Dec. 24, 2021: Outdoor train display at the U.S. Botanic Garden

One thing I enjoy about the holiday season is that it brings a general sense of festivity to the greater Washington region. And part of that means it's also model train display season. Exhibit A -- the train display at the U.S. Botanic Garden.



The gardens normally host a beautiful train display inside, and typically a line snakes out the door. Families with young children are eager to see the trains chug through foliage and near detailed models of stations, farms and other landmarks. In past years, I've waited up to 45 minutes in said line.

This year, as COVID-19 cases continue to surge due to the spread of the omicron variant, the display has been moved to the outside portion of the garden. I actually liked this setup better, because there wasn't a line and the display could be accessed from many points. Additionally, without a line I didn't feel a need to rush through, and was able to take it all in.




Many of the trains themselves I remembered from past years, particularly the Thomas the Tank Engine models, and the B&O steam train running on the trestle above the layout. What seemed new, although maybe it isn't, were some of the model farms that were built, including one of a "rooftop urban farm."

The Botanic Garden display is a nice activity for children in particular, although train nuts like me will always get satisfaction out of it. And unlike some displays, it's free. 

As per tradition, I also stopped at Union Station to see how it was decked out this year. The usual Norwegian Christmas tree was up. But unfortunately for the second straight year, the model train display that has traditionally accompanied it was nowhere to be found.

The Norwegian holiday celebration at Union Station is a tradition that dates back to the mid-90's, when the Royal Norwegian Embassy began donating the tree. As part of a monthlong period of celebration during December, there is usually a train display for all to see set up in the main hall. Going to see that display became a staple of childhood each winter when I would visit my grandparents in the area. I've continued to make the pilgrimage since living here as an adult, although granted, seeing a model train doesn't have exactly the same luster as it once did. 

At any rate, I'll leave you with these photos that were taken when yours truly visited Union Station a couple decades back to partake in the annual model train-viewing pilgrimage. 
 






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