NorthPark Holiday Train Exhibit Expands with New Features to Support Ronald McDonald House Families

The Trains at NorthPark holiday fundraiser returns for its 38th year with enhanced features designed to improve visitor experience while supporting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The event, presented by Bank of Texas for the 17th consecutive year, runs from November 15 through January 4 and aims to raise more than $1.1 million to provide free housing for families traveling to Dallas for critical medical care.

New this year is Art on the Rails, an auction component featuring a hand-painted four-car train set by renowned reflectionist artist JD Miller, who expressed honor in contributing to this meaningful tradition. Another significant addition is Choo-Choo Tales, an inaugural theatrical story-time experience produced in collaboration with Dallas Children's Theater and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

The short play, written by recent Booker T. graduate Esau Price and directed by DCT Artistic Director Emily Ernst, will feature weekly live performances in NorthCourt, adding an interactive dimension to the holiday tradition. Accessibility remains a priority with Sensory Hours presented by Children's Health, scheduled for Wednesdays from 6–8 p.m. and Sundays from 12–2 p.m., creating a welcoming environment for guests with sensory sensitivities.

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, emphasized the organization's commitment to making the experience more interactive and accessible for all guests, noting that community support helps maintain this magical tradition that brings joy and comfort during the holiday season. The fundraiser supports families from across Texas, the United States, and around the world who seek medical treatment for their children in Dallas-area hospitals. For more information about the organization's mission, visit https://www.rmhdallas.org.

Located on level one of NorthPark Center, the event continues to serve as a vital fundraising mechanism that directly impacts families during their most challenging times. The funds raised ensure that families can focus on their child's medical needs without the additional burden of accommodation costs, demonstrating how community-supported initiatives can provide tangible support to those facing serious health challenges.