Christmas model train set displays are a sign of the season! How many of us grew up with the Christmas train set under the tree or still set up a display for our little ones to ooh and ah over?
Home model train displays can range from simple to elaborate permanent displays but if you don’t have the patience, then we can help you find a Christmas model train display near you. No more searching for holiday train shows near me. We can help! We are sharing with you some great New Jersey Christmas Train Shows where you and your kids can get your fix of the chugga chugga choo choo and all the Christmas train sets your heart desires!
Can’t get a ride on the Polar Express?
Come to one of the New Jersey Holiday Train Shows!
North Jersey Train Shows with Christmas Train Sets
Bergen County Holiday Model Train Displays
Donald Cooper Model Railroad
CANCELLED FOR 2020
A special holiday treat for children, the Donald Cooper Model Railroad operates more than 11 trains. Children delight in the realistic subway that runs at their eye level. The model contains street fairs, a skateboard park, a subway system, construction sites and a replica of the Great Falls of Paterson.
- Location – 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah
- Schedule – This display at the Mahwah Museum opens November 29 2019 and runs Friday- Sunday through December 20. For more information view our calendar event.
- Donald Cooper Model Railroad Admission – Admission is $5 per person.
Essex County Holiday Model Train Displays
Roseland Holiday Train Exhibit
CANCELLED FOR 2020
The trains range from the traditional to the Polar Express to Thomas, including Percy and James to the whimsical Donald Duck handcar. There are bridges, buildings and small town scenes set up in the room. Mats are placed on the floor for children to lie down and have an up close look at the trains as they zip by the audience.
- Location – Roseland Library, 20 Roseland Avenue, Roseland
- Schedule – Open select dates and times from December 14 – 31, 2019. For more information view our calendar event here.
- Roseland Holiday Train Exhibit Admission – This North Jersey Christmas Train show is free to the public.
Morris County Holiday Model Train Displays
Holiday Train Open House
2020 status unknown as of 11/26/2020
You’re invited to an open house of holiday trains as the Jefferson Township Recreation Department welcomes the BD&W Club of Jefferson, the Northern NJ N-Trak Club, and the Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society
- Location – Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road in Lake Hopatcong
- Schedule – 2019 dates are Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 from 10 am to 5 pm each day.
- Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Passaic County Holiday Model Train Displays
North Haledon Annual Model Railroad Show
As of November 2020, there are no plans to host the winter show.
The Santa Claus Express runs in the holiday season and young ones can view from a platform so no need to pick them up as they gaze at the trains!
- Location – Garden State Model Railway Club at 575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon.
- Schedule – This show opens November 29, 2019 and is open weekends through January 5. For more information view our calendar event here.
- North Haledon Annual Model Railroad Show Admission – Adult admission is $6, children under 12 are free with an adult.
Sussex County Holiday Model Train Displays
Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum
2020 status unknown as of 11/26/2020
Visit this museum, opened in 2003 for their many holiday displays. Christmas Santa Claus debuts in December. Check their website for updates.
- Location – 240 Demarest Road in Sparta, New Jersey.
- Schedule – The Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum will have their Christmas trains all through December 2019. Hours are 10 AM – 5 PM Friday- Sunday.
- Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum Admission – Admission is $6 per person.
Union County Holiday Model Train Displays
The Model Railroad Club
CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Once a year, the Club holds its Annual Light and Sound Show and open house. Their HO scale layout is transformed into a theatre and the trains run to a professional narrated script. It is an event enjoyed by thousands of guests every year. Check their website for more information.
- Location – Behind Home Depot, 930 South Springfield Road, Union
- Schedule – 2019 dates are November 29, 30 December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, check website for times.
- Model Railroad Club Admission – Tickets are $9, advance purchase suggested.
Central Jersey Train Shows with Christmas Train Sets
Middlesex County Holiday Model Train Displays
The Barron Arts Center Holiday Model Train Show
Housed in a beautiful historic building, The Barron Arts Center Holiday Train Show has local landmarks, a boardwalk scene, sports displays and so much more. Upon entering one of the helpful volunteers will offer you a scavenger hunt list. All items are at kid’s eye view and are things kids will want to look for! View our calendar event here for more information.
- Location – 408 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge
- Schedule – Opens November 28, 2020 and is open daily until December 30, 2020 (closed Christmas) by reservation only.
- Barron Arts Center Holiday Model Train Show Admission – Free, but donations appreciated.
Monmouth County Holiday Model Train Displays
Sal’s Trains
2020 status unknown as of 11/26/2020
This display is in the upstairs of a garage at a private home in Wall Township and is out of this world! There are underground trains, train decor in the room, and Sal has created some amazing lighting so you can see the trains light up in ways we’ve never seen. It’s a must see! For more information visit this website and our calendar of event listing.
