Dundalk's Canceled Christmas Train Garden May Not Be Gone For Good This Year

DUNDALK, MD — The cancellation of a beloved annual Christmas train garden in Dundalk left hundreds of residents shocked, but there's a chance this year's event could be salvaged.

For the past 45 years, the Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company hosted the train display after taking it over in the early 1980s.

This year, however, shrinking volunteer numbers forced officials to cancel the display's 2026-2027 season, with plans to seek outside help for the 2027-2028 run.

The announcement rocked a community that has recently seen longtime businesses shutter.

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The cancellation was announced Oct. 20, but by the following day, the station said it was looking into possible options to keep the tradition going for the current season.

"We hear you. We understand your disappointment, and most importantly, we want you to know that your voices, concerns, and opinions have not fallen on deaf ears," reads a statement from the station.

"In light of the feedback we have received, we are evaluating whether there are any realistic and feasible options that could allow this tradition to continue for the upcoming season."

"While we cannot make any promises or guarantee that the decision will be reversed, we believe it is important to explore what may be possible before closing the door completely," the station said.

Bob Frances, a firefighter and station spokesperson, told The Baltimore Sun that while many residents expressed concern and disappointment after hearing about the cancellation, just a few people have signed up to volunteer.

"The amount of time, manpower, and preparation required to make this event successful is tremendous, and the responsibility has increasingly fallen on a limited number of individuals," reads the volunteer fire station's post.

Patch has reached out to the station for comment.

Any individuals interested in volunteering to help with the construction, daily operations, or dismantling of the train garden can contact officials at traingarden@wavfc.org.