The Holiday Train Show During the Holidays

Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 21 2010, by Plant Talk

Christmas is days away. The kids are out of school, the shopping is (maybe) done, the presents are (mostly) wrapped, and it’s time to concentrate on kicking back and reveling in the joys of the season. For many families in the New York City area, a visit to the Holiday Train Show is as much a part of the holiday season as seeing a performance of The Nutcracker or the Rockettes, gawking at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating in Bryant Park, and watching the animals open “presents” at the Prospect Park Zoo.

And as any seasoned New Yorker can tell you, Christmas in the city can be immensely enjoyable. It’s easy to feel in the spirit of the season when surrounded by so much joy. But, for every jolly Christmas elf, there’s a Grinch whose heart is made several sizes too small by overlong lines, overwhelming crowds, and overheated offices. Escape the lines and hullabaloo of Midtown and come experience the wonder of the Holiday Train Show at the Garden. In an effort to spread the holiday cheer, we’re offering a few tips for maximizing your Train Show enjoyment during these jolly peak weeks (December 21, 2010-January 2, 2011).

1. Buy your tickets ahead of time. We offer online ticketing purchasing. If you get a “session time-out” message while trying to buy your tickets, simply close the browser you were using, open a new window and try again. If you’re still stymied, give us a call.

2. Entry to the Train Show is via timed tickets. This is done to maximize your enjoyment! Once inside the Conservatory, you’re free to wander until your heart’s content. Don’t limit yourself to just the Train Show either. There’s plenty of amazing things to see within the other houses of the Conservatory.

3. Sure, it may be chilly outside, but baby it’s warm at the Garden! Okay, so that’s not entirely true. We can’t possibly warm the outside world, but inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, it’s like a little slice of spring. And even if it does snow, who cares! The Garden is even more beautiful after a flurry.

4. If you’ve got little kids in tow, strollers are encouraged for exploring the grounds, but are not allowed inside the Conservatory. But never fear! The best tandem stroller wont get snatched by theives here! We’ve got stroller parking aplenty.

5. Take the train to see the trains! Avoid the stress of traffic by letting the MTA get you to the Garden. MetroNorth’s Harlem Line drops you at the Garden’s own Botanical Garden Station, directly across the street from our Moshulu Gate entrance, while taking the subway gets you to within an easy stroll of either Garden entrance. Use the MTA’s convenient Trip Planner to help you decide which option is right for you.

6. Got some last minute gifts to buy? The Shop in the Garden has plenty of beautiful gifts for everyone on your list. But don’t take our word for it. Check out these lists of  “Favorite Things” for holiday giving from some of our favorite bloggers. And while you’re here, why not make a night of it? Grab a delicious dinner and a locally-brewed beer in either of our two Cafes.

7. Consider coming to the Holiday Train Show a little on the late side. Lines tend to thin out a bit in the evening, and in our humble opinion, the Train Show is even more beautiful at night. Check out our photos below (please note, the candles were out for an event and aren’t on display every night). Prepare to be enchanted!

Do you still have a question about attending the Holiday Train Show? Feel free to leave us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! Happy holidays!