Holiday Model Train Gardens
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, etc. to traingarden@wvmgrs.org (Last updated: 30 Oct 11)
Index
Baltimore area - Washington DC and Maryland suburbs - Maryland North of Baltimore
Maryland West of Baltimore - Maryland & Delaware Eastern Shore - Maryland Western Bay Shore
Northern Virginia - Virginia South - Pennsylvania
Arbutus Auto Painting and Bodyworks, 4621 Leeds Avenue, Arbutus, MD. is hosting its 13th annual holiday train garden. December 3 through January 1. Monday through Friday, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 10am - 8pm and Sundays 10am -7pm. Closed on Christmas Day. (Please note, NOT open during business hours, website is out of date.) www.arbutusauto.com
Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department, 5200 Southwestern Boulevard Baltimore, MD. 18th Annual Old Fashioned Christmas Garden, new designs every year. November 20 through January 1, Weeknights 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Weekends 11am - 8:30pm, Christmas Eve and New Year Eve, 11am - 4pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 410-242-6601, www.arbutusvfd.org
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD. Celebrate the holiday season at Baltimore’s largest display of toy and model train layouts. Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive by locomotive into the Roundhouse at 10:30am on Friday, November 25. Debuting opening weekend November 25-27 is an incredible LEGO toy train layout. NEW this year is the Honorable William Donald Schaefer's toy train layout and a new operating floor level G-scale layout. Weekend train rides and photo opportunities with Santa & Frosty the Snowman through December 18. Train rides continue with Frosty the Snowman. Different model train displays every weekend! November 25 - December 31, Monday through Saturday 10am - 4pm. Sunday, 11am - 4pm. Closed on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Day. 410-752-2490, www.borail.org
Baltimore City Fire Department, Engine Company 45 and Truck Company 27, 2700 Glen Avenue, Baltimore, MD. Continuing a longtime tradition, the Baltimore City Fire Department has opened its 55th 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 and is expected to draw more than 10,000 people. Operating every day 10am - 9pm from December 3 through January 1. 443-984-1529.
Baltimore Society of Model Engineers, 225 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD. Open House 2nd Sunday of the month, 1pm - 5pm. Two large (12'x65') layouts featuring diesel, steam trains, and trolleys in HO and O scale, operating Thomas the Tank Engine model. Additional static model displays, 34 authentic railroad heralds, and railroad manufacturer's publicity photos. Special Holiday open house dates: November 13, December 11, 18 January 1, 8, 15, and 22, and 29, 410-837-2763 (Friday evenings), www.modelengineers.com
Baltimore Streetcar Museum, 1911 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD. "Santa's Streetcar", Ride an authentic streetcar with Santa Claus, see the 16' decorated tree and train gardens, listen to a reading of "A Visit from Saint Nick", and enjoy holiday refreshments and music. Saturday and Sunday, December 10, 11, 17, and 18, Noon - 5pm. 410-547-0264, www.baltimorestreetcar.org
Brother Gerry's Christmas Train Garden, The Shrine of St. Anthony, 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD. Br. Gerry Seipp, one of the Franciscan Friars, loves trains! He has been collecting trains and train accessories since he was a child growing up in East Baltimore. His Christmas train garden has been collected and added to over the past decade. Bring your family and friends to the Manor House and enjoy an old-fashioned train garden and the chance to talk trains with Br. Gerry! December 11, 18, January 8, 15, 22, 29, Sundays 3pm - 5pm. 410-531-2800, www.www.shrineofstanthony.org
Catonsville Historical Society, 1824 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD. Christmas Open House. Our Townsend House and Pullen Museum will be decorated for the holidays, our trains will be up and running on both days. We also have a wonderful doll house, that will be on view. Our train garden and trains are 1940-50's from the Catonsville Fire Department, which were renovated about 7 years ago. On Sunday, The Salem Brass will entertain us and Santa will be visiting from 1-3pm for the "little ones". December 3 1pm - 3pm. December 4 1pm - 5pm. 410-744-3034, www.catonsvillehistory.org
Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market), Zion Church of Baltimore, City Hall Plaza, 400 East Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD. For the 14th year, visitors can feast on authentic German foods and stock their pantries with imported holiday goodies including Stollen, Lebkuchen, Marzipan, and Advent calendars. Local craftspeople display their handmade snowflakes, Santas, and floral arrangements along with commercial importers of smokers and steins. A model train garden is also part of the event. Saturday November 26 10am - 4pm, Sunday November 27, 11am - 4pm. 410-727-3939, www.zionbaltimore.org
Christmas on 34th Street, Baltimore, MD. This is a Baltimore tradition almost as old as train gardens. For the 64th 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 26 through January 1, 6pm - midnight. www.christmasstreet.com
Don Myers, 3064 Deepwater Way, Edgewood, MD. Outdoor train display and huge roller coasters, sponsored by K'NEX. November 27 through January 3, 6pm - 9pm weekdays, 1pm - 9pm weekends, weather permitting, closed Christmas Day.
