The Trains at NorthPark are back for the 2023-24 holiday season.
The trains have been in Dallas for the past 36 years, and at NorthPark Center for the past 25 years.
All proceeds from ticket sales go to help families receive housing and meals at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Dallas. RMH averages 70 families a night, with all 89 rooms available this year, according to Chief Development Officer Anyika Herod.
"There are no fundraisers like trains," Herod said. "It's really the only kind in the Ronald McDonald House system."
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Herod used to bring her son, who is now 22 years old, to the trains when he was younger. This is Herod's first year with RMH, and she said it's a "full-circle moment."
The trains feature 1,600 feet of train tracks with features like the Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Central Station, and the Dallas Skyline.
Betty Cooper, a volunteer for RMH for four years, said her favorite part of working the trains is seeing kids' eyes light up.
Another volunteer, Patti Burns, shares that sentiment. She emphasized the happiness of seeing kids with joy and delight on their faces.
There are more than 50,000 visitors each year, according to their website.
You can visit the trains through Jan. 5 and purchase tickets ahead of time here. The exhibit is located in a new location on the first floor adjacent to Macy's and Santa.
The Trains at NorthPark
Now – Jan. 5, 2024
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.
NorthPark Center – First floor adjacent to Macy's and Santa
8687 North Central Expressway in Dallas
NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 are sponsors of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas for The Trains at NorthPark.
