Event Details
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Castle Historical Society's Great Holiday Train Show Returns with Thousands of LEGO Pieces, Model Trains & Designer Christmas TreesThe beloved holiday tradition and signature annual fundraiser transforms historic Greeley House into a festive wonderland, November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027.
CHAPPAQUA, NY — All aboard for holiday magic! The New Castle Historical Society (NCHS) welcomes visitors to its sixth annual Great Holiday Train Show, running November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, at the historic Greeley House in downtown Chappaqua.
One of the Society's signature annual fundraisers, this beloved holiday tradition brings together elaborate model train displays, an expanded LEGO village constructed from thousands of pieces, and spectacular designer-decorated Christmas trees. Proceeds from the exhibition support the Historical Society's mission to preserve and share New Castle's rich history through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.
This year's exhibition features imaginative model train layouts, including the legendary Pere Marquette #1225 circling the North Pole and a Metro-North train winding through a charming holiday village. Visitors can also explore an expanded LEGO town, built from more than 100,000 LEGO pieces by Bill Probert, Bert Leonffu, and Jason Rittberg of ILUGNY, an adult LEGO User Group serving the New York tri-state area. Their layout is filled with intricate details, whimsical scenes, and surprises waiting to be discovered.
A Showcase of Holiday Design
Adding to the enchantment, the historic rooms of Greeley House will be transformed with spectacular, full-sized Christmas trees, each featuring its own distinctive holiday theme.
These designer trees are made possible through the generous sponsorship and creative talents of Perennial Gardens, Peter Atkins and Associates, Lesley Stricker Garden Design, Coco Kanakis Design, and Claudia Mulas Architect. Each sponsor brings a unique artistic vision to the exhibition, creating a festive showcase that celebrates holiday creativity while supporting the Historical Society's important work.
Holiday Fun for the Whole Family
Beyond the trains and trees, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences, including a train-themed scavenger hunt, a hands-on train play area for younger guests, and a cozy reading nook filled with train-themed books.
The exhibition also celebrates the history of the holiday season through historic photographs, vintage holiday cards, and children's toys from the NCHS collection. Knowledgeable gallery attendants will be on hand to share stories, answer questions, and help visitors discover the important role railroads played in shaping New Castle and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
Before departing, guests are invited to browse the Museum Shop for unique holiday gifts and locally inspired treasures.
A Holiday Tradition That Gives Back
"The Great Holiday Train Show is one of our most cherished traditions and an important fundraiser for the Historical Society," said Mia Michelson-Bartlett, Executive Director of the New Castle Historical Society. "Every visitor who walks through our doors is helping us preserve New Castle's history and share it with future generations. We're incredibly grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and community for making this event possible year after year."
The railroad holds a particularly meaningful place in New Castle's history. Its arrival in Chappaqua in 1846 helped transform the community from a rural farming settlement into a thriving town, making this annual celebration of trains a fitting tribute to the area's heritage.
Every ticket purchased helps support the New Castle Historical Society's ongoing efforts to preserve historic artifacts, care for the Greeley House, and provide educational programs and exhibitions that connect the community with its past. By attending The Great Holiday Train Show, families can create lasting holiday memories while helping ensure that New Castle's history is preserved for generations to come.
For exhibition hours, ticket purchases, and additional information, visit www.newcastlehs.org.