Holiday Model Train Show in Washington, DC

Holiday model train display at Union Station

What is it about the Christmas holiday in America and model trains? During no other time of year will you find so many train displays and festivals. From Maine to California, you’ll find little miniature towns, railways, and doll communities stretched out atop tables and stands in malls, fire stations, churches, schools, and anyplace else people like to congregate.

In Washington, DC, there is the annual holidaytrain show set in a corridor of the main hall just steps away from the Amtrak terminal. It makes sense to have the train festival here, not only because of Amtrak, but also because of the history that trains represent in America. It is no accident that the development of the first transcontinental railroad in America coincides with the timeline of the Civil War. It’s fascinating to think about how at this time of unrest, at this time when the country risked splitting in two, we were working at a transportation system that we hoped would eventually bring people together.

Though not set quite so far back in time as the Civil War, the displays at Union Station reveal the scenes of small town America. Some feature traditional holiday Christmas settings and other reveal a glimpse into everyday small town life.

The best part of the festival has to be the sound of the train whistle. Listening to the train wheels glide across the track has a surprisingly soothing quality, and then the whistle comes by like a sweet accompanying song. 

Model train passing through mountain country

Trains moving fast round the holiday circle