Do not miss the Huntington Holiday Train set up at the Columbus Metropolitan Main Library. I took my 2 year-old Thomas-aholic and we were both mesmerized for almost an hour. Thomas with Annie and Clarabell and Percy with those mischeivious freight cars, along with a few other trains, run the the tracks through a replica of a town in Germany.
Teased by a train track crossing sign in the atrium, patrons get the real surprise when they walk into the library. The Huntington Holiday Train is a pleasant shock the first time you lay eyes on it – it is so big and beautifully crafted. My son actually gasped, his eyes *almost* popped out of his head, and his smile reached from ear to ear. I think I got major mommy points…especially when he saw Thomas for the first time. The display is so beautiful and magical. Snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, miniature people selling wares or playing in streets, detailed buildings made of wood, and lots of train tracks offer a step into another world.
We watched the trains from every standpoint – the front, both sides, and looked down from the stairwell behind the display.
My son was thirsty, so we took a break for some water from the stand in the lobby. The first thing my son said when he was finished with his fruit was, “I need to see more trains, and Thomas books.” We went back in, checked out some books (Thomas the Tank Engine, of course), and then were off on our merry way full of smiles and happiness.
This is the second year the Huntington Holiday Train has been set up at the Main Library. This link includes a video so you can see how cool it is:
It will be there through mid-January and it is free as long as you have been naughty and not nice – oops – I meant the other way around. There is also one hour free parking in the library parking garage. Check the Huntington Holiday Train before it makes tracks for (other) great destinations.
Main Library Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10-8pm
Friday & Saturday: 10 – 4 pm
Sunday: 1-5 pm
If you go:
- If you park in the library parking garage, don’t forget to take your ticket in. You’ll need to pop your ticket in the receipt machines by the elevators and pay for parking there (if you are longer than an hour).
- Take a snack and make an afternoon of looking at the trains, books, and just hanging out with your kids.
- Bring cash and coins – makes it easier. My parking was 50¢ for an hour and half.
Thanks so much for recommending this! My 15-month old loved it, and I loved discovering the children’s section in the library, which has an awesome playroom!
Great recommendation. Since the library’s web-page appears to be older, I checked with the librarians. They told me the train set goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving, and it’s usually not completely set up until the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Just thought I’d share here in case others were curious.
Wow, I can’t believe I never knew about this. Thank you so much! We will definitely be checking this out! Here’s another thing you might enjoy: http://www.picktownlights.com/