This Weekend: Cocktails & Conifers
Posted in Around the Garden on December 14 2012, by Matt Newman
It’s the proverbial belle of the ball, the jewel on the crown, that once-in-a-blue-moon event that our visitors (and employees, honestly) can’t help but get excited for. Well, technically it’s thrice in a blue moon–Bar Car Nights are back this year, and this Saturday evening marks the second of three events for the closing of 2012. Of course, tickets have been selling out faster than we can advertise them, and this week is no exception–tickets are sold out for Saturday, December 15. But there are still a few left for next Saturday, December 22! So join us as we pause the family fun for a few hours of relaxation in the Conservatory turned cocktail lounge, aperitifs in hand and seasonal tunes in the air.
Afterward, head over to Arthur Avenue for some of the finest Italian dining in New York City, made that much better by a discount for Bar Car Nights ticket holders.
If themed drinks under the glow of the Conservatory lights aren’t your style, everything else that makes the season great at the Garden will be running throughout the weekend, including a few special one-off events for those who love the outdoors as much as we do. After Debbie Becker’s weekly Saturday morning Bird Walk, you’re welcome to join one of our experts for a tour of my favorite NYBG collection: the Ross Conifer Arboretum. Seeing as Christmas trees are popping up everywhere you look, now seems as good a time as any to learn about these evergreens while they’re still planted and thriving.
Even if you’re not here for the extras, the Holiday Train Show is still a must-see! Here’s what’s on schedule for the rest of this weekend.
Saturday, December 15
Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert.
Film Screening: Holiday Train Show with David Hartman – 11:30 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
Ross Hall
A PBS documentary narrated by David Hartman explores how the Holiday Train Show goes from imagination to creation and features exclusive interviews with designer Paul Busse.
Ross Conifer Arboretum Tour with ASL interpreter — learn about the Garden’s elegant pines, spruces, and firs – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum is a historic, 15-acre collection of towering pines, elegant spruces, and mountain firs from around the world. These irreplaceable trees were among the first planted at the Garden, some as far back as the early 1900s. Join an expertly trained docent for a tour of these exquisite specimens.
Bar Car Nights – 7 to 9 p.m.
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
On these special nights for grown-ups at the Holiday Train Show, leisurely view this wondrous exhibition while sipping a complimentary signature cocktail created exclusively for Bar Car Nights. Get into the holiday spirit under the magical glow of thousands of twinkling lights as you enjoy seasonal favorites by a capella group The Mistletones. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture this special holiday memory, and the images will be available for download or purchase after your visit. A cash bar and snacks will be available for purchase. Non-Member $30/Member $20 (Adults 21 and over). Advance tickets recommended; includes one free cocktail.
This weekend’s signature cocktail: The “New” Poinsettia, compliments of Quintessential Wines.
Sunday, December 16
Film Screening: Holiday Train Show with David Hartman – 11:30 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
Ross Hall
A PBS documentary narrated by David Hartman explores how the Holiday Train Show goes from imagination to creation and features exclusive interviews with designer Paul Busse.
Manolo Valdés: Monumental Sculpture Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Join a docent-led tour of the Manolo Valdés sculptures set throughout the Garden grounds. Get involved in conversation surrounding individual works of art.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Gingerbread Adventures
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, open all day for exploration
Guided Activities: Weekdays 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Weekends, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Children explore the spices that make up a classic gingerbread recipe. Kids can step inside a child-sized gingerbread playhouse and also decorate a gingersnap cookie with frosting and candies. All ages will enjoy viewing a display of gingerbread houses made by New York City-area bakers.
