A Timeless Tradition: The Piotrowski Family Christmas Train Display

By Laura Piotrowski Arnold

Since 1978, a holiday tradition has brought joy, wonder, and a touch of magic to the Piotrowski family and friends. It is my father, Steve’s model train display. He first set it up when my family lived in West View, a good bit before I was born. Then when we moved to McCandless, he continued with the tradition, and it continued to grow.  It now comes to life every year in my parents’ home in Cranberry Township. What began as a small Christmas train display has blossomed into a magnificent masterpiece that captivates all who see it each year. 

The display is more than just trains on a platform. It’s an intricately crafted village with multiple layers and dimensions; each platform is designed to create a visually stunning holiday scene. At its heart is a piece my father holds dearest: Saint Stephen’s Church. This centerpiece not only reflects his deep faith but also serves as a personal connection to his name.

It takes my dad about a week to assemble this labor of love, and each moment spent on it is a testament to his passion for trains and his desire to bring joy to those around him. He started this tradition because of his own love of trains, but over the years, it has become a gift to the entire family. The grandchildren, in particular, light up with excitement when they see the display come to life.

For our family and many friends, the annual unveiling of the train display is more than a festive treat—it’s a reminder of the beauty of tradition, faith, and the joy of creating memories together. My dad’s dedication to this project inspires us all, and we’re proud to share this cherished tradition with our community.  Thank you, Dad, for your hard work and for continuing with this treasured Piotrowski Family Tradition.