Trains at NorthPark
Visitors can explore an extensive holiday exhibition featuring an array of miniature trains rolling along 1,600 feet of track through Dallas and iconic American cityscapes. The display highlights colorful locomotives, detailed scenery, and an exclusive painted art train designed by Dallas artist Michael Shellis. Guests can also enjoy storytelling and interactive music during Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes, as well as pop-up character appearances on select days.
What to Expect
Miniature trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
North Dallas
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD)
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and imaginative
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 am–8 pm; Sundays 12–6 pm. Thanksgiving Eve 9 am–8 pm; Christmas Eve 10 am–4 pm; New Year’s Eve 9 am–4 pm; New Year’s Day 10 am–8 pm. Themed Tuesdays occur during select hours.
- Accessibility: Sensory Hours are planned this season, with times still to be announced.
Tips & Advice
- Visit on a Tuesday for Themed Tuesdays, when onsite characters, festive music, surprise pop-ups and themed activities run during select hours throughout the exhibit.
- Come in the morning for Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes, which brings storytelling, interactive music and audience participation for families of all ages.
- Head to Level 1 of NorthPark Center, across from Kona Grill, which is where the exhibit is set up this season.
- Plan around the holidays, since the exhibit is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and closes early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
- Look for Michael Shellis's painted Art on the Rails train, which is on display at NorthPark before being auctioned for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: Themed Tuesdays, with onsite characters, festive music, surprise pop-ups and themed activities during select hours every Tuesday.
- Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes returns for a second year of morning storytelling, now with more interactive music and audience participation.
- Art on the Rails returns with a fully painted train by Dallas artist Michael Shellis, to be auctioned for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
- New this year: earlier opening hours.
- Sensory Hours are planned, with times still to be announced.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will enjoy the trains?
Everyone. Young children love the colorful locomotives and detailed landscapes. Adults can take in the craftsmanship of the model trains running across 1,600 feet of track.
What's new this season?
The display gets new scenes and features each year. For 2026-2027 there are earlier opening hours and the brand-new Themed Tuesdays.
What is Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes?
It's a morning of storytelling, music and interactive fun for all ages, back for its second year. This season it adds interactive music and more audience participation.
What is Art on the Rails?
Dallas artist Michael Shellis is painting a one-of-a-kind train in his bold, graffiti-inspired style. It's shown at NorthPark and then auctioned for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Who does the exhibit support?
It benefits Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The charity provides free lodging, meals, transportation and other services to families traveling to Dallas for a sick or injured child's medical care.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.