29th Annual Model Train Festival

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025 at 10:00 am to Thu, 01 Jan, 2026 at 05:00 pm UTC-08:00

1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA, United States, Washington 98402 | Tacoma

Washington State History Museum
Publisher/HostWashington State History Museum
29th Annual Model Train Festival
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29th Annual Model Train Festival
Friday, December 19, 2025 to Thursday, January 1, 2026
(Closed December 24 & 25. Open Mondays during the Model Train Festival.)
Included with Admission
Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.
Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.
Enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium, where I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas will screen throughout the festival. The auditorium lobby will serve as a family room with toy trains, Legos, and more.
Seymour History Appearances:
Don’t miss your chance to get some fun photos with our esteemed mascot, Seymour History the Olympic Marmot! Seymour will be making several appearances this holiday season:
December 19, 2025: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
December 26, 2025: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Image Credit: Model train layout “Tribute to Seattle” courtesy of Tim Jordan.
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1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA, United States, Washington 98402

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