The Trains at NorthPark

Each holiday season, over 80,000 visitors watch the most elaborate toy train exhibit in all of Texas, with locomotives whizzing on a journey across America, past Dallas' skyline, New York City, San Francisco, New England and Washington, D.C.

Trains logo


The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Texas, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and its 14th year at NorthPark Center in 2012. The most elaborate toy trains exhibit in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark includes trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey across America. Cityscapes include downtown Dallas, with the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the State Fair of Texas and the Cotton Bowl; New York City’s Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; New England’s fall foliage; the Grand Canyon, Route 66, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and various other highlights. 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, a ticket booth and a train station. In honor of the 25th anniversary, the exhibit’s new additions include the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, hot air balloons in Albuquerque, a trolley car and new interactive features. More than 80,000 people visit The Trains at NorthPark each season as part of their holiday tradition.

Since 1987, The Trains at NorthPark presented by Bank of Texas, has raised money for the children and families served by the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Currently this annual fundraiser provides the funds for almost one-third of our annual operating budget.

Visit our You Tube Channel to watch a video glimpse of the exhibit or check out the gallery to see the latest photos.

2012 Trains at NorthPark Information:

Dates: November 17, 2012 -- January 6, 2013
Location: Northpark Center, Level Two near Barneys New York
Cost at Exhibit: $6.00 for adults; $3.00 for children (ages 2 - 12) and senior citizens (age 65 and older)
Children under 2 admitted free.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.
Early Closings:
November 21, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.
December 31, New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; Open New Year’s Day

There are 2 ways to purchase tickets.

    1. Discount tickets are at Tom Thumb ($1.00 off regular admission).

    2. At the door of the exhibit at NorthPark Center.

 

Trains Sponsorship Trains Purchase Trains Volunteer

 Trains Exhibit Photos

SPONSORS

The Trains at NorthPark offers sponsorship opportunities to individuals, businesses, community organizations and schools. Sponsorship benefits include:

  • Recognition at the Exhibit
  • Recognition in printed materials 
  • Tickets to the Sneak Peek Opening Breakfast  
  • Complimentary tickets to the Exhibit 
  • Personalized hand painted railcar 
  • Holiday valet passes at NorthPark Center
  • Invitation to the Sponsor Cocktail Party

Thanks to our generous 2012 Trains at NorthPark sponsors

This event raises almost one-third of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas' annual operating budget. 100% of sponsors' contributions are used for house operations.

PURCHASE A RAILCAR

Just as visiting The Trains at NorthPark has become a tradition for families and businesses, ordering personalized railcars have also become a holiday tradition. Talented local artists hand-paint railcars with a message of choice, either a company name or logo, children's names, or a holiday greeting. Each year, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas sells approximately 500 railcars which decorate the walls of the Exhibit and ride on the tracks.

Personalized railcars also make great holiday gifts! A tax-deductible donation will purchase:

  • Engine- $325
  • Silver Boxcar (commemorating our 25th anniversary) - $275
  • Caboose - $225
  • Standard Railcar - $175

You can purchase your railcar online or click here to download an order form.

VOLUNTEER

Community volunteers are vital to the success of the Trains at NorthPark. It takes more than 1,500 volunteers to operate the Trains during the 6-week exhibit. Volunteers are needed to perform the following tasks:

  • Exhibit Cashier
  • Raffle Ticket Sales 
  • Exhibit Greeters
  • Exhibit Host/Hostess 
  • Line Monitor

Volunteer Shifts

Monday - Saturday
9:45am - 1:00pm
12:45pm - 4:00pm
3:45pm - 6:15pm
6:00pm - 9:15pm

Sunday
11:30am - 3:00pm
2:45pm - 6:15pm

Please dress appropriately for the event.  Comfortable shoes are necessary and we ask that you do not wear shorts, flip flops or sweat pants. Volunteers must be 15 to volunteer without a parent and 12-14 to volunteer with a parent.

Scheduling for individual volunteers will begin in September, and scheduling for businesses and organizations will begin in June. Available dates and times can be viewed at calendar.yahoo.com/rmhtrains. Once you have picked a shift, please email with your preferred shift to get on the calendar.

Thank you for your willingness to volunteer at The Trains at NorthPark.

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