Kids enjoy model train display at Cinergy/CG&E Building, 139 E. Fourth St., downtown. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

        Visiting model train displays has become as much a part of the holiday experience as carols, hot chocolate with marshmallows or, dare we say it, Santa Claus.

        So if you're home while your kids are on Christmas break or just have the weekend free, gather the family, pile in the car and go railroading.

        Here's a list of Tristate opportunities to see big trains, tiny trains, to eat in a depot or ride the rails yourself:

Cinergy/CG&E Holiday Model Train

               The theme of this year's “O” gauge display is “Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice.” Decorations include gingerbread houses, candy canes, cookies caramels and chocolates.

        You'll see winter wonderland scenes including streetscapes, an animated carnival including a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and much more.

        Where: Cinergy/CG&E Building lobby, 139 E. Fourth St., downtown.

        Information: 287-1500 or www.cinergypsi.com

        Admission: Free.

        Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 31. Closed Christmas Day.

Museum Cente Holiday Junction

        Model train clubs and local collectors have teamed up with the Museum Center once again to present intricate model train displays, cases of vintage trains and hands-on activities for children.

        You will see a fanciful 2,000-square-foot “O” gauge layout that includes more than 10 trains running simultaneously through a four-level layout highlighted by theatrical backgrounds and more.

        Where: Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave.

        Information: 287-7000 or www.cincymuseum.org

        Admission: Included in admission to the Cincinnati History Museum: $6.75, $5.75 seniors and $4.75 children (ages 3-12).

        Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 1. Closes 3 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day.

Behringer-Crawford Museum Holiday Toy Trains

        Experience the special magic of electronic toy trains traveling through a miniature world of over 200 feet of track with 14 interactive stations.

        Patrons of all ages can operate accessories and run two of the trains. Kids will enjoy the Thomas the Train set, and aviation enthusiasts of all ages can watch Santa fly over the North Pole International Airport.

        Where: Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, in Devou Park, Covington.

        Information: (859) 491-4003.

        Admission: $3, $2 students/seniors, $8 family of four, free for members and children under age 3.

        Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, noon-4 p.m. New Year's Eve through Jan. 6. Closed Mondays, closed Christmas Day and Jan. 1.
Davis Electronics (Private collection)

        A Milford tradition since 1965, this is the privately owned train collection and layout of Davis Electronics owner, Joe Davis. It is a classic Lionel train layout that according to Jim Barrett, director of service and repairs, is “nearly the same size as the Cinergy layout.”

        The display includes a lighted village, trolley and a miniature highway with boulevard lights. The display is on the second floor of the building. Visitors are asked not to bring strollers inside.

        Two blocks down the street at 208 Main in the Davis Building. an old-fashioned working Standard Gauge layout will be on display.

        Where: Davis Electronics, 217 Main St., Milford.

        Information: 831-6425.

        Admission: Free.

        Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday

Johnny's Toys train and trolley

        Two displays in the store's train department include a 12-foot by 20-foot operating “O” and “HO” scale train layout on approximately 240 feet of track.

        Guests can push buttons that will make a Ferris wheel light up and rotate, a lighthouse foghorn blow and lots more.

        Outside, a gasoline-powered, 1/2-scale trolley offers rides on approximately 1/4 mile of track festooned with faux wildlife.

        Where: Johnny's Toys, Howard Litzler and Boron, Covington.

        Information: (859) 261-6962.

        Admission: Free.

        Hours: Train display: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 27. Trolly rides: (Weather permitting) 5-8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Golf Manor Hobbies tiny train yard

        See a Marklin “Z” scale, the smallest toy railroad made including a steam locomotive with two passenger cars running in an oval around a mountain.

        The entire layout is about 2 1/2 by 1 1/2 feet. Tiny, yet perfectly detailed with people, animals, etc.

        Where: Golf Manor Hobbies, 2235 Losantiville Ave.

        Information: 351-3849.

        Admission: Free.

        Hours: Open year-round 3-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Choo Choos Restaurant authentic station

        This is a family-style restaurant located in the Madeira train station. A model train set runs around a track suspended from the ceiling. Cars pass from room to room through tunnels in the walls.

        The entire building is lit up with Christmas lights and filled with historic railroad memorabilia. Entrees cost $4.95-$10.95.

        Where: Choo Choos Restaurant, Railroad and Miami avenues, Madeira.

        Information: 272-2466.

        Admission: Free to visitors.

        Hours: Open year-round. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 24. Closed Christmas Day. Call for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day hours.

Lebanon railway train rides

        This will be the last weekend until spring to ride on a real train, unless you board Amtrak.

        The Turtle Creek and Lebanon Railway offers one hour train rides through the Warren County countryside on a 1930-era passenger train. Santa and Mrs. Claus have come all the way from the North Pole to meet and greet the kids. Children 12 and under receive a stocking full of goodies.

        The railroad cars are decorated for Christmas with garlands, ornaments, lights and bows. Decorative packages sit on the luggage racks.

        Where: Turtle Creek and Lebanon Railway, 198 South Broadway, Lebanon.

        Information: 398-8584.

        Tickets: (Reservations are recommended.) $15, $12 children 3-12. Children under age 3 are free.

        Hours: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday through this weekend; reopens May 1.

Donations trail last year's record pace
Symphony brings holiday spirit home
Train displays, rides seasonal fun
Bradys move into the White House
Marriages made strong by rituals
Author plays 'Dear Abby' to help with holiday challenge
Tips for beating holiday stress
Savvy kids know all about Santa
Tips steer singles into new year