Don Thompson and Jim Lanahan, Just off Bel Air Road, Perry Hall, MD. This Christmas garden has trains and much more, a realistic village with familiar landmarks such as the Bromo Seltzer Tower, Chick-fil-A, Lowes, and Lands' End . November 26 - January 7, 6pm - 8pm weeknights (closed Thursdays), 1pm - 8 pm weekends. Because there is not much room around the display, Don and Jim ask that you call ahead to make reservations and get directions, 410-529-1457
Dundalk Patapsco Neck Historical Society, 4 Center Place, Dundalk, MD. This year's train garden 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 75 action scenes, including a huge carnival. Open December 3 through the January 8. Open seven days a week Noon - 8pm. Closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day. The museum will also feature Luminary Night on December 17. Call 410-284-2331 for more information. dundalktraingarden.blogspot.com
Ellicott City B&O Railroad Museum, 2711 Maryland Avenue, Ellicott City, MD. "Holiday Festival of Trains" An annual holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading featuring a new multi-dimensional O-gauge model train layout, a Thomas the Tank engine layout and the Museum's permanent HO model train layout inside the Freight House. Meet Santa and Frosty the Snowman on certain weekends throughout the festival. Opening November 25 and running through January 29. The museum will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am – 4pm, closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. 410-461-1945, www.ecborail.org
Ellicott City Fire Company #2, 4150 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD. 13th Annual Train Garden. A 24 x 10 Foot display that largely fills a glass-walled room. Coal locomotives, Switch tracks, flashing train signals. In all there are eight trains, including a circus train, an Amtrak passenger train and a long freight train that course along various tracks, on various levels, chugging into tunnels, disappearing into and then emerging from snow-covered mountains. There’s a carousel and a North Pole scene, complete with Santa Claus and his elves. Open December 3 through January 1. Hours are Saturday and Sunday 11am - 8:30pm, Wednesday through Friday 6:30 - 8:30pm, plus 11am - 4pm on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day. Call 410-313-2036 for additional information and additional hours.
Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Road, Lutherville, MD. Watch antique O-Scale trains and a street car wind their way through the Baltimore neighborhood in front of a new wooded hillside. Join kids of all ages as they enjoy the rebuilt Holiday Train Garden. The new Garden features a “burning” building, complete with fire engines and hoses crisscrossing the ground. Be sure to check out the historic photos of Baltimore area train gardens. Open December 3, 10, 17, and 26-31, 10am - 4pm. 410-321-7500, www.firemuseummd.org
Glyndon Volunteer Fire Department, 4812 Butler Road, Glyndon, MD. Fourth annual holiday train garden. The 12 x 32 ft "O" scale layout took volunteers over 1550 hours to create. Lots of interactive buttons for the kids to push and a scavenger hunt to follow throughout the garden! There are 5 trains on the layout and many fully operational accessories. The man in the red suit will be visiting on weekend for children who want to have pictures taken with Santa. November 25 through January 8. Monday through Fridays 5:30pm - 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays Noon - 9pm. Closed Christmas day and opening at 5 on New Years Day. 410-833-1262 ext. 5, www.gvfd40.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 3-4, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm. 630-279-4087, www.greenbergshows.com
Highlandtown Holiday Train Garden, Engine Company 41, 520 South Conkling Street, Baltimore, MD. A new Highlandtown tradition enters its third year and double in size! Includes a slideshow of with photos of family holiday train garden's from years past (contact them if you have a photo to contribute). December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 31, January 1, 11am - 5pm. December 9, 16, 19-23, 26-30, January 2-3, 3pm - 8pm. www.highlandtowntraingarden.com
Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum, 12985 Frederick Road, West Friendship, MD. Holiday Open House. Train garden, antique displays, live music, refreshments and rides (weather permitting). December 3, 4, 10, 11, Noon - 4pm. www.farmheritage.org
John & June Sturgeon, 836 Turf Valley Drive, Pasadena, MD. 16th Annual Train garden with 11 trains consisting of an amusement park, football stadium, hot dog stand, and a winter wonderland that includes lighted houses, ice skaters, and skiers. Enjoy lots of lighted yard decorations. November 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 12-23, 26-27, 6pm - 9pm. Please park on Hunt Ridge Road and walk to the house. Look for flashing RR crossing sign in the back yard.
