Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center
A 79-year Cincinnati tradition featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Union Terminal.
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains is a Cincinnati institution. Since 1946, families have gathered around these historic model trains at Union Terminal—now in their 79th season. It’s one of those traditions that connects generations.
The Trains
The display features 50 locomotives and 300 rail cars traveling more than 100,000 scale miles through miniature winter landscapes. You can get track-level views of the incredibly detailed layout, and there’s a unique overhead look at the mini metropolis. The attention to detail is impressive—it’s easy to lose yourself watching the trains wind through tiny towns and snowy scenes.
Beyond the main display, there’s a 1904 electric toy train from Cincinnati-based Carlisle & Finch Company (who produced the first electric toy train in 1896), plus pre-World War II and 1960s Lionel layouts showing the evolution of toy trains.
Beyond the Trains
Holiday Junction isn’t just trains anymore. The exhibit includes Brickopolis (LEGO holiday scenes), a Holiday Scavenger Hunt, and decades of iconic toys—collections featuring Star Wars, NERF, My Little Pony, and Super Soaker merchandise. Santa arrives November 28 for visits through the holiday season. The OMNIMAX film “Rocky Mountain Express” is also showing.
The Value Proposition
Here’s the honest take: Holiday Junction is neat, but it’s mostly worth it if you already have a Cincinnati Museum Center membership. The trains are charming and the tradition is meaningful, but if you’re paying full museum admission just for Holiday Junction, the value gets questionable—especially when comparing it to some of the larger light displays in the area.
If you’re a member, absolutely go. It’s a lovely way to spend part of a winter afternoon at Union Terminal. If you’re not a member, consider whether the full museum experience (Children’s Museum, History Museum, etc.) appeals to you, because that’s really what you’re paying for.
Practical Details
- Dates: November 14, 2025 - January 5, 2026
- Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Santa visits: November 28 through the holiday season
Final Thoughts
Holiday Junction is a tradition worth preserving, and the Duke Energy Holiday Trains are genuinely special. Just go in with the right expectations—it’s a modest, nostalgic experience rather than a blockbuster attraction. For members, it’s a no-brainer holiday stop. For everyone else, factor in the full museum when deciding if it’s worth the trip.