Holiday magic begins at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown, on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the Thomas the Tank Engine Fun room, complete with an operating model train, opens.

“Trains are magical at Christmas. They capture the imaginations of young and old. We see this in Thomas the Tank Engine and the lure of trains everywhere,” said Joseph Garrera, executive director of the museum.

The holiday exhibit features magical railroad layouts. The sound of steam locomotives, the power of modern diesels, and their role in building America come to life at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. On the day of the exhibit opening, families can also enjoy puppet shows and crafts.

Thomas the Tank Engine, a world icon, occupies a place of excitement in the museum’s Thomas Fun Room. Here, children can watch Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy travel the rails. Children can even color pictures of Thomas, play with a wooden Thomas train set and enjoy other railroad crafts and activities.

The exhibit will run through Dec. 30. Exhibit hours are Saturdays only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit and opening event are free to members. There is a fee for nonmembers.

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is a 30,000-square-foot teaching institution that attracts a diverse audience. Its collections of historical Americana include more than 30,000 three-dimensional objects, 3.5 million documents and more than 120,000 vintage photographs. Parking is available in the rear of the museum, on the street, and in nearby lots.

For more information, visit www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org.