The Trains at NorthPark Center

The Trains at NorthPark Center is the most elaborate toy holiday train exhibit in Texas, with locomotives whizzing on a journey across America, past Dallas’ skyline, New York City, San Francisco, New England and Washington, D.C. For the 12th year, the attraction will again be at NorthPark Center Level Two near Barneys New York (near Nordstrom). NorthPark Center is located at North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.

The Trains at NorthPark will roll from November 17, 2012 through Sunday, January 6, 2013.

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The early closing dates are as follows: November 23 at 6 p.m.; December 24 at 4 p.m.; December 31 at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas but it will be open on New Year’s Day.

New this year at the exhibit is a Lionel store selling train sets, collectibles, t-shirts and gifts, with part of the proceeds being donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 2 to 12) and senior citizens (65 and older). Children under 2 are admitted free. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb ($1 off regular admission).

Money raised from the Trains exhibit goes directly to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Established in 1981, the Ronald McDonald House has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 26,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. For more information, please contact the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214-631-7354.

Approximately 1,600 feet of track.

20 loops of 3 rail O gauge track.

4 trolley car tracks.

24 Lionel train sets hauling more than 100 rolling cars and pieces.

More than 800 square feet of train layout area with scenes depicting downtown Dallas, the Cotton Bowl and State Fair, New York City, Washington D.C., New England, the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Santa's North pole, San Francisco and various cross country highlights.

Hundreds of buildings, dozens of animated accessories, thousands of figures. The exhibit encompasses more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments, with all the trimmings of the holiday train travel experience—steam engine and coach cars, water towers and baggage cart, ticket booth and train station.