 3pm. . www.visityorktown.org
Great Big Greenhouse, 2051 Huguenot Road, Richmond, VA. The River City 3 Railers present their 11th annual Holiday Display. For the first time ever, we will be configured in the shape of a 54 by 38-foot “L” with 14 additional modules that you’ve probably never seen before … including a turntable! December 6 through January 18. We will update the hours we will be running trains as the date draws near. Check websites. 3rd Annual “Kids Day at the Train Station” with all kinds of fun activities, December 7, 10am – 2pm. www.rivercity3railers.com and www.facebook.com and www.greatbiggreenhouse.com
Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA. A commercial show featuring operating model railroads and dealers selling trains and accessories. December 28-29S, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm. 630-279-4087, trainshow.com.
James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Road, Williamsburg, VA. Ford’s Colony Model Railroad Club presents their 19th Annual Model Railroad Layout Show. Three rooms of model railroads in action, and more next door at the Norge Depot. Six operating layouts, plus hands-on activities. Trains take over the library! Grand Illumination Weekend, December 7 10am – 5pm. December 8 1pm – 4pm. www.wrl.org. www.fchoa.org.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA. This year’s theme is Homes & Habitats: A Celebration of Connection: As audiences take in millions of lights across the Garden they will explore and celebrate the beauty and importance of interconnected environments. Homes and habitats; where nature and community intertwine. From vibrant wetlands, a lush forest, and a vibrant savannah, to a magical world of fantasy, every environment plays a vital role in sustenance for life. Enjoy as you explore different ecosystems, and welcome HOME! Look for the trains in the Kelly Education Center. Pre-purchased tickets are required. November 18 through January 5, 4pm – 10pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day. 804-262-9887, www.lewisginter.org
MacArthur Center, 300 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk. VA. Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads presents their Holiday Train Show. Located on the 2nd Floor, near the central glass elevators. Join us for a magical experience featuring intricately designed train displays, festive decorations, and seasonal cheer for the whole family. November 23 through December 31. Friday and Saturday 10am – 6pm. Sunday Noon – 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. mrmhr.org
Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA. Come join us for “Planes, Trains, and Santa” on Thanksgiving weekend! The Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association hosts a variety of train experiences, allowing kids (and adults!) of all ages to see and interact with amazing model train exhibits. And, Santa flies into the museum each day at 10am. November 29 – December 1, 9am – 5pm. 757-721-7767. militaryaviationmuseum.org
Rappahannock Model Railroaders, Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #4123, 21 Cool Springs Road, Fredericksburg, VA. 27th Annual Train Show and Sale featuring operating layouts of scales, displays, and model train vendors. December 14 and 15, Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. 540-891-8963, www.rmrailroaders.com
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond VA. 47th Annual Model Railroad Show. Featuring all the bells and whistles, explore eight different train displays with various scaled locomotives riding through intricate landscapes and miniature cities. Learn how trains work, conduct experiments, check out special demonstrations and enjoy a holiday weekend filled with fun for the whole family. November 29 – December 1, 9:30am – 5pm. 804-864-1400, www.smv.org
Tidewater Big Train Operators Club, Avalon Church of Christ, 844 Woodstock Road, Virginia Beach, VA. An indoor display with many large-scale trains running. December 6, 5:30pm – 8:30pm, December 7, 10am – 8:30pm, December 8, 1pm – 8pm, December 9-13, 5:30pm – 8pm, December 14, 10am – 4pm. tbto.org and www.facebook.com
Virginia Train Collectors, Westchester Commons, 153 Perimeter Drive, Midlothian, VA. (Between Target and Office Max). Holiday Train Show and Sale featuring operating layouts, displays, and model train vendors. November 23-24, Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sunday 9am – 3pm. 804-368-7898 www.vatraincollectors.com and www.rivercity3railers.com
Winterfest on the Wisconsin, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA. Imagine, a train display on a battleship! Celebrate the holiday season aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, explore all-new interior spaces, enjoy two new shows nightly by everyone’s favorite green grump, come aboard a polar train journey, and enjoy sweets and treats surrounded by over one million lights! November 15 through January 1. See website for days and times. Closed Christmas Day. www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com
Pennsylvania
Antique Auto Museum, 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA. Our celebration to get you into the holiday spirit featuring the Polar Express model train displayed along with several other Christmas trains and dozens of holiday trees, specialty vehicles, and more in our holiday wonderland. Also, check out our permanent “From Roads to Rails” exhibit! November 11 through January 5, daily 9am – 5pm, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 717-566-7100, www.aacamuseum.org
Christmas Magic – A Festival of Lights, Rocky Ridge County Park, 3699 Deininger Road, York, PA. Join us for the 41st edition of Christmas Magic! Stroll through our festive half-mile, ADA accessible, woodland trail filled with numerous sparkling Christmas lights and holiday scenes. Don’t miss the Susquehanna Valley Garden Railway Society’s wonderful train display. Admission is by online reservation only. November 29 through December 30. Closed Christmas Eve and Day. 717-566-7100, christmasmagicyork.com and www.svgrs.net
Conewago Valley Model Railroad Club, 206 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, PA. Operating train displays, baggage car & caboose beside the old train station. December 1 and 15, 1pm – 5pm. www.facebook.com
Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club, 440 Nelson Street, Chambersburg, PA. Holiday Open House. Z, N, TT, HO, S, O, G, and Standard Gauge Layouts. The world’s smallest scale electric train – T-scale. Thomas the Train and LEGO layouts. We have over 3700 pieces of rolling stock. 1207 on the tracks and 2500 on display. There’s 909 square feet of HO, 501 of O and 120 of N. There are 35 HO scale miles of track, 8 O scale miles, and 10 N scale miles. December 15, 22, 28, and 30, January 4, 12, 19. Noon – 4pm. 717-263-6447, www.cvmrrc.com
Elizabethtown Public Library, 10 South Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA. The toy train display at Elizabethtown Public Library is constructed by The Train Guys. Designed to appeal to children (old and young) with its 50 interactive push buttons, this display takes viewers back to times when toy trains and Christmas were strongly linked. The display can operate up to 20 trains at once, with brand new trains and original and reproduced trains dating back to the early 1900’s. Train displays have a rich history in Elizabethtown, with the first dating back to the 1920’s community displays upstairs at the Friendship Fire Co. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, train displays were a part of three local churches’ Christmas Bazaars. The tradition has continued for many years at Elizabethtown Public Library! December 3, 5, 12, 13, 19, 26, 6pm – 8pm, December 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 am – 4 pm. Saturdays 9am – 4pm. On Saturday December 7, 14, and 21, 10am – 4pm, the Masonic Village will run a shuttle between their train display and the one at the library. etownpubliclibrary.org and www.facebook.com
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, 5300 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA. Toy Train Exhibit in the Centennial Barn. For many years, children of all ages have delighted in seeing passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. The Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society brings a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains on an 18 by 24-foot layout that may be viewed from all sides. Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. November 30 through December 22, Saturdays and Sundays 12:30pm – 4:30pm. 717-599-5751, www.forthunter.org and www.keystonemidland.org
Fort Loudoun Historic Site, 1720 North Brooklyn Road, Fort Loudon PA. See our fun model train and Christmas village on display in the Patton House summer kitchen. November 30 through December 15. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon – 4pm. Santa, craft vendors, and food vendors will be there on December 14 for Fort Loudoun Christmas! Train will run until 5pm that day. fortloudounpa.com and www.facebook.com
Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum, 134 East Hanover Street, Hanover, PA. 7th Annual Holiday Train Garden. Stop by to see many festive holiday model train displays, and check out the rest of the fire museum! November 29 through December 30. Fridays 6pm – 9pm. Saturdays 11am – 7pm. Sundays Noon – 5pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Day. December 26, 9am – 3pm. December 27, 11am – 9pm. December 29, 11am – 7pm. www.hanoverfiremuseum.com
Greencastle High Line Train Station, 21 South Jefferson Street, Greencastle, PA. It’s full steam ahead for Heritage Christmas at the High Line Train Station! An O scale model railroad train will be running in the front room and there will be book readings by volunteers from Lilian Besore Memorial Library. December 6, 13, 5:30pm – 8:30 pm. www.facebook.com
Harmony Ridge Railroad Club, Cross Keys Village, 630 Harmony Drive, New Oxford, PA. Holiday open houses. Villagers’ families are welcome, and so are all our neighbors and friends in the greater community. A chance for children of all ages to enjoy the Railroad Club’s enhanced displays (wait until you see the new drive-in theater). Please look for the signs when you enter the Harmony Ridge Community Center. Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 through December 22, December 27-29, 1pm – 4pm. www.crosskeysvillage.org
Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, 833 W. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA. Club Open Houses in the historic power substation for the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Dillsburg electric trolley line, come watch us operate the layout! December 7, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, Noon – 5pm. www.keystonemidland.org
Koziar’s Christmas Village, 782 Christmas Village Road Bernville, PA. Holiday Trains & Trees. Celebrating our 77th anniversary. Driving through the darkened countryside and coming over that last hill on the unlit country road is like driving into a fairyland. Suddenly you find yourself in a dazzling valley set aglow with more than one half-million Christmas lights adorning buildings, gift bards, and landscape. See the hand-crafted outdoor train display with multiple tracks, station, and village. November 2 to Thanksgiving, Fridays 6pm – 9pm, Saturdays 5pm – 10pm, Sundays, 5pm – 9pm. Thanksgiving through January 1, Mondays through Fridays 6pm – 9pm, Saturdays, 5pm – 10pm, Sundays, 5pm – 9pm. Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day. 610-488-1110, www.koziarschristmasvillage.com
Lutheran Home at Topton, Brandywine Community Library, Old Main Building, One South Home Avenue, Topton, PA. Public tours of the historic Christmas Putz. A traditional miniature display that covers 560 square feet, the Christmas Putz is a collection of antique miniature holiday displays. Mrs. Ida Henry, matron of The Lutheran Home at Topton during its years as an orphanage, originally assembled the Putz between the years of 1909 and 1945. As a gift to the children who resided at the home, every year she added a new scene. Among the 17 scenes within the Putz are the story of the Holy birth, a replica of Radio City Music Hall complete with an organ and an orchestra in the pit, a circus, Toonerville trolley, and a large church complete with tiny hymnals, baptismal fonts and a pipe organ. A number of trains are featured in the layout. The name comes from the German verb “putzen,” which means to brighten or display. Open 1pm – 4pm, December 15, 22. 610-682-1517.
Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village, 1258 Muddy Creek Forks Rd, Airville, PA. The Christmas City Express program is centered around the dramatic reading of a story of a young girl traveling to Muddy Creek Forks a hundred years ago to visit her grandparents for Christmas. The main attraction is a ride on a real train but, since they also have a layout with operating antique Lionel trains, they are included in this list. December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. Check the website for times. 717-927-9565 (voice mail), maandparailroad.com
Masonic Village and Elizabethtown Model Railroad Club, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA. See their large O gauge hi-rail display, including a 2 rail O scale trolley line powered by overhead wire, running about 15 trains at one time on this layout over hundreds of feet of track and across several elevations. Also, in this building are layouts in Standard, S, HO, N, Z and G scale, and all are of excellent quality. Open Houses December 7, 14, 21, 10am – 4pm. December 8, January 4-5, 2pm – 4pm. On Saturdays December 7, 14, and 21, 10am – 4pm, the Masonic Village will run a shuttle between their train display and the one at the Elizabethtown Public Library. mvemodelrailroadclub.com and www.facebook.com
Mechanicsburg Museum Association, 3 West Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA. “A Seussical Christmas” Trains, Trees, and Dr. Seuss Memories. Model trains, trolleys, buildings, and push buttons surrounded by Christmas trees. This exhibit is displayed in the Freight Station Gallery. November 9 through January 11, Wednesday through Saturday Noon – 3pm. 717-697-6088, www.mechanicsburgmuseum.org
Miniature Railroad Club of York, 381 Wheatfield Street, York, PA. 79th Annual Model Railroad Open House, come see 30 by 80-foot layout featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, operating coal dump and water front, cog railway, diesel shop and transfer table, coal mine, steel mill, new roundhouse and turntable, and much more. November 23 through January 12, Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm – 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. 717-434-4277, www.mrrcy.org and www.facebook.com
National Christmas Center, 48 Industrial Road, Elizabethtown PA. (Please note this address is the parking for the shuttle bus to the interim center.) The National Christmas Center has been purchased by Stone Gables Estate and until its permanent home is ready, visitors can now enjoy seeing over 18,000 square feet of nostalgic Christmas décor in lights, trees, stores, and more at its interim home. Of course, this includes trains! November 29 through January 4, Monday through Saturday, 10am – 4pm. There are also train displays at the associated Ironstone Ranch, November 29-30, December 14, 21, 10am – 3pm. 717-902-9791, www.stonegablesestate.com
Quincy Village Model Railroad Club, Winter Building, Orphanage Road, Quincy, PA. Kitty corner across the street from the Comstock Health Center, which is 6596 Orphanage Road. Look for the railroad crossing sign. Annual Holiday Open House. December 1, 1pm – 4pm. 717-749-2397. www.presbyterianseniorliving.org
Red Lion Train Station Model Railroaders, 73 North Main Street, Red Lion, PA. Red Lion Train Station Model Railroaders 20th Annual Holiday Open House, with 3-rail O Gauge, N Gauge, and other model railroad layouts located in the historic Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad’s Red Lion Train Station Museum. Also, check out the Red Lion Area Historical Society’s recently restored (exterior) Ma & Pa RR 2015 caboose and the many local Red Lion artifacts in the station museum. December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1pm – 5pm. December 31, 6pm – 10pm. www.facebook.com
Waynesboro Model Railroad Club, 3291 Waynecastle Road, Greencastle, PA. Winter Festival Open Houses feature layouts in HO, O (3-rail), Scale O (2-Rail), and N gauges in a historic grain mill at Route 16 RR overpass between Greencastle and Waynesboro. December 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, January 4-5, 18-19, Noon – 4pm. www.waynesboromrrc.com