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Festival of Trees, Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD. Celebrating 21 years! An extravaganza of fairyland forests, gingerbread towns and toy train gardens, complimented by over 100 craft boutiques, holiday goodies and activities for kids of all ages, also nightly entertainment for the whole family! November 25-27, Friday & Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm. festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org
Marley Station Mall, 7900 Governor Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD. Holiday Train Garden. A tradition in Glen Burnie for 16 years. Created by the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, this legendary display features a number of multi-level scenes featuring 10 trains and many landscapes - airport, beach, raceway, towns, oil fields, freight yards, the North Pole with the Polar Express, Gumdrop City and scenes from the movie "Cars" - with a number of interactive elements for the enjoyment of parents and children alike. And a passenger train circling it all from above. Opening November 19 and running through December 31. 410-766-2033, www.shopmarleystation.com
Morton's Model Railroads, 2000 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD, Open houses beginning December through January 2, Saturdays & Sundays, including Christmas Day. 2pm - 6pm
Rawlings Conservatory, 3100 Swan Drive in Druid Hill Park (near the corner of McCulloh Street and Gwynns Falls Parkway), Baltimore, MD. Holiday Poinsettia Show and Train Garden. An entire pavilion is devoted to a train garden featuring several settings---a country, a small town, a city and even a circus! Lots of interesting objects & delightful detail. And, it is set up amid hundreds of gorgeous poinsettias and a 'living green wall' so the visit there will be loaded with delights. December 9 through January 1. Wednesday through Sunday: 10am - 4pm. 410-396-0008. www.baltimoreconservatory.org
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. Open House December 3 & 4, Noon - 5pm. www.severnapark.railfan.net
The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, MD. "Making Tracks to Kenilworth for the Holidays". A spectacular holiday tradition –over ninety-two feet of action packed model trains, animations and hundreds of your favorite characters!! The annual Christmas train garden, which runs from November 25 through January 6, has been a legendary tradition at The Shops at Kenilworth for 22 years. The vast display of trains, bridges and animated displays and figures is created each year by The Train Group consisting of 10 model train enthusiast who are dedicated to providing a display that appeals to all ages. Open during Mall hours. While you're there, check out the train layouts down in Stebbins Anderson too! 410-321-1909, www.theshopsatkenilworth.com
South Columbia Baptist Church, 8814 Guilford Road, Columbia, MD. The Meade Area Railroad Society and the Northern Virginia N Track organization will present the train garden open house, December 10, Noon - 6pm. There will be refreshments, children's crafts, and a musical by the children's choir at 5pm. 410-381-1877, www.scbc-md.org
Subway City Holiday Train Garden, Mondawmin Metro Subway Station, 2307 Liberty Heights Avenue (intersection with Reisterstown Road), Baltimore, MD. The interactive train garden 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. MTA volunteers will be on hand to operate the trains in the garden on December 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The rest of the time 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 during normal Metro Subway operating hours, from November 26 through January 7.
Sykesville and Patapsco Railway, Downtown 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 3, 3pm to 9pm, in conjunction with the Sykesville tree lighting ceremony, which runs from 6pm - 9pm that evening. Santa will be in the caboose from about 6:30pm - 9pm. Train displays also open December 4, 10, & 11, January 7 & 8, Noon - 4pm. Open houses are normally held the 1st Sunday of each month from Noon - 4pm. 443-280-9878, www.sprailway.org
Toy Train Operating Society, Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire House, 161 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD. The National Capital Division presents their Family Train and Toy Show. Trains and accessories (old and new) in all scales for sale, repair and replacement parts, and test tracks. Operating layout display by the Baltimore Area American Flyer Club. Sunday December 11, 9am - 2pm.
