It’s that time of year again.
There are some Cincinnati traditions that families look forward to each year. The Holiday Trains are one of those special traditions that mean a lot to audiences of all ages.
I have fond memories of seeing the trains downtown as a child and now visitors can see the trains at their permanent location at the Cincinnati Museum Center.
You know that Christmas is just around the corner when the trains are on display.
“The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have been on display since 1946 and are one of the largest portable models in the world, measuring 36 ½ by 47 ½ feet long. The trains are authentic “O” gauge, meaning that a quarter inch on the model is equivalent to one foot on a real train. The rail cars, tracks and buildings are 1/48 actual size. During the holiday season, the trains will travel more than 100,000 scale miles!”
I was invited to preview the train display and also got to learn more from Gayle, who is one of the train conductors.
It was interesting to learn that the wooden tracks were 70 years old and each tie had spiked inlayed by hand.
During my visit I got to go behind the scenes in the inner loop.
It was incredible to see all of the hard work and detail up close from a different perspective.
There is an observation area that allows for a better view for younger audiences and also a screen giving the vantage point of the train as it’s in motion.
There are two rooms will with trains. Younger audiences will enjoy the hands on train table and special activities that will get them in the holiday spirit.
The Holiday Trains are on display Nov. 8, 2013 – Jan. 5, 2014
Exhibit Hours
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
December 24th 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CMC is closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 25 for the holidays.
* Duke Energy Customers can get 4 vouchers to see the trains for FREE!!!
Available through December 24, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky customers are able to visit www.holidaytraindisplay.com to print a personalized admission voucher, or if you do not have the ability to print the voucher, to simply retrieve a personalized confirmation code. In either case, the printed admissions voucher or the confirmation code must be present at the Museum Center Box Office for exhibit tickets.
This unique admission voucher or confirmation code must be exchanged for exhibit tickets at Cincinnati Museum Center’s Box Office. The entry tickets will be good for same day, one time entry and is valid from November 8 – December 24. The admission voucher or confirmation code is good for four free admissions (maximum two adults) to see Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains in the Cincinnati History Museum. The voucher and code have no cash value.
Don’t wait too long to experience this Cincinnati tradition! Last day for free exhibit entry with your Duke Energy voucher is December 24!
While the exhibit is also open to the public from Dec. 26 – Jan. 5, only Cincinnati Museum Center Members can enter at no cost. Admission to the CMC “All Museums” ($12.50 adult / $8.50 child) or the Cincinnati History Museum ($8.50 adult / $6.50 child) includes free enter to Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains.
You can share images from your visit using the hashtag #Cincytraditions and #holidaytrains.
The Duke Energy Holiday Trains are located at 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Do you have great memories from seeing the trains over the years? I would love for to share them.
Disclosure: I was invited to a blogger preview of the train display. All opinions are my own.