- Location – 282 Overbrook Drive, Wall Township
- Schedule – One showing only, November 30, 2019 from 1 PM – 4 PM
- Sal’s Trains Admission There is no admission cost.
Annual Christmas Train Village
CANCELLED FOR 2020
This train show in the Spring Lake firehouse building replicates local Spring Lake businesses along with fun features like a ferris wheel and hot air balloons. For more information view our calendar event.
- Location – Duggan Hall, 313 Washington Avenue, Spring Lake.
- Schedule – The display opens November 30, 2109 and remains open daily until January 1, 12 PM – 5 PM.
- Annual Christmas Train Village Admission Admission is free.
Holiday Spectacular and Train Display
CANCELLED FOR 2020
This show offers all scales of trains in a holiday theme. Santa and snacks available as well. Check our calendar event for more information.
- Location – InfoAge Science Center, 2201 Marconi Road, Wall Township
- Schedule – Opens for 2019 on December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22 from 12 PM – 5 PM.
- Holiday Spectacular and Train Display Admission Adults are $7, kids are $3, but check their website/facebook page for dates that offer free admission with donation of a toy.
Holiday Model Train Display at the Monmouth Museum
2020 status unknown as of 11/26/2020
Holiday Model Train Display at the Monmouth Museum returns for 2019 with the theme Winter Wonderland. There are 6 lines on 3 levels with over 1200 scale feet of track. check their website for hours.
- Location – 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft.
- Schedule – November 24, 2019 – January 5, 2020 Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm
- Holiday Model Train Display at the Monmouth Museum Admission Admission for everyone is $8/person
South Jersey Train Shows with Christmas Train Sets
Atlantic County Holiday Model Train Displays
Patcong Valley Model Railroad
CANCELLED FOR 2020
This display offers miles of HO scale model railroads and 6-8 different trains moving over bridges and hills and through tunnels and towns. For more information view our calendar event.
- Location – 1315 US 40, Richland.
- Schedule – Open the first three weekends in December 2019 and January 2020 from 10 AM – 4 PM
- Patcong Valley Model Railroad Open House Admission Free, but donations appreciated.
Burlington County Holiday Model Train Displays
Bordentown City Holiday Train Event
2020 Status unknown as of 11/26/2020
HO trains and O gauge trains will be on display by along with a New England Village, Lego City and Lego train display. In addition, Thomas the Train and His Friends will once again make an appearance. For more information view our calendar event.
- Location – Old City Hall, 13 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown
- Schedule – Open weekends November 24 – January 6, 4 PM – 8 PM
- Bordentown City Holiday Train Event Admission Admission is free to the public.
Camden County Holiday Model Train Displays
S Gaugers Train Club
2020 status unknown as of 11/26/2020
For more information view our calendar event
- Location – First Baptist Church of Collingswood, 23 Frazer Avenue, Collingswood
- Schedule – Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 10am to 3pm
- Come out to this FREE event!
Cape May County Holiday Model Train Displays
Ocean City Train Show
CANCELLED FOR 2020
For more information view our calendar event.
- Location – Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk, Ocean City
- Schedule – One 2019 weekend only, December 7 and 8 10 AM – 4 PM
- Ocean City Train Show Admission Adult admission is $3, children are $1.
For more Christmas Activities near New Jersey visit these blog posts and listings
Make a trip across a bridge to explore more local Christmas Family Fun.
We support family fun in New Jersey but sometimes there’s no comparison to what our nearby cities can offer. Both Philadelphia and New York City offer some amazing holiday displays, events, and Christmas attractions. We have your information on how to make a day of Christmas in the City! Click on any of the links below for more details.
- The Best FREE Things to do in Philadelphia with Kids this Christmas
- 10 Things to Do in New York City with Kids During Christmas
For ways to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah at home visit these blog posts and listings
For help with your holiday and Christmas Shopping take a look at these posts
- New Jersey Experiences to Gift to Kids ~ Amazing Experience Gifts for Kids in New Jersey
- 100+ Ideas for Stocking Stuffers for Teens
- 20 Gifts People Who Love The National Parks Want
- 20+ New Games for Family Game Night
- Gifts Moms Want This Year
- Unique Gifts for Teenagers
- The 100 Best New Jersey Gifts on Etsy
- The Best Philadelphia & South Jersey Deals for Families
- The Best New York & North Jersey Deals for Families
- Coming Soon
- 10 Games for a Better Family Game Night with Teens