Triangle & Western Model Railroad Club, 8622 Belair Rd , Baltimore, MD. Open houses, December 10 & 11, 17 & 18, and January 7 & 8. Noon - 4pm. triangleandwesternrr.tripod.com
Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Department, 214 Wise Avenue, Dundalk, MD. 31st Holiday Train Display. November 26 through January 8. Weeknights 6pm - 9pm, Weekends Noon - 9pm, closed Christmas Day. 410-288-0710, www.wavfc.com
Washington DC and Maryland suburbs
Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD. For the 10th year Bowie resident Ted Tuck (shameless plug for WVMGRS club member) has created a train garden at the Senior Center for all to enjoy. The scenery and trains change throughout the course of the display so there's always something new to see - Christmas display, circus train, fire department parade, hot rot show and finally "love train" for Valentine's Day rounding out the themes. December 3 through February 14, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am - 8:30pm, and Saturdays, 8:30am - 2:30pm. 301-809-2300, www.bowieseniorcenter.org
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. The Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society returns for its seventh year to operate a garden railway inside the South Conservatory. Trains weave around a variety of evergreens and conifers as well as colorful flowering plants of the season as they travel through towns and country-side scenes. This year’s plantings will include a few edible plants like chard and hot peppers which offer colorful leaves and fruits. November 25 through January 8, 10am - 5pm daily (closed Christmas and New Year's Day). Conservatories are also open for "Garden of Lights" ticket holders, Monday through Thursday, 5:30pm - 9pm, Friday through Sunday, 5:30pm - 10pm, (closed evenings December 24, 25, January 2, 3, 5). 301-962-1400, www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside
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. Saturday, December 17 through Friday, December 23, 10am - 5pm. 30l-864-6029; TTY 30l-864-4765, www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com
National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, MD. In addition to the regular museum experience, also visit with Santa and see the Christmas garden exhibit with toy trains. November 26, 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, Noon - 5 pm. 301-384-6088, www.dctrolley.org/index.htm
The National Christmas Tree, The Ellipse, Washington, DC. What's a Christmas tree without a train running around it? For the 17th consecutive year, enjoy the National Christmas Tree Railroad encircling "our" Christmas Tree (and all the other decorations). December 1 through January 1, 11 - 11 daily. 202-208-1631, www.nps.gov/whho/ and www.nctrr.com
National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW. Washington, DC. The Zoo has a train exhibit with the opening of its holiday lights and family fun festival, ZooLights! Trains will travel through a Winterland Zoo and Thomas will be there too. Look for all the excitement in the Visitor Center, near the Zoo’s entrance on Connecticut Avenue. There will also be a ride-on train circling the Great Cat Circle. ZooLights will run November 25-27, December 2-4, 9-11, and December 16 to January 1 (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year Eve), 2 from 6:30pm - 8pm. www.nationalzoo.si.edu
Potomac Express, Gaylord National Resort Hotel and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD. All aboard! Big kids and little kids alike can take a ride under the glass Christmas tree aboard our beautiful miniature train. Enjoy other holiday décor including a nightly snowfall (!?). November 18 through January 8. www.GaylordNational.com
Rockville Lions Club, Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive, Rockville, MD. 21st 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 12, 10am - 4pm and Sunday November 13, Noon - 4pm. www.rockvillelions.org
Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD. Model Train & Doll House Display December 3-11; weekdays 9am-4pm, weekends Noon-4pm. Admission $3 Children & Seniors; $5 Adults. For more information call 301-774-0022 or see www.sandyspringmuseum.org
Union Station, 40 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington DC. Union Station has a new holiday train display with the support of MTH Trains and Amtrak. Three different layouts provide lots of action and variety. November 22 through January 2. 8am - 10pm. 202-289-1908, www.unionstationdc.com
U. S. Botanic Garden, Conservatory, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. " Season's Greenings" Our famous Garden Railway on display in the East Gallery will feature imaginative buildings created with plant materials. Explore "Who Lives Here?" and see all kinds of delightful dwellings, from an opossum house and a critter condo to model American presidential homes. Don't miss this popular exhibit, including one of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington, D.C., and the capital's landmark buildings in the Garden Court. Display opens November 24 and runs through January 2, 10am - 5pm daily. 202-225-8333, www.usbg.gov
Applewood Farm, 4435 Prospect Road, Whiteford, MD. "Christmas at Applewood". Eight model train displays and The Applewood Express, a miniature 1870's vintage steam train that will carry guests on a scenic 6/10 mile tour. Plus Christmas trees, hayrides, petting zoo, kiddy maze, lawn bowling, reindeer antler toss, & 1773 log barn. November 26 through December 18, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am - 4pm. www.applewoodfarm.org
Chesapeake Susquehanna & Western Model Railroad, 36 Porter Road, North East, MD. 13th Annual Christmas Model Train Open House has been under construction for the past 13 years and continues to change each year. Tuesdays December 6, 13, 27, Thursday December 1, 22, 29, 6:30pm - 9pm. Saturdays December 10, 11am - 4pm. Sunday December 4, 18, 1pm - 5pm. If you need information or directions, please call our office between 8:30am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. 410-658-4297.
