Nothing beats the childhood joy of seeing a choo choo train display during the holiday season.
Especially when that includes boarding a plane Christmas nightmare Filled with holiday decor, the smell of hot cocoa wafting through the cars, and plenty of stunning views.
Here's a roundup of some of the best holiday train rides and model train displays in the United States for this festive season.
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Set your sights on your favorites – and add them to your wish list for a book-worthy holiday memory.
Here are eight to catch while you can (some last well into January). It is always best to check dates and ticket prices on each location's website in advance.
Tweet Christmas in Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Enjoy a rail vacation experience in beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views. (Twitsie Railway)
Enjoy a Tweety Christmas in Western North Carolina at Tweety, a Wild West-inspired holiday rail experience.
In the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll ride a train behind a real deal dating back to 1866 Decorated steam locomotive With sparkling lights.
Top that off with Christmas carols, live holiday performances, and the chance to meet Santa at the Gingerbread House at home base, and you've got the makings of a wonderful holiday memory.
The tweetie Railroad grounds also feature four classic amusement rides, including the holiday-themed Little Drummer Boy Tea Cup, and there's a fire pit where you can enjoy microbrews and hot cocoa and restaurants if you need to sit on solid ground for a while. . Learn more at tweetsie.com.
Eiteljorg Jingle Rails in Indianapolis, Indiana
Watch Indianapolis' amazing toy train displays at Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum. (Visit Indy)
For an unforgettable toy train show, head to Indy, where you can see Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum. The model train display spans approximately 1,200 square feet and features 25 model trains making their way through diverse landscapes such as the White House, the Indianapolis skyline, and the Grand Canyon.
Fun fact: All of the 30-plus locations on display are handcrafted from natural materials and decorated with holiday lights. Christmas scorer.
While here, guests can also enjoy the new Winter Market where local artists sell everything from artwork to candles. Learn more at eiteljorg.org/exhibitions.
Waumbek Wonderland, the Mount Washington Cog Railway in Carroll, New Hampshire
Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus on a winter getaway filled with hot chocolate, cozy cottages, and a roaring fire. (Mount Washington Cog Railway)
Everyone is on board to climb Mount Washington on the Cog Railway for a cup of hot cocoa with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
This winter, Cog Railway trains terminate at the wonder of the alpine meadows that is Waumbek Station. With an elevation of about 4,000 feet, the place boasts panoramic views of the South Presidential Mountain Range to the Canadian border.
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Travelers can enjoy Stop by for 25 minutes to sample the aforementioned hot chocolate, cozy up in the huts or stand by the roaring fire pit. Learn more at bretonwoodsvacations.com.
Potomac Eagle Scenic Byway Arctic Railway in Romney, West Virginia
Immerse yourself in a Christmas movie scene aboard this antique train traveling through the hills of West Virginia. (West Virginia Department of Tourism)
Immerse yourself in a Hallmark movie scene on a vintage train ride through the rolling hills of West Virginia while channeling some Arctic joy.
Travelers will be given a 75-minute ride complete with carols, “The Nutcracker” character. Dance performances and the story “Yes, West Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”
All this and more can be washed down with Mrs. Claus milk and cookies. The final approach to the scenic caboose displays glowing Christmas lights, dancing elves and a cameo of Santa.
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Returning to the Christmas Event Barn after the trip, kids can enjoy the farm petting farm, crafts, taking photos, roasting s'mores and more.
Note: A first class ticket will see you hop aboard a beautifully restored 1940s and 1950s vintage dining car with lounge-style seating. Learn more at potomaceagle.com.
Polar Express, Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in Williams, Arizona
Feast on a children's Christmas classic filled with hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while aboard the Polar Express. (Zantera Travel Set)
In the breathtaking landscape of the American Southwest, vacation splendor unfolds along the Grand Canyon Railroad, which turns into… winter classics, Fast polarity.
For 90 minutes, you'll move through the landscape while reading the children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg.
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Music, visits from Santa, hot chocolate, and chocolate chip cookies sweeten the deal on this trip. Learn more at thetrain.com.
Santa Train Jolly excursions on the Napa Valley Wine Train in Napa, California
Choose from a variety of holiday desserts or a festive dinner in a vintage Pullman dining car when in Napa. (Visit California)
The Napa Valley Wine Train is popular during the holiday season for its Napa Valley Wine Tasting Locomotive Tours and hosts jolly Santa Train rides, many to Children's joy – And children at heart.
Once on board, you'll be visited by expert carol singers, cookies, cocoa and Santa – plus print and digital photo ops at four locations along the way.
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On the food side, choose desserts in Santa's Cookie Car or have a full holiday dinner in a vintage Pullman dining car called the Gourmet Holiday Express.
Don't forget to enjoy the stunning views from the Very Merry Vista Dome Observation Car before your time on this private train ride is up. Learn more at winetrain.com.
Trains at North Park in Dallas, Texas
NorthPark is celebrating its 37th year, with more than 600 trains on display this holiday season. (Trains in North Park)
For another great view of train toys, check this one out.
Now in its 37th year of operation, this highly detailed display features nearly 600 trains, a slew of famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, and the Dallas skyline — plus a new, fully-crafted display. of lego cubes, All across 1,600 feet of track.
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Bonus: Visitors can leave the exhibit knowing that their admission fee benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, which helps families with sick or injured children. Learn more at trainsatnorthpark.org.
“Season's Greenings” outdoor train display at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C
A gorgeous model train is on full display at the U.S. Botanical Garden as caboose wanders around the gorgeous flowers. (Courtesy Washington.org)
The third holiday train display not to be missed is the impressive setting at our neighborhood American Botanic Garden The nation's capital.
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Here, get excited about a fantastic outdoor model train as the miniature cab rolls past pollinators and their plants – fittingly for the setting.
Train enthusiasts will want to learn more about these iconic locomotive displays across America this holiday season. (Courtesy of Washington.org; West Virginia Department of Tourism)
During the display, made from plant parts, you will see large-scale models of our country's native flowers such as the milkweed, the orchid bee that pollinates the vanilla orchid, the chocolate fly that pollinates the cocoa flower and much more.
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FYI: As with Many museums In DC, the US Botanical Garden is free. Learn more at usbg.gov/holiday.
