All aboard for holiday fun! Do your kids love trains? This Christmas, take them to see a holiday train show that is sure to put the whole family in the spirit of the season. There are many holiday train shows in New York and New Jersey that families and kids will enjoy. And for even more train-themed fun, check out these fun polar express and holiday train rides happening nearby throughout the holiday season!
Keep the holiday and winter fun going by taking the kids to a Christmas tree or menorah-lighting ceremony! Don’t forget to check out our events calendar for even more family fun ideas during the holiday season and all year long!
Holiday Train Shows in New York
Holiday Train Show
WHERE: New York Botanical Garden • 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY
WHEN: Now through Jan. 16, 2023; check hours on the website
PRICE: $35; $31 seniors; $20 ages 2-12: free for children younger than 2
WHAT: 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, lotus pods, and cinnamon sticks.
The Great Holiday Train Show
WHERE: New Castle Historical Society • 100 King St., Chappaqua
WHEN: Now through Jan. 8, 2023; Check the schedule online.
PRICE: Tickets start at $9.39
WHAT: Discover the historic 19th-century summer residence of Horace Greeley, festively decorated for the holidays with running train displays in each of the period rooms.
Holidays on the Hill Train Show
WHERE: Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial • 2610 NY-35, Katonah, NY
WHEN: Through Dec. 31. See website for schedule.
PRICE: $20; $15 seniors; $10 ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2
WHAT: Stroll through a holiday village that has trains, exhibits and lots of fun.
Holiday Train Shows in New Jersey
2022 Holiday Train Show
WHERE: The Model Railroad Club, Inc. • 295 Jefferson Ave., Union, NJ
WHEN: Nov. 25, 26, 27 and Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11; 11am-6pm each day
PRICE: $10; $8, seniors; $5, children
WHAT: Head to this annual holiday train show and open house that’s enjoyed by thousands of people every year.
Holiday Model Train Show
WHERE: Barron Arts Center • 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, NJ
WHEN: Now through Dec. 30; Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2-4pm. The organization is limiting the number of people at one time during the show to allow for social distancing. Reservations required on weekends and Dec. 27-30 by calling 732-634-0413. Reservations are not needed Monday-Friday. Closed Dec. 25-26.
PRICE: Free
WHAT: Now in its 32nd year at the Barron Arts Center. Features the set up and design of Mike Gelesky.
Winter Train Show
WHERE: New York Society of Model Engineers • 341 Hoboken Rd., Carlstadt, NJ
WHEN: Weekends, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18; 1-5pm
PRICE: $8; free for children ages 12 and younger
WHAT: Explore 5,000 square feet of operating trains on both O and HO scales. An annual holiday tradition!
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