This Weekend: Warm Weather & Holiday Mondays
Posted in Around the Garden on December 11 2015, by Vilina Phan
The Holiday Train Show is in full swing with plenty of activities to get you in the holiday spirit—and with the thermometer nearing 60 degrees, there aren’t many excuses to stay inside! Better yet, we will be open this Monday as well as the following two Mondays—perfect for when the kids start their vacation or when visiting family members come to town.
Kids and the young at heart will delight in the scaled models of classic New York landmarks, built entirely of bark, twigs, seeds, and other natural materials, while seeing G-scale trains zip between these works of art is a special treat. And this weekend features a holiday a cappella group singing your favorite carols; a live poetry reading with former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins on Saturday, featuring works including those on display at the Leon Levy Visitor Center and Perennial Garden Way; and the first installment of the Winter Harmonies Concert Series on Sunday, featuring Le Train Bleu and acclaimed flutist and music director Ransom Wilson.
Come see why a winter visit to the Garden has become one of New York’s favorite holiday traditions. Grab your tickets today!
Saturday, December 12
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.
Annual Winter Bird Count–11 a.m.
Meet by the Reflecting Pool
Help estimate the size of resident bird populations and migratory species to assess the health of bird populations and to guide conservation action.
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.
Garden Highlights Tour–2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool
Sights and scents flourish across the 250 acres of the Botanical Garden. Join a Garden Guide for a walking tour featuring highlights of the gardens and plant collections.
Poetry Reading with Billy Collins–2 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Join former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins for a special reading of his work and discussion of the train-inspired works on display in the The Leon Levy Visitor Center and Perennial Garden Way. Seating is limited; reserve your tickets in advance to guarantee seating.
Holiday Film Screenings–3:30 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: Miracle on 34th Street (1947 NR, 96 minutes)
Sunday, December 13
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.
Winter Harmonies Concert Series–2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Join us for a special concert series this winter performed by the dynamic young ensemble, Le Train Bleu, with renowned flutist Ransom Wilson as its music director. These widely accessible yet sophisticated programs with leading artists provide a warm respite from the winter cold, and lovely musical interludes during your visit to the Garden and the Holiday Train Show®. Intimate post-performance conversations with the artists, moderated by series curator, composer Laura Kaminsky, allow for unique insights into the music and the music-making process. Families can enjoy a special concert just for kids, offering a chance to learn about the different instruments that make their unique sounds. Special Tickets Required: Non-Member Adult: $35 / Child: $23 (also includes All-Garden Pass admission to the Holiday Train Show, a $30/$18 value) Member Adult: $15 / Child: $10
About Le Train Bleu: Le Train Bleu is a unique musical collective formed by conductor and flutist Ransom Wilson, with a mission to explore new and interesting music. The musicians are among the most exciting young players in New York, and are chosen for their brilliance as well as their expressive qualities.
Family Program (2 p.m.)
Vivaldi: Piccolo Concerto
General Program (4 p.m.)
Bach’s Violin Sonata in A Major, BWV 1015
Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto
Bach’s Brandenburg No. 5
Holiday Landmarks Tour–2:30 p.m.
Meet by the Reflecting Pool
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 Allee, the Fountain of Life, and the Library. Then stroll along the Poetry Walk ending at the beloved Holiday Train Show® The tour concludes at the Garden’s “must-see” destination…the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Monday, December 14
Forest Tour–12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool
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.
Garden Highlights Tour–2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool
Sights and scents flourish across the 250 acres of the Botanical Garden. Join a Garden Guide for a walking tour featuring highlights of the gardens and plant collections.
Children’s Programs
Evergreen Express, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sundays & Monday, 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.
