A Model City.

Experience A Toy Train-Sized Dallas at NorthPark Center.

Signs of the impending holiday are popping up all over the city these days. From Christmas lights to the lighting of Christmas trees around the area, people are clearly getting into the traditional spirit of things.

Speaking of tradition: The annual showcasing of the Trains at NorthPark Center is once more underway.

It's not all old hat, though: This year is the 25th anniversary of the event, and, as such, the exhibit features some new pieces documenting the growth of our city this time around. In addition to various Dallas landmarks such as Big Tex (R.I.P.) and Baylor Hospital, new attractions for the model train display year include the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the hot air balloons of Albuquerque, a trolley car and various other new ways to interact with the locomotive displays.

All in all, it takes about 1,600 feet of track, close to 26 Lionel trains (hauling more than a hundred pieces of rolling stock and pieces), and a dedicated staff of volunteers in order to keep the show running.

If you attend, look for the gentlemen dressed in black aprons; these gentleman are the “engineers” who help to both run and maintain the physical parts of the train system. They're knowledgeable on almost every detail of the display, and, hey, they're even willing to pose for a camera opp if asked nicely.

It's a cool exhibit, to be sure. And making it even better is the fact that all proceeds for the event are benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Cost of Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children, although children under 2 are admitted free).

Catch the exhibit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Hours will change, however, on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so keep that in mind if you're headed NorthPark's way. Don't wait around too long, though; display will be be taken down on January 6.