Christopher’s Train Garden, Broom’s Bloom Ice Cream and Dairy Store, 1700 South Fountain Green Road (MD 543), Bel Air, MD. Train garden displayed in memory of Christopher Cooper by his family and friends. See our newest addition for 2011, The Ocean City Boardwalk, complete with an operating model roller coaster, rides and many other favorite OC attractions. Come experience the magic of the Polar Express. Enjoy trains of all sizes as they circle in and around models of local favorites such as Bel Air’s Main Street, Brooms Bloom Dairy Farm and Annie’s Playground. Feel the holiday spirit with the Dickens and Christmas Villages along with lots of animation including skiers, snowboarders, ice skaters and much more. There is a play area for children with a train table and an area to color, read stories and write letters to Santa. November 25 through January 1. Tuesday to Sunday Noon - 8pm. Santa will visit Saturday's and Sunday's 12-2pm at which time there will also be cookie decorating. 410-399-COWS, www.bbdairy.com
Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, 3825 Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD. 30th Annual Train Garden open from November 25 through January 15. Open 6:30pm - 9pm Fridays, 1pm - 9pm Saturdays and Sundays, 9am - 9pm Saturday, December 10 for the Craft Fair. Also 1pm - 9pm December 26 and 6:30pm - 9pm December 27-30. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A special O scale 30th year commemorative box car will be on sale. 410-692-7890, www.jarrettsvillevfc.com
Liriodendron Mansion, 502 West Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD. Holiday Happenings at Liriodendron. Crafts, music, trains, villages, choirs, holiday decorations, artwork. The mansion will be decorated for Christmas. A great event for all ages! December 16-18, Friday Noon - 7pm, Saturday Noon - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 3pm. 410-838-3942 or 410-879-4424, www.liriodendron.com/index.html
Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, 3209 Main Street, Manchester, MD. There will not be a Train Garden this year due to personal reasons but we will be back and running trains again in 2012. 410-239-2286, www.manchestervfd.org
Mason Dixon Large Scale Railroad Society, Bel Air Town Center, 500 Block of Baltimore Pike (US Business 1, enter between Chili's and Taco Bell and go straight), Bel Air, MD. View two G-gauge layouts: a large, 72-foot long modular layout with scratchbuilt model structures the depicting local area and lots of animated scenes. Also, a smaller Christmas tree layout with illuminated buildings in a wintry scene is in the store window. November 25 - January 8, Thursdays and Fridays 5pm - 8pm, Saturdays Noon - 8pm, Sunday Noon - 4pm, also December 26-30 5pm - 8pm, closed Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Eve and Day. www.mdlsrs.com
Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, 702 North Main Street, Mount Airy, MD. 7th Annual Holiday Train Garden December 3 through January 1. Saturdays & Sundays Noon - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. 301-829-0100 ext. 61, www.mavfc.org
Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company, 2030 South Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster, MD. 29th Annual "Christmas in the Valley" The train garden was redesigned features several new attractions as well as some favorites from past train garden displays. Grand Opening November 12 from 9am - 3pm, then each Saturday and Sunday November 19 through January 15, from Noon - 4pm. Christmas Eve Noon - 8pm. December 28-30 from 4pm - 8pm, November 25 - Special after Thanksgiving showing, Noon - 6pm, closed Christmas Day. 410-848-1977, www.pleasantvalleyfire.org
West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, 12535 State Route 99 / Old Fredrick Road, Sykesville, MD. The Four County Society of Model Engineers will have their Modular HO layout set up during the Holiday Season. December 12 through January 7, closed Christmas and New Year's Eve. Weeknights, 6pm - 9pm, weekends, 11am - 5pm. 703-759-2771, www.wfvfd.org
Brunswick Railroad Museum, 40 West Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD. For over 30 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 railyard that would reshape Brunswick into a company town with a population of over 5000! See lots of real trains running just down the street! Fridays 10am - 2pm, Saturdays 10amp - 4pm, Sundays, 1pm - 4pm. 301-834-7100, www.brrm.net
Frederick County Society of Model Engineers, 423 East Patrick Street (near the Great Frederick Fairgrounds) in Frederick, MD. The club HO and HOn3 layout is housed in a restored heavyweight Chesapeake & Ohio six-door baggage type car. A G-scale layout is adjacent to the car. Open House Schedule is as follows. All dates are 1pm - 4pm. City of Frederick, Children's Weekend, December 10-11; Annual Winter Open Houses, January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5. www.fcsme.com
Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, 300 South Burhan’s Boulevard (US 11), Hagerstown, MD. The "Trains of Christmas" Show features an "O" Scale 3-Rail Christmas layout with steam and diesel trains by Lionel, MTH, Williams, Weaver, and others operating in snow scene on four levels. The smoke and sounds of the steam and diesel locomotives fill the air with railroading past and present. Our "O" and "HO" trains will also be in operation. Railroad artifacts, photos, trains for kids to run, and a gift shop too. November 18 - February 28, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 1pm - 5pm, also open December 22, 26 and 29. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Day. 301-739-4665, www.roundhouse.org
Harrisonville, a Model Railroad Town, 3837 South Mountain Road, Knoxville, MD. 3837 South Mountain Road, Knoxville, MD. Their 20th year, come see 24 trains running indoors and 1 out! 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. November 25 through January 15, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 5pm - 9pm, Saturday 11 - 7pm. Closed December 10.
