“All aboard…this is the Holiday Express!” There is something truly magical about trains during the holiday season. If you have a little one who is… thrilled by the sound of a train whistle, spends hours building a wooden railroad master piece or can’t get enough of the Polar Express, than you really don’t want to miss out on celebrating the holidays at the B&O Railroad Museum.

Come see the B&O Roundhouse turned into a festive celebration. From holiday decorations to live entertainment or a holiday train ride to a festive model train layout, you are sure to feel in the holiday spirit. December 3rd thru January 2nd B&O Rail Road is hosting Magical Holiday Express Rides as well as different events to attend to make your visit extra special each weekend.

North Pole Adventures Weekend
December 3-4, 2016
This North Pole Adventure features a holiday train ride and photos with Santa; as well as visits from Mrs. Claus. In addition there will be live entertainment. Plus, make your visit even more magical with exclusive opportunities, including breakfast with Santa and story time and a train ride with Mrs. Claus.

Winter Royal Adventures Weekend
December 10-11, 2016
Enjoy train rides and photos with Frozen favorite’s Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf, as well as Santa and Frosty the Snowman! Enjoy live musical performances, a model train layout featuring layouts by the Baltimore Area American Flyer Club, crafts, and much more! Make this weekend even more magical with exclusive opportunities, including a royal breakfast and train ride with friends from Frozen and story time and train ride with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf.

Frosty Fest Weekend
December 17-18, 2016
Celebrate winter with a fun train ride along with Frosty the Snowman and Santa. Don’t miss seeing the spectacular model train layout featuring The Baltimore Area NTRAK Club, crafts, live musical performances, and more!

Winterfest Wonderland
December 19-January 2, 2017*
During Winterfest, enjoy Mile One Express Trains, or rides to visit Mount Clare Museum House. There will also be model train layouts, holiday-themed crafts, and children’s activities to enjoy!

I was impressed with all that there was to see and do; in addition to walking through a museum rich with history of locomotives, you get the added bonus of cheerful décor and festivities.  The Round House features locomotives and rolling stock collections from the 19th century. You can climb aboard many of the displays and pretend to be an engineer.

I didn’t expect to find a letter writing station where you can write and mail letters to Santa. There was also a craft table where you could make a picture frame or candy cane ornament. For an additional fee, you can ride the carousel made exclusively for the museum. This antique merry-go-round features different figurines to ride on such as a stagecoach, locomotives, caboose and classic horses. The children’s section had many different toys for the kids to play with including; dress-up, lego train table, wooden railroad train table and even fun train themed puzzles and games on the wall.

One of my favorite holiday displays was the working model train layouts; where locomotives roll along the tracks through picturesque holiday scenes. There were different layouts throughout the museum so make sure you stop at each one to admire them all.

Outside you will find the Choo Choo Blueville, a fictional town that has a miniature train layout, train themed play ground and kiddy train rides during the summer.

Make sure you climb aboard a train for a magical holiday journey. I love that the conductor punches your ticket as you enter the train. During our train ride Santa came by to visit and talk to the children. We even got some great pictures and a lollipop. I was happy we sat in the last car because that is where Santa started and we had a lot of time with Santa without feeling rushed.

 

INFORMATION

Location

901 West Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21223

410-752-2490

http://www.borail.org/holiday/

Hours

December 3 – 31 & January 2

Monday- Saturday (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Museum Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

 

Admission

$18 for Adults, $16 for Seniors (60+), $12 for children (2-12)

Train Rides are $3 for Adults, $2 for children with paid admission
B&O Admission & Train Rides FREE for B&O Members! 

December 17 & 18 only: Donate 5 non-perishable food items, 5 personal hygiene items, or a combination and receive $5 off regular admission! Donations will benefit those in need through Jimmyville, Inc. No other discounts will apply; offer valid only on these days at the B&O in Baltimore.

***The playful parent does not receive payment for featuring articles on events and activities. All opinions are my own; I like to share my experiences so that parents have resources on fun family outings. Discounted or complimentary tickets are an advantage but not a requirement.***