Holiday Train Show Arrives with New Dining Options and More Trains!
Posted in Around the Garden on November 20 2015, by Lansing Moore
This year’s all-new Holiday Train Show® opens on Saturday, November 21—with more trains, more landmarks, and more dining options than ever! This year’s exhibition features 3,000 square feet of additional exhibition space, making room for dozens of new trains, bridges, and tracks; a captivating short film of the show’s behind-the-scenes magic; and a stunning multisensory finale of light and sound. With something for everyone, plan your holiday visit today.
New this year, the MasterCard® Gingerbread Café creates a festive setting to enjoy a kid-approved menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts; two gourmet food trucks offering burgers and tacos; and a variety of holiday-themed activities. Color in a gingerbread activity sheet, and stop by our photo kiosk for a memorable souvenir. MasterCard Cardholders receive a complimentary sweet treat with a purchase of $10 or more.
Frosty’s Schnapps Haus, a Bavarian-themed outdoor dining option to keep you warm in winter, offers a variety of treats such as roasted chestnuts and pretzels from an authentic pretzel cart as well as spiked hot beverages. Also at the Visitor Center, enjoy first-class culinary creations at the Pine Tree Café amid one of the Garden’s arboreal wonders: a world-renowned collection of rare and unusual pines from Asia, Europe, and North America that features century-old specimens nearly 100 feet tall. The family-friendly menu ranges from artisanal panini, Neapolitan-style pizza, and signature salads to sweet treats and snacks. For a full-service dining experience, make a reservation at the Hudson Garden Grill, offering innovative New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
Click through to view the full schedule of special events for this weekend’s grand opening—including our annual holiday tree lighting. Plan your visit, and come hungry!
Saturday, November 21
Roaming Holiday Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
In the Conservatory
Learn more about the exhibition and 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.
Winter Wonderland Tree Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool
Embark on an invigorating 45- minute walk to view the Garden’s stately conifer collection and old growth forest in the beauty of winter. Even in cold weather there’s plenty of interest in our gardens and collections.
Holiday A Cappella – 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a cappella musicians singing your favorite carols.
Holiday Film Screenings – 2:30 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Cap off your Holiday Train Show visit with a trip to the movies. Enjoy some of the most cherished holiday film classics as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. And it’s included in the price of your Garden admission! Today’s Feature: Ice Age (2002, PG, 81 minutes)
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.
Bar Car Night – 7–10 p.m. (with timed entry to the Holiday Train Show)
On these nights exclusively for adults 21 and over, the wintry landscape of NYBG sets the scene for festive outdoor adventures, with an after-dark viewing of the expanded Holiday Train Show®. Sip a complimentary cocktail as you journey through a series of station stops, including ice sculpture carving demonstrations under the starlight; delicious and festive treats from Frosty’s Schnapps Haus, the new Bavarian-themed outdoor dining space; an intimate jazz set in the warmth of the Pine Tree Café; and the playful fire and light performances of Cirque de Light.
Non-Member $35 / Member $25 (Adults 21 and over) Advance tickets recommended; includes one complimentary beer, wine, or cocktail of your choice. Although your ticket provides access to the entire event between 7–10 p.m., when purchasing tickets you will need to select an entrance time for the Holiday Train Show® in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Live Music at the Pine Tree Café
Sets at 7:15, 8:15, & 9 p.m.
Each night, live bands perform at the Pine Tree Café, where you can sit and listen to the evening cabaret and jazz sets, perhaps asking your date for a dance!
About the Band: Myriam Phiro’s French Quartet
Myriam Phiro is by turns seductive chanteuse, arresting jazz singer, and vivacious swing dancer. After meeting on the New York Speakeasy scene, Myriam and Paris-born saxophonist Sedric Shukroon began combining their talents, performing their unique flavor of “The French Songbook” together. Sedric’s musical journey began in France playing Gypsy Jazz before he moved to The Big Apple in 1999. Myriam Phiro’s French Quartet boasts the most thrilling blend of Parisian swing and Gypsy melodies you will ever experience on either side of the Atlantic!
Ice Sculpting Demonstration
In the Visitor Center
Right before your eyes, an expert ice carver take ordinary blocks of ice and transform them into holiday works of arts. Watch the progress as the night goes on. Bring your camera to capture the magic, as well as a self portrait under the twinkling lights of the holiday tree display!
Fire and Light Performances
Along Perennial Garden Way
Cirque de Light’s ambient performances provide a magical atmosphere and set the tone for a memorable night of glowing light. Performers any will amaze you with their variety of props including staffs, hula hoops and poi and charm you with their wit and playfulness.
Sunday, November 22
Roaming Holiday Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
In the Conservatory
Learn more about the exhibition and 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.
Holiday A Cappella – 1:30 p.m.
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a cappella musicians singing your favorite carols.
Holiday Film Screenings – 2:30 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Cap off your Holiday Train Show visit with a trip to the movies. Enjoy some of the most cherished holiday film classics as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. And it’s included in the price of your Garden admission! Today’s Feature: North by Northwest: 1959, NR, 136 minutes
Holiday Tree Lighting – 4–5:15 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Kick off the holiday season! 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.
Notable Tree Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
What makes a tree notable? It could be its size, its bark, its uses, or a variety of other features. Some of our trees have been here since before the Garden was formally established in 1891. Join one of the Garden’s Guides for a tour highlighting some of the most interesting trees across this historic 250-acre site.
Holiday Landmarks Tour–2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool
Enjoy a fascinating overview of the Garden’s history and its importance as a vital NYC cultural destination since 1891. With an expert guide, explore the Allée, the Fountain of Life, and the Library.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Evergreen Express
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
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! Step into Discovery Center Depot to explore plant parts from assorted evergreens, as well as make herbarium pressings of a conifer specimen and craft a miniature scented sachet to take home. Create a train puppet inspired by master puppeteer Ralph Lee and join a musical marching parade (weekends and school holidays). Enjoy the wonders of winter as you explore the trails of the Adventure Garden on a hike in search of beautiful evergreen trees and shrubs, play on our kid-sized train engine, and put on a puppet show in the Woodland Theater.
