All aboard the Jingle Rails Express! The beloved holiday tradition chugs into Downtown Indianapolis, bringing a world of model trains, whimsical landscapes and the holiday season.
The 14th annual Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure will draw families and train aficionados alike. It transforms the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art into a winter wonderland for the holidays.
Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh spoke about the value and impact Jingle Rails has on the city. “Visiting Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum is a cherished holiday tradition each year for so many families in Indianapolis and around the state,” Haigh said.
From Nov. 18 until Jan. 15, 2024, visitors can embark on a journey through more than 1000 feet of G-scale model railroad tracks. Trains chug past meticulously crafted miniature scenes of iconic Indianapolis landmarks including Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium, Union Station and the Eiteljorg Museum. The adventure then turns westward, showcasing American attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas and the Golden Gate Bridge.
“This season, we are excited to offer extended evening hours on select dates in December so more guests can attend and experience this wonderful holiday attraction, which entertains and fascinates our youngest and oldest visitors alike,” Haigh said. “We look forward to welcoming back returning visitors and meeting new ones at what has become one of Indianapolis’ most beloved holiday attractions.”
Beyond the model trains, Jingle Rails offers a variety of activities to enhance the holiday experience. Children can participate in hands-on art workshops to create their own miniature train cars or decorate festive ornaments. Families can gather for magical-themed storytime sessions, where they will be transported through tales of trains and holiday adventures. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Eiteljorg Museum’s galleries showcase exhibitions of American Indian and Western art, providing a cultural backdrop to the holiday festivities.
Duane Bean, 32, attended Jingle Rails in years prior, and his excitement for this year’s edition remains elevated, especially for the trains.
“Jingle Rails is fun for the kids, it is fun for the adults, it is just an all-around good winter vibe for everyone,” Bean said. “Seeing all of the trains, the historic builds of trains, I enjoy that myself.”
The event’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of the holiday season – a time for family, imagination and the spirit of adventure.
For more information, visit eiteljorg.org.
Contact multimedia staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
