The Model Train Festival is set to return to the Washington State History Museum from December 20, 2024, through January 1, 2025. Model train clubs from around the region will share beautifully detailed and expansive layouts throughout four floors of the museum. This Tacoma holiday tradition has brought together generations of families, friends, and train enthusiasts throughout the Pacific Northwest for 28 years.
“You can sense the excitement and wonder in the air at the museum among first-time visitors and those that attend every year,” said the museum’s public programs manager, Michael King. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors to this beloved event as they share a tradition with their friends and families during the holiday season.”
Guests can explore room-sized layouts presented by eight model railroader clubs. Some themes of the layouts include Tacoma in the 1950s, European cityscapes, and miniaturized scenery from around Washington state. The size of trains ranges from the tiny 1:160 N scale to the G
scale, which is large enough to carry passengers.
During the event, guests will have the opportunity to capture memories at the photo station. Seymour History, the museum’s mascot, an Olympic marmot, will make special appearances from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on December 20 and December 27. Families can view model train videos in the auditorium and find interactive activities in the lobby.
The Model Train Festival opens on Friday, December 20, 2024, and operates daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM through January 1, 2025. The museum will be closed on December 24 and 25.
Model Train Festival and access to the museum are included with general admission. Washington State Historical Society members enjoy free admission and a 10% discount in the museum store. Advanced tickets are recommended and are available online or at the door. Get all the details at www.ModelTrainFestival.org.
About The Washington State Historical Society and History Museum
The Washington State Historical Society works with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Its most prominent activity is the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma’s Museum District on Pacific Avenue. The museum features interactive core exhibitions about Washington in the Great Hall, rotating special exhibitions, and various public events and programs that cover a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS provides curriculum resources, downloadable exhibitions, and educational support across the state, as well as consultation and resources for museums and heritage organizations.
Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Tues.-Sun. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and closed December 24 & 25 during Model Train Festival