Since 1999, Lisa and Dave Melahn have had a train-chugging wonderland laid out in their front yard—a beloved gem of Christmas Card Lane. Every night of December, the Ellingham home attracts a crowd, kids and adults alike, watching the festive world they’ve built.

The Melahns are a train-loving family with a variety of models lining the inside of their garage shelves. Lisa links these mobiles with fond memories of her childhood, which she has passed down to her own children.

“I grew up with [trains] around the Christmas tree,” Lisa said. “There’s just really good memories, and we wanted to create them for our kids. They all have their own birthday cars and sets.”

Even on weekdays, they are guaranteed swarms of wonderstruck kids. For Lisa and Dave, the starry-eyed looks in the childrens’ eyes are always the highlight of their night.

“There [was a] little boy that was here and he wanted to run the trains, so Dave went out and showed him how to do it,” Lisa said. “[The boy] was so engaged and interested in running the trains. He comes often, but it makes his night and, I tell you, it makes our night just seeing the twinkle and the joy in his eyes.”

Over the years, the Melahns have realized that the trains weren’t just a Melahn-family recreation for the seasons anymore—they had become a community treasure.

“People come every year and say ‘We’re so glad you’re running the trains again,’” Lisa said. “It has become a tradition for a lot of families [to come see the trains.] It’s just nice to bring the cheer. It’s what this community is.”