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. November 26 and 27, 1pm - 5pm. Wednesdays November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 6pm - 9pm. Sundays December 4, 11, 18, January 8, 1pm - 5pm. www.freewebs.com/mdwvmodelrrclub
The Train Room, 360 South Burhan’s Boulevard (US 11), Hagerstown, MD. Come play with us at The Train Room and see one of the largest electric train displays with lots of hands on displays for kids of all ages. Home to one of the largest collections of rare and unusual items from Lionel, model railroading, and toys. Much of the collection pre-dates World War II. Mondays and Fridays 9am - 6pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am - 5pm, and Saturdays 9am - 5pm, Sundays Noon - 5pm. 301-745-6681, www.the-train-room.com
Maryland & Delaware - Eastern Shore
Blue Heron Christmas Tree Farm, 317 Devers Branch Road, Centreville, MD. "Choose-and-cut" Christmas trees, wreaths, and roping. Our farm has a kid's outdoor train display and we provide free hayrides beginning at 1pm on weekends. November 25 through December 20, weekdays except Wednesdays, 1pm - 5pm, Weekends, 9am - 5pm. www.blueherontreefarm.com
Cambridge Rescue Fire Company, 307 Gay Street, Cambridge, MD. Gaze in wonder at this holiday-themed train display at the Cambridge Rescue and Fire Company in historic downtown Cambridge. Perfect for all ages! The Train Garden features little towns, industrial areas, rural areas, scenic areas and several emergency rescue displays. The display, now in its 77th year, has grown to 14 trains running on 750 feet of track, and is created each year by the volunteers with the Cambridge Rescue Fire Company. It takes six RFC members nine weeks and more than 400 man-hours to assemble the Train Garden. December 1 through 30. Weeknights 6pm - 9pm, Weekends 1pm - 4pm and 6pm - 9pm. 410-228-1211, www.rescuefirecompany.org
Delmarva Model Railroad Club, 103 State Street, Delmar, DE. Open house featuring layouts in N scale, N Scale modules, HO, O Tinplate, O Scale, Standard, and G Scale. November 26-27, December 3-4, January 7-8, and January 14-15. Saturdays 11am to 5pm, Sundays Noon - 5pm. www.delmarvamodelrailroadclub.org
Museum of Eastern Shore Life, at Kent Narrows Outlets Shopping Center, 58 Piney Narrows Road, Chester, MD (Take Exit 41 from Rt 50/301 at the West end of the Kent Narrows Bridge). Queen Anne’s Railroad Society. Festival of Trains. All kinds of electric trains and antiques, from Z to G, and Santa will be there! Refreshments served. December 3-4 & 10-11, Saturday & Sunday Noon - 5pm, 410-758-8640, www.museumeslife.org
Pocomoke River Canoe Company, 312 North Washington Street, Snow Hill MD. The 19th Annual Corddry Company Crossing Train Garden that is reminiscent of Snow Hill many years ago. Children and their families will love this recently renovated enchanted wonderland reduced to "O" gauge. November 4, December 2, 5pm - 8pm. November 26, 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 31, January 1 1pm - 4pm. www.snowhillmd.com
Sudlersville Train Station Museum, 101 Linden Street, Sudlersville, MD. Old Fashioned Christmas. Museum open, model train running, refreshments. December 3 & 10 Saturday 10am - 2pm. 410-438-3501, www.historicqac.org
Calvert Hospice 23rd Annual Festival of Trees, Huntingtown High School, 4125 North Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, MD. Trees, trains, and craft vendors. November 25-27, Friday 6pm - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 8pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm. 410-535-0892, 301-855-1226, www.calverthospice.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. Display runs November 11 through January 8, Monday through Friday 10am - 7pm, Saturday 8am - 7pm, 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 19. 301-261-4550, 410-798-5000, www.homesteadgardens.com
St. Clement's Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, MD. 26th Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit. The St. Clement's Island Museum comes alive with antique dolls, collectible toys, and working miniature trains. December 1 through December 31. Wednesday through Sunday, Noon to 4 pm. (closed Christmas and New Year's Days) 301-769-2222, www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/stclementsisland.asp
