Holiday train rides are a staple at this time of year, but have you ever taken the kids to see an elaborate model train shows. Many have a holiday theme!
Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
November 16 – January 20, 2025
See model trains zip through a display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks, each re-created from natural materials such as birch bark.
Model Railway Club Holiday Train Show
The Model Railroad Club, Union
November 29 – December 1, December 7-8, December 14-15
Parents and kids can tour the trains and layout up close, and get an insider’s peek at the expansion that’s currently under construction. See how the track is hand-laid, how mountains and scenery are created, and find out about the planning and engineering that goes into the club’s bi-level corkscrew loop.
Antique Toy Train Show
The Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, November 29 – February 2, 2025
See O and O-27 gauge toy trains from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines, with adjoining cars, will race against each other on two diverse platforms. Vintage Plasticville buildings from the 1950s, vegetation and auxiliary structures will give the platforms a traditional holiday appearance.
Holiday Model Train Show
Garden State Model Railway Club, North Haledon
Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 to December 14
Members will be running steam and diesel trains on a 1,200-square-foot HO scale layout, including Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. The second railroad room will be open with a new railroad currently under construction, a children’s railroad where kids can try their hand at running trains, and for-sale items.
Model Train Show
NY Society of Model Engineers, Carlstadt
Saturdays-Sundays, November 30 – December 15
Doors open to the public in the winter and spring. There are two large operating layouts, O scale and HO, with steam and diesel engines, Thomas and friends, freight and passenger trains, and working trolleys.
Christmas Train Village
Duggan Hall, Spring Lake
Wednesdays – Sundays, November 30 – December 31
The village is a re-creation of the beautiful town of Spring Lake.
Holiday Model Train Show
Barron Arts Center, Woodbridge
December 2-30 (closed December 25)
Mike Gelesky designed and set up the entire display with lots of holiday cheer.
Holiday Spectacular Christmas & Train Display
InfoAge Science and History Museums, Wall Twp.
Saturdays – Sundays, December 7-22
Admission to the train show includes access to all of the museums on site. If you bring a donation for Toys for Toys, you’ll receive half-off adult admission.
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Read More:
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Attractions in NJ, NY and PA
The Best Santa Breakfasts in New Jersey
Celebrate the Season at These NJ-Area Christmas Markets
Book Tix for These NJ-Area Holiday Train Rides
These Epic Christmas Pop-Up Bars Are Coming to NJ
