A Garage Full of Choo Choo Cheer

Does the hustle and bustle of the holidays have you feeling like a grinch?  Is "bah humbug" a big part of your vocabulary these days?

We know where you can get a dose of holiday cheer that's powerful enough to wipe a scowl off the face of the crankiest Christmas scrooge. That holiday cheer is hidden in Anthony Incantalupo's garage. 

Every evening at seven, Incantalupo raises his garage door to reveal a holiday train collection that will put a smile on your face. Although people of all ages enjoy it, Incantalupo says he created the display with kids in mind.

"I love it. It's for the children. I want the children to see it, like when I was a kid," he said while standing in his driveway watching strangers peer into his garage.

This is the fourth year that Incantalupo has put on the display. A modest sign on Tampa Rd. directs drivers to his home on Cumberland Court.

"Every year, it gets a little bigger. I add on to it."

Incantalupo has turned his holiday tradition into a family affair. His grandson, Mikey, is the display's engineer. Wearing a santa hat, the 14 year-old is in charge of the switches controlling the four trains that chug along the tracks and weave their way in between the miniature lighted buildings, houses and amusement park rides that make up the display.

Incantalupo's 10 year-old granddaughter, Anna is in charge of giving out free treat bags to kids who stop by. "I like it. I like all the color and how it makes everybody happy," she said while handing a bag to a small girl.

Incantalupo started collecting trains 40 years ago. His first train was a 2026 Lionel, which his son now owns. His favorite train right now is the Lionel Brut, a collectible that was released just last year. The Brut is the largest in his display. Made from steel, the engine weighs a hefty 50 lbs.  

Incantalupo's display includes a variety of trains which are a big attraction, regardless of their size. Ashley Scavino lives in Dunedin, she brought her husband and their boys ages 4 and 2 to see the display after reading about it online.

"It's pretty fantastic. My boys really like it. It brings Christmas lights and trains together. They're obsessed with both," she said.

Each evening, Incantalupo opens his garage door from 7 to 8 p.m., so the public can see his holiday train display. There is no charge. The display will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Dec. 31.

Anthony Incantalupo lives at 1581 Cumberland Ct. which is in the Allen's Ridge subdivision off Tampa Rd. in Palm Harbor.