This Weekend: The Last Train Out
Posted in Around the Garden on January 11 2013, by Matt Newman
The ornaments have been shuffled into the attic and you’ve wrapped your holiday lights into an “unknottable” ball (we’ll see what the garage has to say about that in eleven months). For most, the holidays are done with. But while work and school are back in full swing, the celebration continues here at the NYBG. Our lights are still twinkling, our conifers still decked to the nines in seasonal flash–you’ll hear at least a few quiet Christmas classics humming in the Conservatory. Sadly, at some point, we do have to pack it in for another year (coming exhibitions need the space to sprawl). This weekend, we say goodbye to the Holiday Train Show of 2012.
Of course, thousands of people have already taken advantage of the stretched holiday schedule at the Garden, and there are still a couple of days for you to do so! We’ll be running our normal Conservatory schedule throughout Saturday and Sunday, with one last Train Show tour on Saturday at 2:30. You’ll also catch Thomas & Friends™ continuing throughout the weekend (though we hope you bought your tickets already, most shows are sold out). That event happens to keep the pace until January 27, so even if you can’t make it this time, there are still plenty of opportunities waiting for you.
For those still itching to treat their sweet tooth, Saturday is the day; MasterCard is set to host the Budding Masters Gingerbread Workshop for all kids ages eight to 12. Far from being a fingerpainting exercise with cookies and frosting, this class is led by none other than Eat Cake Be Merry‘s head baker, Liz Shim–one of New York City’s finest confectioners. Let’s just say it’s an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. Tickets can be found here.
Finally, this weekend marks yet another annual adventure in recycling Christmas trees with MulchFest! It won’t be taking place at the NYBG, specifically, but it’s a five-borough event that we love throwing our support behind, so head over to our write-up or the official website for more information on dates, times, and locations. Don’t leave that aging Christmas tree hanging out on the curb, folks–mulch it!
If you’re looking for more, there’s plenty to be had on this week’s schedule below. See you here!
Saturday, January 12
All Aboard with Thomas & Friends™ – All shows SOLD OUT – 9, 11 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a fun-filled, sing-along, mini-performance adventure by helping Thomas find his way from Knapford Station to Brendam Docks using teamwork, friendship, and discovery. Bring your camera to have a photo-op with Thomas and capture the special day! When guests purchase their ticket, they must select the Holiday Train Show ticket that specifies Thomas and reserve a mini-performance time. While the price of all Holiday Train Show tickets is the same, this is the only ticket type that allows access to Thomas.
Thomas & Friends™ Playstation – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Join us at the Station for Thomas & Friends™ playtime and crafts. With engines and tracks and toys abound, your little engineers are the conductors of their own adventure. Supported by Fisher-Price.
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.
Forest Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Experience the beauty of the Garden’s 50-acre Thain Family Forest on this one-hour walking tour with an expertly trained Garden Tour Guide. You’ll learn facts about the trees, history, geology, and ecology of this original, uncut woodland.
Holiday Train Show Tour – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Conservatory entrance
The enchanting setting of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory showcases more than 140 scaled iconic buildings and structures under thousands of twinkling lights. Join one of the Garden’s Tour Guides for a tour of this magical exhibition.
Sunday, January 13
All Aboard with Thomas & Friends™ – Most shows SOLD OUT 9, 11 a.m., 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. (limited tickets available)
In the Ross Hall
Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a fun-filled, sing-along, mini-performance adventure by helping Thomas find his way from Knapford Station to Brendam Docks using teamwork, friendship, and discovery. Bring your camera to have a photo-op with Thomas and capture the special day! When guests purchase their ticket, they must select the Holiday Train Show ticket that specifies Thomas and reserve a mini-performance time. While the price of all Holiday Train Show tickets is the same, this is the only ticket type that allows access to Thomas.
Thomas & Friends™ Playstation – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Join us at the Station for Thomas & Friends™ playtime and crafts. With engines and tracks and toys abound, your little engineers are the conductors of their own adventure. Supported by Fisher-Price.
Forest Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Experience the beauty of the Garden’s 50-acre Thain Family Forest on this one-hour walking tour with an expertly trained Garden Tour Guide. You’ll learn facts about the trees, history, geology, and ecology of this original, uncut woodland.
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.
