December Weekends Kick Off at the Garden

Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 2 2011, by Matt Newman

The week is almost over, meaning the Garden is humming with anticipation for another beautiful Holiday Train Show weekend! What’s more is that the weather is finally acting like it should this time of year. After seeing frost clinging to the grass along Tulip Tree Allée as I walked in this morning, I think this may just be December’s way of making up for that downright awkward November “heat wave.” How can you really make the most of a northern Thanksgiving with temperatures above 60 degrees, anyway?

But that’s old news. We’re moving into this brisk and sunny weekend with smiles for the events to come, and looking forward as the season picks up momentum. Whether you’re hoping to catch sight of a rare bird with Debbie Becker, see the Holiday Train Show for the first or dozenth time, or just enjoy the sights we offer year round, there’s more than enough going on this weekend to warrant some time spent at the NYBG.

Saturday, December 3

Bird Walk — 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
After more than 25 years guiding birders through The New York Botanical Garden, Debbie Becker has her specialty down to a science. This weekend’s avian expedition promises one of Debbie’s much-loved “Owl Prowls,” tracking down the elusive Great Horned, Saw-whet, Long-eared and rare Barred owls that like to take up residence throughout our sprawling 250 acres. You’ll also have more than a few chances to see hawks, songbirds, and other feathered fellows as you walk the grounds. Just grab your binoculars (or borrow one of the few sets we have available at the Visitor Center) and you’re ready to go.

Garden Highlights Tour — 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The Holiday Train Show may be the highlight exhibition of the season, but there’s so much more to see alongside our replicas and train tracks. Join a Garden Docent for a guided tour across the grounds, visiting plant collections and gardens that you may not even know about. There’s so much to see here that you can always find something new.

Bar Car Nights — 7-9 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
I’ve personally been antsy to jump on this one since it was first announced. We know that family is important during the holidays–everything you do this season comes back to that–but even the most devoted of us need a well-deserved break now and again. Bar Car Nights gives you a chance to indulge in the basic privileges of being a grown-up, with a complimentary cocktail, a kid-free setting, and an opportunity to see the Holiday Train Show under the warm glow of our holiday lights.

Dylan’s Candy Bar will be at the show for you to try Dylan’s Railway Explosion, a cocktail created just for our event! Don’t forget to reserve special tickets online, as space is limited.

Sunday, December 4

Winter Tree Identification Tour — 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Even after the fall leaves have dropped, there’s so much natural beauty to take in at the NYBG. Dress for the weather and join a guide on an outdoor tour of our winter tree collections, visiting the evergreens and other trees that look perhaps more majestic in frosty colors.

Live at NYBG Concert Series: A Classical Concert of Holiday Favorites —
5 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Conrad Harris leads a talented trio of string and wind instrumentalists in a concert of holiday classics sure to put you on cloud nine. Head to our ticket page to reserve your entrance to this intimate performance, which includes an after-hours viewing of our much-loved Holiday Train Show.

Throughout the Weekend

Gingerbread Adventures — 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
Our ongoing tribute to the most delicious of holiday treats runs all weekend long. Drop by with the kids after seeing the Holiday Train Show for gingerbread houses, cookie decorating, and hands-on activities with the sugar and spice that make this event such a sweet delight each year.

Holiday Film Festival
In the Ross Hall
This weekend’s Holiday Film Festival features several holiday classics for young and old alike. David Hartman’s PBS documentary on the Holiday Train Show joins the Grinch and Thomas the Tank Engine for Saturday and Sunday showings throughout the afternoon. Check the link above for showtimes.