Evening Lights

Posted in Around the Garden, Holiday Train Show on December 7 2011, by Matt Newman

Even with the chill of the coming winter, there’s a warmth to holiday decorations. Wind a string of soft white icicle lights over the hedge outside, hang a few glittering strands from the curtain rods–it’s the easiest way to forget mornings spent shoveling snow or scraping ice off the car windshield (they’ll be here soon enough). And with the smell of pine trees drifting on the breeze, the combination makes for picturesque evenings, especially here at The New York Botanical Garden.

Nights at the NYBG aren’t often open to the public, though, as it’s sort of challenging to see our spring flowers in the dark–trust me on that one. But come winter, with the Holiday Train Show’s model trains humming about the tracks and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory glowing like a beacon in the city, we throw open the doors to show you a Garden in rare form. The lights laced like garlands throughout the Train Show bring out the elegance of the miniature landmarks with a subtlety that sunlight just can’t match, lending a kind of fairytale charm to the display.

Really, it’s something no one should miss.

With dusk setting in so early, there’s no reason to think you’ll have to be out late, either. Between 5 and 6 p.m. (and 7 p.m. on the weekends) is the magic hour to catch our holiday exhibitions in their finest regalia, brilliantly illuminated just as the sun sets. And if you happen to stop by on certain nights throughout the season, we’ll be hosting special events for grown-ups to make your evenings in the city just a little more memorable. Bar Car Nights and Shopping and Champagne are put together to get you out of the house, leaving the kids with the babysitter for an experience unlike anything you’ll find around New York.

We’re not saying you have to be a night owl to enjoy The New York Botanical Garden after dark. But it doesn’t hurt to pretend now and then, does it?

Getting into the Holiday Train Show is as easy as heading to our ticket page. And while you’re there, be sure to check availability for special events such as Bar Car Nights and Shopping and Champagne–space is limited.