Nothing can melt Phillyist's cold, sarcastic, postmodern blogger facade faster than a holiday model train set. There's just something about that perfect little dream world with the tiny, wonderful machines running through it that makes us all warm and nostalgic, and brings back the goofy, grinning kid in us. That's why we were excited as a little tyke on Christmas morn to find the Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad Display back again this year. If you saw last year's display (pictured above), you still need to come by and see this one, because it's completely different. This time there are two waterfalls, a tunnel, an elevated trolley, and ever so much other fun stuff!

Be aware, however, that despite what the various signs and ads for this display seem to suggest, you won't find the trains in Reading Terminal Market. They're actually upstairs from the real trains at Market East Station at 12th and Market St., across from the escalator and just outside the entrance to the Independence Brew Pub. They'll be there for the rest of the year, from 10AM to 6PM. They're free to see, so stop by, and bring the kid in you. And, you know, maybe some real kids, too, if you've got some handy.

Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad Display
Lobby of the Reading Terminal Headhouse
12th and Market St.
11/25-12/31, 10AM - 6PM

Photo credit: Jim Genzano