Holiday Happenings at Holiday Junction
As the chill of winter settles in and holiday lights begin to glow, Cincinnati’s iconic tradition returns to fill hearts with cheer: the Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC). Celebrating 78 years, the Duke Energy Holiday Trains have enchanted generations since their downtown debut in 1946. This beloved display is back, blending a historic journey with vibrant seasonal festivities, giving visitors a whimsical winter land experience.
The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have a storied history dating back to 1936 when the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad first constructed the model railroad display. Originally used to promote rail travel, the trains found a permanent home in Cincinnati in 1946, becoming a fixture of the city's holiday season ever since. Each year, the exhibit’s intricate details—over 300 rail cars, 50 locomotives, and miniature figures—transport viewers to a nostalgic world of snowy scenes and bustling holiday activities. From track-level views, you can spot passengers waiting to board, vintage cars covered in snow, and families loading the perfect Christmas tree onto their roofs. This display truly captures the spirit of a classic holiday season.
Holiday Junction isn’t just a display—it’s a whole experience. As you step in, bursts of winter whimsy set the tone. One favorite is the Northern Lights Display, an ideal backdrop for family photos. Wispy green lights dance above, framing you and your loved ones in a scene of snow-rimmed trees. It’s a magical photo opportunity that captures the festive spirit.
For those eager to explore, the Holiday Scavenger Hunt offers an engaging challenge. Hidden treasures are scattered within the garden railway layout, inviting you to peel your eyes, circle the snowy landscape, and spot every secret detail hidden among the frosty hills.
And if that wasn’t enough, Brickopolis is back! This LEGO metropolis is a blizzard of bricks and whimsy, blending the fantastical with the familiar. With running trains, active seashores, and playful scenes crafted from LEGO bricks, Brickopolis is a treat for LEGO fans and offers a fun seek-and-find challenge that will delight everyone from kids to adults. Each corner hides something new, from small city details to residents caught in silly scenarios.
Of course, no holiday visit would be complete without Santa. On Friday, November 29, Santa makes a grand entrance by helicopter, courtesy of UC Health. You can then visit him by the fireplace in the Ruthven Gallery, a cozy spot to share holiday wishes and snap photos with the jolly elf himself.
The holiday festivities continue with an immersive movie experience at the OMNIMAX® theater. Rocky Mountain Express returns to transport viewers to the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies aboard a historic steam locomotive. The five-story domed screen adds to the sense of adventure, making you feel as though you’re journeying through the mountains yourself—a thrilling way to add some cinematic magic to your visit.
Whether you’re a Cincinnati native or visiting for the first time, Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center is a timeless tradition that embodies the holiday spirit. The exhibit combines rich history, intricate artistry, and interactive fun, creating an experience that’s both nostalgic and exciting. It’s a perfect activity for families, couples, or friends looking to immerse themselves in holiday cheer.
If it’s your first time visiting, expect an experience filled with sights, sounds, and a touch of history. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Interactive Storytelling: Learn about the Duke Energy Holiday Trains through an interactive storybook featuring vintage photos of the trains and scenes from over the decades.
Hands-On Fun: Get involved in the Holiday Scavenger Hunt and Brickopolis seek-and-find activities.
Photo Opportunities: Capture family moments with the Northern Lights Display, Santa Claus, and the historic model trains.
Immersive Film Experience: Don’t miss Rocky Mountain Express at the OMNIMAX® Theater.
The Holiday Junction exhibit runs from November 9, 2024, to January 6, 2025. The Cincinnati Museum Center is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Admission to the exhibit is free for members and included with general museum admission, which also grants access to the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. General admission costs are:
Adults: $22.00
Seniors (60+) and Children (3-12): $15.00
Toddlers (1-2): $5.00
Infants (under 1): Free
While visiting Holiday Junction, don’t miss the museum’s other attractions:
Cincinnati History Museum: Dive into the city’s past with interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Museum of Natural History & Science: Explore wonders of the natural world, from dinosaurs to caves.
Duke Energy Children’s Museum: Perfect for families, this museum offers hands-on learning and play areas for young visitors.
The Holiday Junction exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center combines beloved traditions, festive fun, and a spirit of adventure, making it the perfect holiday experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re drawn by the charm of the trains, the thrill of Brickopolis, or simply the warmth of the season, a visit to Holiday Junction is sure to create lasting memories.