All Aboard for a Holiday Spectacle: The Trains at NorthPark Rolls in with Fresh, Heartwarming Features

Chugging Along for a Cause

Imagine a place where miniature trains glide through a festive landscape, bringing smiles and warmth to the holiday season. The Trains at NorthPark is not just a beloved Dallas tradition; it's a lifeline for families from across Texas and beyond, coming to the city in search of critical medical care for their children. Co-chaired by Vanessa Fuquay and Elizabeth Anderson, this signature fundraiser celebrates its 38th anniversary with a mission that tugs at the heartstrings: to support the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) and the families it serves.

As the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas proudly hosts this annual event on level one of NorthPark Center, they're introducing a slew of new features designed to enrich the visitor experience and, importantly, raise funds to provide a no-cost, home-away-from-home for families facing the unimaginable.

What's New This Year?

This year's event is thrilled to unveil several fresh attractions that promise to elevate the festive atmosphere and engage visitors in new, meaningful ways. Art lovers and train enthusiasts alike will be captivated by Art on the Rails (AOTR), an innovative auction featuring a four-car train set hand-painted by the renowned reflectionist artist JD Miller. Miller's involvement brings a unique blend of artistry to the event, highlighting the community's collective effort to support RMHD's noble cause.

But that's not all – the introduction of Choo-Choo Tales brings a theatrical twist to the festivities. This inaugural story-time experience, produced in collaboration with Dallas Children’s Theater and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, promises to enchant young and old with weekly live performances that add an interactive element to the holiday tradition.

A Tradition of Giving Back

Since its inception in 1981, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has been a beacon of hope for families in crisis. By offering a caring, supportive environment, RMHD allows families to stay together and maintain a semblance of normalcy while their child undergoes medical treatment. The Trains at NorthPark plays a pivotal role in funding this mission, with this year's goal set to raise over $1.1 million.

Presented by Bank of Texas for the 17th consecutive year, the event not only promises enchantment and entertainment but also an opportunity for the community to come together for a cause that makes a tangible difference in the lives of many. This year, the event will run from Saturday, November 15, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026, offering an extended period for visitors to enjoy the holiday spectacle and contribute to a heartwarming cause.

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Understanding the importance of inclusivity, The Trains at NorthPark also introduces Sensory Hours, presented by Children’s Health. These special times are reserved for guests with sensory sensitivities, ensuring that the magic of the holiday season is accessible to all. Happening Wednesdays from 6–8 p.m. and Sundays from 12–2 p.m., these sessions reflect the event's commitment to creating an environment where every visitor can experience the joy and wonder of the season.

Join the Journey

"We are proud to welcome families back to the Trains at NorthPark," said Jill Cumnock, CEO of RMHD. With new features making this year’s event more interactive and accessible, the holiday tradition is set to be more magical than ever. It's an invitation to the community to be part of a beloved tradition that brings joy and offers support to families when they need it most. So, this holiday season, let's all aboard for a journey of joy, art, and giving back, as we make the tracks to NorthPark Center an avenue for hope and healing.