This Weekend: The Holiday Train Show Takes You Around the World!
Posted in Programs and Events on November 14 2014, by Lansing Moore
Tomorrow is the big day! At long last the Holiday Train Show, a New York Favorite, returns to NYBG. Over 150 plant-based replicas fill the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, including several new and updated landmarks! From dearly departed monuments to familiar favorites, these miniature models are suspended in time, criss-crossed by almost a quarter-mile of tracks. Tickets are reserved in advance, so check out our schedule of programs now and pick a day to enjoy this 23-year tradition with your family.
Tickets for the most popular dates and events do sell out quickly!
Tomorrow we kick off the new season of festivities with our Holiday Tree Lighting at 4 p.m., so don’t miss it if you’re planning to be hear toward sundown! And when you’re in the Conservatory, keep an eye out for replicas marked by a red label. These represent the many designated New York City Landmarks represented in this year’s Holiday Train Show as part of an exciting partnership with the NYC Landmarks50 Alliance to commemorate 50 years of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
This weekend also marks the opening of two very unique exhibitions in the LuEsther T. Mertz Library. Flora Illustrata: A Celebration of Botanical Masterworks, in the Art Gallery, highlights many of the treasures from the Mertz Library’s unparalleled Rare Book Collection. Journey through botanical history as you admire books, manuscripts, maps, private letters, and art from around the world—some of which are on public display for the first time! In the Ross Gallery, NYBG is also proud to present Hudson Valley Seed Library: Art of the Heirloom, a display of art commissioned by the Hudson Valley Seed Library for a series of limited edition seed packets.
Continue reading for the full schedule of programs and events this weekend, including all-new children’s programs!
Saturday, November 15
Holiday Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Learn more about the exhibition and its model trains from our knowledgeable guides, who will show up-close samples of the plant parts used to make buildings, reveal behind-the-scenes images of the show’s installation, and share other special insights.
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 to learn about bird-friendly habitats, migrating species, and birds that make a permanent home at the Garden.
Winter Wonderland Tree Tour with ASL interpreter – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Even in cold weather there’s plenty of interest in our gardens and collections. Meet at the Reflecting Pool and embark on an invigorating 45-minute walk to view the Garden’s stately conifer collection and old growth Forest amid the beauty of winter.
Forest Tour – 2:30 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 Guide. You’ll learn facts about the trees, history, geology, and ecology of this original, uncut woodland.
Holiday Tree Lighting – 4–5:15 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
View the lighting of a stunning conifer display by special guests, and join in an old-fashioned sing-along with the Westchester Chordsmen featuring carols from many traditions.
Sunday, November 16
Holiday Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Learn more about the exhibition and its model trains from our knowledgeable guides, who will show up-close samples of the plant parts used to make buildings, reveal behind-the-scenes images of the show’s installation, and share other special insights.
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 Guide. You’ll learn facts about the trees, history, geology, and ecology of this original, uncut woodland.
Holiday Landmarks Tour – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Meet at the Reflecting Pool for a fascinating overview of the Garden’s history and its importance as a vital NYC cultural destination. With an expert guide, explore the Allée, the Fountain of Life, and the Mertz Library. Then stroll along the Poetry Walk ending at the beloved Holiday Train Show® exhibition in the Haupt Conservatory, the Garden’s preeminent NYC Landmark building.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Evergreen Express
Saturdays – 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Sundays – 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Hop aboard the Evergreen Express for lively activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where each station stop offers something new to create or explore! Build your own train puppet with master puppeteer Ralph Lee, join a musical marching parade around the collection, and visit the William and Lynda Steere Discovery Center, where a hands-on workshop with cones, needles, and other winter plant parts helps you craft your own miniature balsam fir pillow.
