Holiday Tradition Rolls On at Pacific Southern Railway’s 43rd Annual Train Show

Nicholas Mistretta

New homeowner James “Murr” Murray and wife Melyssa open Rocky Hill landmark to sold-out crowds

ROCKY HILL, N.J. — The line outside the Pacific Southern Railway house in Rocky Hill started early and stayed steady all weekend as more than 1,000 visitors made their way through for the 43rd Annual Holiday Train Show — the first under new homeowner and comedian James Murray.

The two-day open house, held this past weekend, was once again a sellout, with families, train buffs, and curious neighbors streaming through the check-in tent, where the festive atmosphere began even before guests reached the trains. Visitors were greeted by displays featuring Melyssa’s No. 95 Candles and copies of Murray’s novels, a small nod to the new owner’s presence while keeping the spotlight firmly on the trains and the club that runs them.

Outside, a food truck kept everyone warm and well-fed, while patio heaters and outdoor tables created a cozy spot for people to sip hot drinks, grab a bite, and compare notes on their favorite engines and layouts. One particularly personal touch this year was a display featuring Murray’s own childhood Lionel trains, an O-27 gauge set that added another layer of nostalgia to an event already steeped in tradition. For adults who grew up with similar trains circling their Christmas trees, it was a reminder of how these small locomotives can carry big memories.

But the real magic, as always, was downstairs.

In the basement of the historic home, the Pacific Southern Railway club’s intricate model train layout filled the space with motion, sound, and color. Trains wove their way through miniature towns, past tiny stations and detailed landscapes, while young visitors pressed close to the edge of the display, tracking every curve and crossing.

The Pacific Southern Railway, a nonprofit club, has long been a quiet but cherished part of the Rocky Hill community, drawing visitors from across the region each holiday season. Members work year-round to maintain and expand the layout, carefully wiring tracks and fine-tuning tiny details that most people only glimpse for a moment as a train rushes by.

Organizers described this year’s turnout as one of the strongest in recent memory. Tickets sold out, and attendance topped 1,000 over the two days, a testament to both the enduring appeal of model trains and the community’s affection for the event.

While the weekend is a treat for visitors, it also serves a larger purpose. As a nonprofit, the Pacific Southern Railway donates the proceeds from the holiday open house to fire and EMT organizations in New Jersey. For many attendees, the chance to support first responders while enjoying a beloved tradition is part of what brings them back year after year.

Inside the basement, it was easy to see why. Children pointed excitedly as trains crossed bridges or disappeared into tunnels. Adults leaned in to spot miniature details — a tiny street scene here, a perfectly scaled station there. Longtime club members were on hand to answer questions, explain the history of the layout, and share how the show has grown and evolved over more than four decades.

For the Rocky Hill community, the 43rd Annual Holiday Train Show felt both familiar and fresh: the same beloved model railway, the same sense of wonder, now hosted in a home whose new owner brings his own love of storytelling and nostalgia to the mix

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/Headlinenewsmontgomery.com