Beloved Dallas Holiday Tradition The Trains at NorthPark Returns With New Themed Tuesdays, Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes, and Art on the Rails

Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Dallas

By PC Studios // Nov 9, 2026

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For 39 years, Trains has been a cornerstone event for Ronald McDonald House Dallas, captivating the hearts and imaginations of children and families throughout Dallas.

This article is promoted/partner content and not produced by the editorial staff.

There’s no question that The Trains at NorthPark benefiting Ronald McDonald House Dallas is one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions. And while thousands of Dallasites wander the exhibit each holiday season with loved ones to take in the magic of the trains, often continuing a decades-long tradition for many families, many don’t know about the Trains’ incredible expanded programming that occurs throughout the week as well. With Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes, Art on the Rails, and new Themed Tuesdays, there’s more to this special tradition than ever before this year.

Co-chaired by Mary Jordan Higgins and Elizabeth Brush, the 2026 Trains at NorthPark benefiting Ronald McDonald House Dallas, presented by Bank of Texas, will once again be on Level One of NorthPark Center.

For 39 years, Trains has been a cornerstone event for Ronald McDonald House Dallas, captivating the hearts and imaginations of children and families throughout Dallas. The local organization offers free lodging, meals, transportation, and other services to an average of 70-plus families every day who have traveled to Dallas for critical medical care for their sick or injured child(ren). Ronald McDonald House Dallas has set a goal of $1.3 million for the 2026 exhibit to ensure its ability to meet the growing demand for its critical and quality provision of hope and a home-away-from-home that so many depend on.

NorthParkTrains2 — Ronald McDonald House Dallas has set a goal of $1.3 million for the 2026 exhibit to ensure its ability to meet the growing demand for its critical and quality provision of hope and a home-away-from-home that so many depend on.

Cara Mia Theatre Partners for Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes

Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes returns for its second year in 2026 with a new partnership with Dallas’ Cara Mía Theatre. It invites families to climb aboard for a whimsical morning of storytelling, music, and interactive fun for all ages. This year, the experience is expanding with a bilingual performance, interactive music, puppetry, and engaging audience participation, bringing stories to life and creating magical holiday memories for children and families alike. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings at 9:45 am until December 22, visitors can join for a morning filled with creativity, imagination, and holiday cheer.

Art on the Rails Returns

Art on the Rails is also back for its second year, featuring a one-of-a-kind custom-painted train by internationally renowned artist Michael Shellis, who was commissioned to paint a portrait of King Charles and personally presented it to him at Buckingham Palace last year. Also known for his bold graffiti-inspired style, vibrant color palettes, and energetic designs, Shellis has transformed a train into a collectible work of art that celebrates creativity, imagination, and community.

The unique piece will be displayed at NorthPark and auctioned to benefit Ronald McDonald House Dallas, with proceeds directly supporting its mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. Art on the Rails continues to blend art, community and holiday tradition in a meaningful and memorable way at Trains at NorthPark.

NorthParkTrains3 — With Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes, Art on the Rails, and new Themed Tuesdays, there’s more to this special tradition than ever before this year.

Themed Tuesdays Debuts

Tuesdays are a busy day for the trains. In addition to Choo-Choo Tales & Tunes, the Trains also feature Themed Tuesdays, happening every Tuesday from 10 am to noon, with special guests, surprises, and a new theme to discover each week with the family. This brand-new experience will bring even more holiday magic to the season.

Every Tuesday morning, there will be special interactive experiences designed for all ages, including on-site characters, festive music, surprise pop-up moments, themed activities, and more. With themes from Superhero Day to Princess Day and more, each Tuesday brings something new to discover.

There are so many ways to celebrate the season while giving back to an organization that does so much for families. All aboard!