It’s baaaacccckkkk. I know that sounds ominous, but I’m actually talking about something awesome. The Huntington Holiday Train has returned to the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
The Main Library is the perfect home for this iconic train. The library was constructed from 1903 to 1906 primarily using funds donated by Andrew Carnegie and it’s one of the most elegant buildings in Columbus. The train fits right in.
Speaking of the train, the 600-square-foot track includes multiple miniature trains that run on over 280 feet of track through the atrium of the Main Library. In addition to 50 pounds of artificial snowflakes, the train is nestled in dozens of miniature buildings, all of which are made from natural materials like leaves, bark, pine cones, and moss.
The attraction was built in 1992 by Applied Imagination founder Paul Busse and until 2009, it was displayed in the lobby of the Huntington Building at Broad and High.
If the name Paul Busse sounds familiar, it’s probably because of the incredible Paul Busse Garden Railway at Franklin Park Conservatory. For the past ten years, the Huntington Holiday Train has found a home for the holidays at the Main Library.
Highlights of the holiday train set-up include a 6-foot-tall cathedral and an 8-foot-tall castle and a waterfall that pumps 600 gallons of water per hour. It’s genuinely such an impressive feat and a visit to the train is always a great way to kick off the holidays.
On Wednesday, November 20, the Library is hosting a Holiday Open House. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities and crafts. There will be hot chocolate to sip on while you listen to music from Columbus Rings, enjoy live performances by the Columbus Modern Dance Company, or visit the live reindeer outside.
Parking for the event will be free in the Main Library’s parking garage.
The Huntington Holiday Train will be on display through Jan. 18, 2024. The Main Library is located at 96 S. Grant Ave. and free 1-hour parking is available in the attached garage. Want to see more? Keep scrolling.
