The Trains at NorthPark Center

Our family just loves to see elaborate miniature trains and the BEST one by far has to be The Trains at NorthPark. We started going when my kids were little, and it has become a tradition in our family to see the set-up each season.

It's the 25th Anniversary of The Trains at NorthPark and the 14th year at the NorthPark Center.  Benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, it is the most elaborate miniature train display in North Texas.  Each year, we literally spend hours looking at all the fine details.  Who doesn't love seeing the miniature Dallas all dressed up for the holidays?  And they have included the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge this year as well.

The trains' journey across America passing New York City to Chicago to San Francisco.  They weave their way through farmland, national parks, and more.  Make sure to check out the White House, the Grand Canyon, and the new hot air balloons over Albuquerque.  The exhibit is over 4,000 square feet of train environment. Take your time and look at every tiny detail.

Bank of Texas presents this fun event which helps to raise more than one-third of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas' annual budget.  RMHD is the only organization that provides a temporary home for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious injury or illness at a Dallas area hospital.  This
organization takes the burden off of parent's struggle to find housing, allowing them to focus on what's most important - healing their child.

We always enjoy looking for the many hand-painted railcars adorned with names, businesses, or messages that line the walls of the display and are sometime making their way around the tracks. Local families and businesses can purchase a personalized railcar. Each year, over 500 railcars are purchased and they range in price from $175 - $325.  Might make a really fun Christmas gift for the train-lover in your house.

2012 Trains at NorthPark:

Dates: November 17, 2012 -- January 6, 2013
Location: Northpark Center, Level Two near Barneys New York
Cost: $6.00 for adults; $3.00 for children (ages 2 - 12) and senior citizens (age 65 and older) Children under 2 admitted free.
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.
Early Closings:
November 21, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.
December 31, New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; Open New Year’s Day

You can purchase tickets at the door of the exhibit at NorthPark Center or buy them at a local Tom Thumb and receive a $1 off admission.