Union County Holiday Model Train Show Returns For 2026

UNION, NJ — Union County will again host its Model Train Show and Open House this holiday season at the A. Paul Mallory Railroad Center in Union, with dates scheduled across three weekends from Friday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 13.

The event will take place at 295 Jefferson Ave. and welcome visitors from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the show.

According to Union County, the 2026 Model Train Show and Open House will open Friday, Nov. 28, and continue through Sunday, Nov. 30.

A second weekend is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, followed by a final weekend on Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13.

The county said the show will include additional loops and trains, with model rail lines running across an 11,000-square-foot layout.

Visitors can tour the layout up close and see an ongoing expansion, including hand-laid track, scenery work and the club's bi-level corkscrew loop.

The county also said the 2026 show will feature more than 200 model train cars on a 1,600-square-foot layout telling the story of New Jersey railroads in the 1950s.

"Each year, The Model Railroad Club in Union puts on a magical display that consistently draws new fans and is already a holiday staple for many households," said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. "If you have yet to visit this locomotive wonderland, this is a great time to bring your children, friends, and loved ones for a fun outing, making new memories while learning a little more about Union County’s history."

In addition to HO-scale trains, the county said visitors can see G-scale and N-scale layouts.

The event will also include a small play area for children, a snack shop with items for purchase and a railroad-themed gift shop.

"Jenny’s Coming Home," a scripted show about growing up along the Trenton Northern railroad, will run at the bottom of every hour.

Tickets will be sold at the door. Prices are $15 for adults, $5 for children and $10 for seniors age 60 and older. Children 2 and under will be admitted free.

More information is available by calling 908-964-9724 or visiting themodelrailroadclub.org.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt public charity affiliated with the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation.

According to the county, all proceeds support the club's operations. The club has about 170 volunteer members and works to educate the public about railroads and the industries they served in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

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