Celebrate the holiday season as the Choo Choo Barn transforms Traintown USA® to bring the magic of Christmas to its gigantic model train display.
Each year, the Groff family continues their annual tradition of decorating the miniature homes and businesses along the tracks to share their holiday spirit with visitors from November 21, 2019 to January 20, 2020.
What makes the Christmas Layout unique?
The Groffs hide Santas on the layout for each year the Choo Choo Barn has been open – over 55 in all! The annual “Santa Search” is always a hit with all ages – and this year’s newest Santa won’t disappoint! You’ll have to visit to find it for yourself!
You’ll see countless holiday decorations throughout the display including holiday lights and the snow-covered landscape.
Watch as Santa’s sleigh flies above the 1,700 square foot model train extravaganza, which includes 150 hand-built animations and 22 moving trains.
We really enjoyed the nighttime feature of the exhibit, which occurs about once every 20-30 minutes.
You also won’t want to miss the fire station. I’m not sure how often it does it, but the fire siren goes, trucks come out of the station and go to a fire, put it out and then go back to the station again.
Also be sure to read the signs—they help you find things like the farmer hunting for a groundhog.
The Christmas Layout runs daily from November 21-December 31 (closed Christmas Day). Also open in January. Their closing day is on Martin Luther King Day when most kids have off school—an idea for you if you’re looking for things to do with your kiddos on their day off!
Model Train Displays
Here are the best places to find model train exhibits (many of them free!) in Lancaster County. Some start as early as November 24!
Live Nativities in Lancaster County
The experience of live nativities becomes immersive and brings the birth of Jesus Christ to life, right before your eyes!
Frysville Farms
For those who haven’t heard of Frysville, when they walk in to their store, they are surprised and excited to make it a new yearly family tradition!
Affordable Christmas Trees in Lancaster County
The price of Christmas trees continues to increase every year. Sometimes you’ll pay for the experience, but if you’re on a budget, you might need something a little more practical.
Where to Meet Santa in Lancaster County
This list includes breakfast with Santa, photos with Santa, Santa Christmas parties, cookies with Santa, and even a train ride with Santa!
Christmas Light Shows in Lancaster County & Beyond
Here are 10 light shows for you to enjoy with your family! (Some are large productions with a fee, others are free neighborhood houses or by donation.)
32 Unique Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Lancaster
On this list of ways to celebrate Christmas you’ll find live nativities, candlelight tours, christmas light shows, garden tours, concerts and even scooter rides with Santa!
Experience Gift Ideas in Lancaster County
I’ve come to learn that one of the best types of gifts you can give kids is experience gifts. Experiences that will create memories lasting a lifetime.
Experience Gift Ideas for Girls
This holiday season a friend asked me about experience gift ideas for a six year old girl. I had a lot of fun brainstorming and coming up with ideas for this mom, so I thought I’d share what I found with you too!
Staples Holiday Cards Deal
A few years ago we started purchasing holiday cards through this Groupon deal—here’s our experience and why we love it!
