Carol Capobianco is Editorial Content Manager at The New York Botanical Garden.
As a kid growing up, just a few blocks from here, the only time I got to see model trains in action was occasionally during the holidays when the boy in the apartment across the hall would invite my three sisters and me to see—briefly and no touching allowed—his miniature landscape all set up with little people and trees and trains that could be glimpsed as they made their way around make-believe villages. I was younger and shorter and had to stand on tiptoe to try to get the full effect of this tabletop other world. Regardless, I always got a sense of something fun and magical happening.
My husband confirmed this. One of three boys and with a slew of neighborhood buddies, he talks of spending hours during the holidays watching and playing with model trains, moving around at will the tiny figures and buildings and ice rinks and track segments within the diminutive fake-snow-covered scenery.
Not until I was an adult did I have the chance to be immersed in the enchanting atmosphere that is so reminiscent of this childhood memory, thanks to the Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. I’ve come back to see the show several times over the years and with family members both young and old.
There is something indescribable, something that makes your heart jump a beat, when you enter the Holiday Train Show and are immediately surrounded by twinkling lights, soft whistles, and tracks that wind around waterfalls and across overhead bridges and past magnificent replicas of New York landmarks. On closer inspection, you see that each of these 140 or so buildings is made from parts of plants! And as you bend down to investigate further, all of a sudden you glimpse a train approaching and stand back to watch the scene in awe. You look around and are beckoned by other vignettes; it keeps going. You are transported.
The Holiday Train Showhas gained wild popularity in its 17 years. Now that I work at the Garden, I have the benefit of seeing the show even during lunch breaks. My favorite time of day, though, is at dusk, when the show is especially charming and festive. This year the Garden will be open an extra hour on select days so you can enjoy the show well into the evening.
There is plenty to do, too, if you’d like to spend an entire day at the Garden: Gingerbread Adventures in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden; The Little Engine That Could™ puppet theater performance and a visit by Thomas the Tank Engine™ both later in the run; lunch and snacks at our two cafes, and holiday gift-getting at Shop in the Garden.
Some think the “G” in the Holiday Train Show‘s G-scale model trains stands for “Garden,” but it’s actually “groß“—German for “big!”
From trolleys to commuter rail, subway cars, and freight, our G-scale models bring the Holiday Train Show to life with some of the largest trains and track you can get. Here you’ll find a few of our favorites, including steam locomotives and diesel engines, and everything in between. Do any of them look familiar to you?
From dueling pianos and ice carving to the hottest culinary offerings from the Bronx Night Market and a variety of seasonal cocktails, come see what you’ve been missing at these adults-only evenings at the Holiday Train Show. New tickets were just released for Friday and Saturday night—join us!
On Sunday, November 20, NYBG held its annual Community Holiday Open House and Menorah and Tree lighting ceremony. Aaron Bouska, NYBG’s Vice President for Government & Community Relations at NYBG, welcomed the audience, which included many members of the Bronx community as well as several elected officials with their families.
During the week of December 14, we had 12 Bronx elementary schools participate in our annual Children’s Holiday Tree Garden. Students created their own ornaments, and each tree featured a plaque identifying the school. After each group completed its tree decoration, the children were treated to hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes, and a walk through the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
At the end of the program, three schools were selected for the best decorations based on creativity of design and materials used for the ornaments. They were rewarded with a return visit to the Garden to view our annual Holiday Train Show.
TheHoliday 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!
Peak days are near at the Holiday Train Show, with our most popular dates running December 21–31. Get your tickets for preferred times while they’re still available!
Congratulations to Maritza and Angelica on their engagement, which took place during last Friday’s Bar Car Night event at the Holiday Train Show! There were smiles all around when the question was popped, and we couldn’t be happier for them.
This weekend marks the beginning of peak season for the Holiday Train Show® as families from around the area come to celebrate this beloved tradition in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Don’t wait another moment to get your tickets! Time slots remain available to come enjoy this beloved tradition this weekend, but the next couple of weeks are sure to sell out.
In fact, Bar Car Nights have already sold out for tonight and tomorrow, so don’t wait to reserve tickets for these special evenings in January—they’re sure to disappear.
Be sure to catch the final performance of our all-new Winter Harmonies Concert Series on Sunday afternoon, as well. An artful selection of classical favorites, inspired by the Holiday Train Show® and performed by Le Train Bleu, will complement your visit. Head below for more information about this unique musical experience, as well as the rest of this weekend’s programs and tours.
Like all good things, even the Holiday Train Show must come to an end, and this Sunday is your last chance to see this wonderful family exhibition until November comes around again. But that doesn’t mean the train fun is done! All Aboard with Thomas & Friends continues its run in the Ross Hall for several more weeks.
In addition, we have a few tours planned—including the always popular Saturday Bird Walk—to help you stretch your legs after hibernating during this week’s cold snap. And if your little ones have a serious case of cabin fever, bring them along for the last weekend of holiday family fun in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden!
So what’s next on our agenda? Starting January 18, take a trip to the tropics without leaving New York! That’s right, Tropical Paradise returns, along with the very popular Tropical Paradise Photography Contest. So grab your dusty old SLR and brush up on your techniques while you take in the last weekend of everyone’s favorite holiday event!
Carol Capobianco is Editorial Content Manager at The New York Botanical Garden.
