The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of Union County’s Model Train Show and Open House this holiday season. For three consecutive weekends, from Friday, November 27th to Sunday, December 13th, this family-friendly event welcomes visitors and train lovers of all ages to explore the captivating world of model railroads, learn about local train history, and appreciate the craftsmanship firsthand through engaging tours and demonstrations. The event will be held at the A. Paul Mallory Railroad Center, located at 295 Jefferson Avenue in Union.
“Each year, The Model Railroad Club in Union puts on a magical display that consistently draws new fans and is already a holiday staple for many households,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “If you have yet to visit this locomotive wonderland, this is a great time to bring your children, friends, and loved ones for a fun outing, making new memories while learning a little more about Union County’s history.”
This year’s show will feature additional loops and trains while also showcasing the magic of model railroading, where special trains traverse an expansive 11,000-square-foot layout. Families can tour the trains and layout up close, getting an insider’s peek at the ongoing expansion. See how hand-laid tracks and scenery are meticulously crafted, and learn about the planning and engineering behind the club’s bi-level corkscrew loop. The 2026 show will also feature over 200 model train cars on a 1,600 square foot layout to tell the story of NJ railroads in the 1950s.
In addition to the HO-scale trains featured on the show, visitors can enjoy G-scale and N-scale layouts, a small play area for kids, a snack shop filled with delicious treats for purchase, and a railroad-themed gift shop to take home memorabilia from their experience. Jenny returns to share her story of growing up along the Trenton Northern railroad in a scripted show, “Jenny’s Coming Home”, running at the bottom of every hour.
The 2026 Model Train Show and Open House’s opening weekend will run from Friday, November 28, through Sunday, November 30, followed by a second weekend on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. The event will conclude with a final weekend on Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13. Visitors are welcome to attend the event from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
Tickets are $15 per adult, $5 per child, and $10 per senior aged 60 and older. Children ages 2 and under are free. All tickets to the 2026 Model Train Show and Open House will be sold at the door. For more information, please call 908-964-9724 or visit themodelrailroadclub.org.
The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt public charity affiliated with the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation. All proceeds support the operations of The Model Railroad Club, Inc., one of the largest railroad clubs in New Jersey. The Club has approximately 170 volunteer members who help to fulfill the mission of the club to educate the general public about the railroads and the industries they served in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas. For more information about The Model Railroad Club and its activities, please visit themodelrailroadclub.org.
For more information about all programs and activities hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit ucnj.org/parks.