Tan’s Motorcycle Shop, 9032 Chesapeake Beach Avenue, North Beach, MD. Since Christmas 2000, Tan’s Motorcycles has set up a huge Lionel model train display with village, tunnels, roads, pond, waterfall and more. It’s grown to a 20-by-20-foot display with 16 trains, two waterfalls, an airport complete with touch-and-go model plane, a disappearing train tunnel, pond, skating resort and more buildings in the model villages. November 25 through January 14. Monday through Friday 3pm - 8pm, Saturday Noon - 5pm, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve Noon - 5pm, December 27 through 30 Noon - 8pm. 410-257-6619, www.tanscyclesparts.com
Chantilly Bible Church, 4390 Pleasant Valley Rd, Chantilly, VA. Come see the Piedmont Modular Club HO layout, an O Scale Lionel winter layout, a large Lego Train display, and a large scale train that kids can run. Saturday, December 10, 10am - 3pm. 703-263-1188, www.chantillybible.org
Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA. For the 22nd year, trains travel through a snowy western landscape. Saturday & Sunday December 17-18, 11am - 4pm. 703-759-2771, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station, VA. 22nd Annual Model Train Display. 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. Santa will be there, and if the weather cooperates, we also will have numerous antique cars on display. Saturday December 3 10am - 5pm, Sunday December 4 Noon - 4pm. 703-425-9225, www.fairfax-station.org
Herndon Depot Museum, Herndon ArtSpace, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Sixth Annual Herndon Holiday Model Train Show. Operating model train displays will be provided by members of the Northern Virginia N-Trak (N gauge) and the Potomac Modular Crew (HO gauge). December 10 & 11, Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 11am - 4pm. On Saturday only, the Herndon Depot Museum, featuring W&OD Railroad memorabilia, will also be open as will the W&OD Caboose at 765 Lynn Street. www.herndonhistoricalsociety.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 12, December 17, and January 14. 1pm - 5pm, and open November 28 6pm - 9pm for the Holiday Stroll. 703-938-5157, www.nvmr.org
Prince William County Model Railroad Club, Quantico Depot, 550 Railroad Street, Quantico, VA. The PWMRC has a HO layout at the historic Quantico Depot. Open Houses December 3, 10, 17, 24, 10am - 4pm. Also December 4 10am - 4pm for the Quantico Parade. www.pwmrc.org
Train Collectors Association, Shriners’ Kena Temple, 9001 Arlington Boulevard, Fairfax, VA. The Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis (WB&A) Chapter presents their annual Toy Train Show & Sale. Trains for sale (old and new), several HUGE layouts (Thomas the Tank Engine), plus the "Train Doctor" and Santa! December 10, 9am - 3:30pm. www.wbachaptertca.org
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA. Holiday tradition features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. Visit often to fully experience Dominion GardenFest of Lights - the region's ultimate holiday extravaganza! Visitors can also marvel at displays in the Garden’s Conservatory and decorations in the Visitors Center and the Education and Library Complex. November 25 through January 9 (closed Christmas Eve and Day), 5pm - 10pm. 804-262-9887, www.lewisginter.org
Rappahannock Model Railroad Club, Fredericksburg National Guard Armory, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA. 14th Annual Train Show and Sale featuring operating layouts of scales, displays, and model train vendors. December 10 and 11, 10am - 5pm. 540-891-1914, www.rmrrclub.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 2-9, Monday-Friday, 6pm - 8:30pm, Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 1-8pm. www.tbto.org
Antique Auto Museum, 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA. "All Aboard!" as trains, trains and more trains will abound throughout all levels of the Museum! Our classic Roads to Rails model train display will again feature multiple trains, including Thomas the Tank Engine – a family favorite. Several new model train displays will debut on the Museum’s main and upper levels this season including a Polar Express model train village. November 19 through December 31, Daily 9am - 5pm, closed Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Day. 717-566-7100, www.aacamuseum.org
Conewago Valley Model Railroad Club, 206 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, PA. Baggage car & caboose beside the old train station. December 4 and 18, 1pm - 5pm.
Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club, 440 Nelson Street, Chambersburg, PA. Christmas Open House. 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 gauge miles of HO track, 8 O scale miles and 10 N gauge miles. G gauge is under construction, we have engines running a complete oval above your head when you walk in the door. December 11, 18, 26, January 2, 8, 15. Noon - 5pm. 717-263-6447, www.cvmrrc.com
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, 5300 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA. Toy Train Exhibit in the Centennial Barn with HO gauge trains displayed on a layout representing communities in Central Pennsylvania. November 26 through December 18, Saturdays and Sundays 12:30pm - 4:30pm. 717-599-5751, www.forthunter.org
Glen Rock Fire Department, Hufnagel Public Library, 32 Main Street, Glen Rock, PA. Annual Christmas Train Display features 4 large layouts, HO, American Flyer, O, and G. With all of the trains we have over 1800 square feet of trains. There is lots of animation. See the real water and fish on the Garden layout. November 25 through December 30. Fridays 6pm - 9pm, Sundays 2pm - 6pm. Also Christmas Eve 9pm - Midnight and Friday, January 6 and Sunday, January 8, 2012. www.grfd.org
Harsco Science Center at the Whitaker Center, 222 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA. Holiday Trains & Trees returns to Whitaker Center’s Harsco Science Center for another magical holiday season. Beautifully decorated trees surrounded by themed toy train models will delight children of all ages. Special hands-on train activities are available for young children. Presented by Strasburg Rail Road. All Aboard for the Whitaker Express! Kids and grown-ups can ride on this charming steam engine replica as it rolls through Whitaker Center this holiday season. Open from November 19 through January 1. Hours for both the exhibit and Whitaker Express are Tuesday through Saturday 9:30am to 5pm, and Sunday 11:30am to 5pm. 717-214-ARTS, www.whitakercenter.org/science
Lutheran Home at Topton, Brandywine Community Library, Old Main Building, One South Home Avenue, Topton, PA. Public tours of the 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, Saturdays and Sundays December 3 through December 18, plus Monday December 26.
Mechanicsburg Museum Association, 3 West Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA. "Trains, Trees and Teddy Bears" HO & Lionel trains operating in the Freight Station Gallery. November 12 through January 14, Wednesday through Saturday, from Noon - 3pm. 717-697-6088, www.mechanicsburgmuseum.org
Miniature Railroad Club of York, 381 Wheatfield Street, York, PA. 67th 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 27, December 4, 11, 18, January 8, 1pm - 5pm. December 10, 17, 23, 30, 31, January 7, 6-9pm. 717-599-5751, www.mrrcy.com
National Christmas Center, 3427 Lincoln Highway East (Route 30), Paradise, PA. Toyland train mountain! Three tiers high and 30 feet in diameter, our mountain of electric trains is a world in miniature - tiny figures, animals, buildings and landscaping make it a place of magic. May 1 through the New Year - Open daily, 7 days a week, 10am - 6pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; closing early Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. November 25 through December 24, Friday and Saturday, 10am – 8pm. 717-442-7950, www.nationalchristmascenter.com
Red Lion Train Station Model Railroaders, 73 North Main Street, Red Lion, PA. 8th Annual Holiday Open House in the historic Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad’s Red Lion Train Station with O, S, and HO-Gauge layouts. December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17-31 except Christmas Eve and Day, Saturdays and Sundays 1pm - 5pm, weeknights 6pm - 8:30pm. www.redlionpa.org
Roadside America, Exit 23, Interstate 78, Shartlesville, PA. A panorama of life in rural United States (which includes trains, of course!). The exhibit spans more than two hundred years in time and lets you see, in exquisite miniature, how people lived and worked in pioneer days - through the years since then - right up to the present. Winter hours Monday through Friday, 10am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 6pm. Closed Christmas Day. 610-488-6241. www.roadsideamericainc.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. Come and see the new work we have done!! December 10, 17, January 7-8, 14-15, 21, 28-29, 1pm - 5pm. waynesboromodelrrclub.com
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