“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 1st thru December 31st 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.
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.
MAGICAL HOLIDAY EXPRESS INFORMATION
December 1 – December 31With paid admission, Coach Train Rides are $3 adults, $2 children, Free for B&O Members; First Class train rides are $10 adults, $6 children, and $4 for B&O Members.
MUSEUM INFORMATION
Location: 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223
Phone: 410-752-2490
Website: www.borail.org
FLASH FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY
- One winner will be randomly drawn to win a family of four tickets to Holiday Magical Express at the B & O Railroad.
- Winner must be a Playful Parent fan.
- LIKE and SHARE the post to help spread the word.
- COMMENT how many people in your house still hear the magical bell from Santa’s Sleigh. (Polar Express reference for how many believe in Santa.)
- This giveaway is not Facebook affiliated.
- Contest closes Friday December 8, 2017.
***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.***
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