By Taylor Holcombe
There’s something magical about trains, especially during the holidays. Maybe it’s the way they rush through the winter breeze or the sound they make — thunderous yet approachable — as they journey into the next small town. Perhaps it’s something less tangible, like the way a train can transport us all back to a simpler time, unleashing our collective inner child.
The Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience in Norcross promises children and adults alike a little taste of that inexplicable holiday magic.
Ready to choo-choo into its 5th year, the experience offers over 4,000 sq. ft. of track weaving through snow-covered towns, illuminated homes, festive shops and old-fashioned chapels — making it Atlanta’s Largest Christmas Train Village.
At the heart of the project is a Lionel model train layout inspired by the Galucki brothers’ childhood memories. Every Christmas season, founders Jonathan, Tom and Todd Galucki grew up watching new trains and scenes added to their family’s miniature world that they helped create. Decades later, they now provide people with the opportunity to experience the same.
The Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience runs on select dates from December 12-31, with nearly every day offering something unique.
Where December 13 affords patrons Faithful Sunday Jazz from the North Gwinnett High School Jazz ensemble, December 19 promises little ones a cozy Pajama Night Party. December 20 is Grandparents and Football Sunday, honoring all the grandmas and grandpas out there. It all culminates on December 31 in a New Year’s Eve Trains Around the World celebration, ringing in the New Year from different countries’ time zones.
No matter which night you decide to visit, this experience always offers a variety of activities. Kids are invited into the Engineer Training Center, where they put on engineer caps and operate real Polar Express and Harry Potter Hogwarts Express trains. Included in every ticket, kids ages 5-12 can pick a brand-new Hot Wheels car to drive around and take home. There’s even a 4 & Under Train Playroom provided for the littlest of engineers.
But the experience isn’t just for kids. It invites all ages to partake in the magic. Along with the Christmas town, there’s an entire LEGO® city to admire called The Brick Whistlestop, made with all-LEGO trains, courtesy of the Peach Atlanta LEGO User Group. There’s also a brand-new VR experience and, of course, their Trainz Cocoa Caboose Cafe serving hot chocolate, beer, wine and festive drinks all day.
The best part? All proceeds benefit Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, a Gwinnett County nonprofit that provides food, emergency financial assistance, medical care and support to families in need throughout the year.
Find out more about the Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience and purchase tickets by visiting their website.