’Tis the season for glittering lights, Christmas trees, gift giving and, of particular interest to our transportation-loving kids, holiday train displays. The Delaware Valley offers festive model trains on display at gardens, museums and even inside a local battleship. These intricately designed and endlessly entertaining holiday train displays will interest children of all ages, making these destinations a perfect outing for your family this season.
Franklin Frost
Through Jan. 2
The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Franklin Frost, the Franklin Institute’s winter extravaganza, includes a spectacular model train display. The hand-painted trolleys, passenger and industrial trains snake through a miniature city and around a massive, twinkling Christmas tree at the center of the exhibition.
Holiday Garden Railway at the Morris Arboretum
Through Jan. 2
Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
The holiday train display at the Morris Arboretum is made entirely of natural materials, and the miniature buildings are decorated for the holidays with twinkling lights. The quarter mile of track features Philadelphia-area landmarks, 15 rail lines and nine bridges for the model trains to travel through.
Holiday Train Display at Battleship New Jersey
Through Dec. 26
Battleship New Jersey, 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103
Battleship New Jersey has a model train display courtesy of the South Jersey Garden Railroad Society. The display, located in the wardroom of the battleship, is free to experience for anyone who tours the battleship.
Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens
Through Jan. 9
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
On view as part of the Longwood Christmas festivities, the Garden Railway includes dozens of locomotives, steam engines, diesel and specialty engines snaking through Longwood’s beautiful foliage and plants. Kids will particularly love the Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, which are part of Longwood’s collection.
Brandywine Railroad
Through Jan. 9
Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
The Brandywine River Museum of Art has an array of model trains made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-Line and more. The uniquely interactive display features foot pedals for visitors to control the trains.
Holiday Train Exhibit at America on Wheels
Through Dec. 31
America on Wheels, 5 N. Front St., Allentown, PA 18102
A massive array of model trains is chugging through the America on Wheels Museum for the remainder of December. Check the museum’s calendar for additional holiday events in December, including a special Grandparents Day and Kids Adventure Day.
