FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, classic OMNIMAX® film and Santa ring in the holidays at Cincinnati Museum Center
CINCINNATI – Just hear those historic trains click-click-clacking choo choo. Oh, it’s lovely weather to put an exhibit together for you.
Final preparations are underway to deck the halls of Cincinnati Museum Center with holiday cheer. Dedicated trainmasters are polishing every inch of more than a thousand feet of track. Fifty locomotives are being fine tuned to travel more than 100,000 scale miles this holiday season. LEGO bricks are clacking into place. Trees are being trimmed. And stockings are being hung by the fireplace with care.
Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition returns November 10 when Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains opens for the season.
Since 1946, families have gathered around the historic Duke Energy Holiday Trains, watching with wide-eyed whimsy as brightly-colored circus trains, sleek sleeper cars and coal-laden hopper cars (for those on the naughty list) zip around snowbanks and past crowded streets. Now in their 77th season, the holiday trains will charm crouching adults and shoulder-sitting children as the Cincinnati holiday tradition continues.
“There’s no place like dome for the holidays,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “Each year Union Terminal becomes this Hallmark movie-like scene of multiple generations embracing in the Rotunda, reminiscing around the Duke Energy Holiday Trains and lining up to get their picture with Santa. The holiday magic here creates memories that span generations.”
The Duke Energy Holiday Trains may be the star on the Holiday Junction tree, but its surrounding cast of train layouts and activities help deck the halls of a whimsical winter wonderland.
A 1904 electric toy train from the Cincinnati-based Carlisle & Finch Company – who produced the first such electric toy train in 1896 – click-clacks over metal tracks and a wooden suspension bridge as it cruises past tin buildings. A pre-World War II Lionel layout and a 1960s Lionel Super O layout show the evolution of toy trains and prefabricated landscapes that have been the envy of smoosh-nosed kids peering through toy store windows for generations. And Thomas the Tank Engine and friends chug around the mountains of Sodor.
Back again is Brickopolis, a bustling metropolis of LEGO bricks crafted into fantastical scenes filled with characters from Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, Harry Potter and more. The display is filled with playful masterpieces surrounding a stunning downtown and, yes, a LEGO train. Scour the nooks, crannies and rooftops for hijinks from the local residents.
There’s even more to find in the holiday scavenger hunt. Icons from holiday classics including Rudolph and the Grinch dot the snow-blanketed hills and trees of the garden railway layout. Parents and kids alike will make multiple laps to find them all.
Santa arrives Nov. 24
Of course, no holiday is complete without a visit to Santa. And we don’t think you’re ready for this bowl full of jelly because CMC’s Santa is too jolly-licious. With the reindeer resting up for the big day, Santa is getting a little help from UC Health to make his airborne arrival on Friday, November 24. And, regardless of which list you’re on, he’ll be sitting by his fireplace eager to put his elves to work on your holiday wish list.
Holiday Membership deal – save 20%
If you’re struggling with what to give this holiday season, consider treating a friend – or treating yourself – to a year of exploration, discovery and memories together. CMC Memberships are 20% all holiday season, online or in-person. So give the gift of Membership this season. It’s always the right size and never goes out of style.
Rocky Mountain Express returns to the OMNIMAX® Theater
If you still haven’t had your fill of trains after visiting Holiday Junction, pop into the OMNIMAX® Theater to catch Rocky Mountain Express. Climb aboard a steam-powered locomotive for a breathtaking journey along the Canadian Pacific Railway that’s equal parts train-loving nostalgia and stunning expanses of panoramic scenery.
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains opens Friday, November 10 and runs through January 8, 2024. Tickets for Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains are $10 each for adults and children or $5 with the purchase of any other museum experience. Admission is free for CMC Members. Visit cincymuseum.org/holiday-junction for more details and special holiday hours.
