November 4, 2025
If one were to picture a Norman Rockwell-esque Christmas, it could be argued the scene would be incomplete without one thing: a to-scale train trundling around the holiday tree. The image of a little locomotive circling a pile of presents evokes warmth and coziness, family and friends.
And there’s only one brand people associate with it: Lionel.
This year, the household name in model railroads celebrates 125 years. When asked for his thoughts about the milestone, and what it means for Lionel to be an indelible part of American culture, Lionel CEO Howard Hitchcock says, “There are not a lot of companies that get to be cherished American icons. People attribute moments in their lives to these trains. These are memories that last a lifetime.”
Lionel’s 125th Anniversary
Inventor Joshua Lionel Cowen was 23 when he founded Lionel Corporation in 1900 in New York City. Three years later, the company debuted the No. 5 electric locomotive; three years after that, the rail track, first transformer and assorted train cars hit the market. It was 1906, and Lionel was powering full steam ahead.
“The fact that we’re celebrating 125 years is a real tribute to our founder,” Hitchcock notes.
As part of the year-long celebration, the company is releasing special edition products, such as a gold-plated Hudson locomotive and a Bluetooth- and voice-controlled Legacy steam locomotive decorated like the 1946 original.
Lionel Racing
In 2010, Lionel partnered with NASCAR for the Lionel NASCAR Collectibles (LNC), and in 2012, the brand evolved LNC into Lionel Racing, the official die-cast car manufacturer of NASCAR.
The product collection is immense, showcasing NASCAR classics (the Richard Childress 1988 GM Goodwrench Unveil Car, for example), the Checkers or Wreckers line featuring replicated damage and tire marks, and die-cast cars autographed by the drivers themselves.
Lionel and Cabarrus County
Though Cowen founded Lionel Corporation in New York, and the company housed its headquarters there for years, Lionel now calls Cabarrus County home — the brand’s global headquarters are in Concord, a move made in 2014.
“Concord is the home of racing, and it was our association with NASCAR that connected us here,” Hitchcock explains.
As part of the 125th anniversary, Lionel opened its doors to the public for a limited number of tours. But according to Hitchcock, the best way for fans to engage with the brand is at the Lionel Retail Store at Concord Mills.
“It’s our first flagship retail space,” Hitchcock says. “And it’s right here in our backyard.”
Lionel Retail Store
Not only is the Lionel Retail Store at Concord Mills the brand’s first outpost directly owned by Lionel Corporation, it’s also only one of two in the world. (The other is at Opry Mills in Nashville.)
For many model train enthusiasts, a visit to the Lionel Retail Store is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And for casual fans, it’s the perfect place to check off the holiday shopping list. Browse new and limited-edition products, peruse locomotives, train cars and accessories, watch trains in action in the detailed displays, talk shop with the staff and explore NASCAR die-cast cars.
National Lionel Train Day
In the past, train hobbyists could only buy Lionel products at locally owned mom-and-pop stores. In a nod to those beloved stores, the brand launched National Lionel Train Day, an event held the first Saturday of December.
“National Lionel Train Day is a way for us to connect to, and support, the local hobby shops,” says Hitchcock.
The company releases a limited-edition product available for sale only through participating sellers and provides a way for fans to gather to trade ideas and share in the joy of all things model trains.
“Lionel creates hobbies, which creates communities,” says Hitchcock. “For generations, people have made friends because of this shared hobby. We’re excited to carry that tradition into the next 125 years.”
Stay and Play
The Lionel Retail Store is located near Entry 2, across from the Dining Pavilion inside Concord Mills, North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center.
Regular store hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Concord Mills may be open special hours during the holiday season, including Black Friday. Click here for the latest center hours.
You’re invited to come and create your own traditions in Cabarrus County this holiday season. Your getaway isn’t complete without a place to stay – the right place. For family-friendly accommodations, overnight options in Cabarrus suit every taste and budget. Start your search using our Places to Stay guide.
