All aboard! The Holiday Train Show® at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in Bronx, New York has been a holiday tradition for over 30 years, and a part of our holiday tradition for 7 years. Each year the show draws repeat visitors from the Tri-State area, as well as from across the United States and internationally. Applied Imagination, started by Paul Busse, and now continued by his daughter, artist Laura Busse Dolan and her team carry on the tradition of creating more than 200 iconic New York landmarks using bits of nature to complement the 25 G-scale trains that run through the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory amidst the lush plantings, as well as outdoors in the garden. The Holiday Train Show® runs until January 20, 2025.
City Hall
Okay, we admit it, when it comes to The Holiday Train Show® we are really kids at heart, and by visiting on Saturday, November 23, 2024, to experience another spectacular show. Each year that we attend, we are astonished by the creativity and artistry that goes into the making of each creation and the intricate architectural designs that bring a bit of holiday magic for those that make the annual trek to the NYBG.
Every year the show is different, and while the little ones will be excited to see Thomas the Train and his “friends” running throughout the Conservatory at floor level, through the lush scenery, and overhead on “made from nature” bridges, adult model train enthusiasts, as well as crafters and “children at heart” will appreciate the artistry in crafting the landmark buildings from bits of nature. Small leaves become roof shingles, pinecones are taken apart to add minute details to the buildings, tree resin becomes windows, seeds, pods, twigs, branches, acorn “hats,” bark, and berries, as well as other “found” forest materials are incorporated into these amazing buildings.
New this year, large silver “ornaments” carried the theme throughout the conservatory along with blinking lights that added visual interest and appeal in other parts of the garden, which was pure magic everywhere we strolled. However, it was the excitement of the children, as well as the adults accompanying them, that made the annual show such a delight.
The Jewish Museum
This year not only does the show feature such iconic New York City landmarks as the Chrysler Building, The New York Public Library (built in 1911), Macy’s The World’s Largest Store (built in 1902), the NYBG’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, The Jewish Museum (originally the Feliz Warburg House, built in 1909), but also includes some landmark buildings outside of New York City.
Wave Hill House
A few of the interesting landmarks outside Manhattan include Wave Hill House (originally the William Lewis Morris House, built between 1843-1844), now part of Wave Hill Garden in Riverdale New York; Sunnyside (Washington Irving’s Home, built in 1835) in Tarrytown, New York; and Tuxedo Station (bult in 1885), New York State Route 17, Tuxedo, New York.
Conservatory
Need even more incentive to experience The Holiday Train Show®? On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can have a festive photo with Santa and his Elf from 1:00 pm until 2:30 om until December 31. Bring a little holiday magic and inspiration into your life this season and visit the New York Botanical Garden. We wish you and your family the happiest of holidays!
Tuxedo Station
Until next time, keep enjoying travel with Luxury Experience!
Holiday Train Show® Program Information
Holiday Train Nights: Adults 21+: November 23, 29, 30; December 7, 13, 14, 28; and January 4, 11, and 18.
Holiday Train Nights All Ages: December 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, and 27.
Sunnyside
Live Music in the Locomotive Lounge in the Hudson Garden Grill Entry Tent with Jazz vocalist Samantha Louise: Adults 21+ Nights Only: November 23, 29, 30; December 7, 13, 14, 28; and January 4, 11, and 18. Hudson Garden Grill Entry Tent: Sets at 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 9:00 pm.
Sing Along to Live Holiday Tunes in the Café Car in the Pine Tree Café: Adults 21+ Nights Only:
Ayanna the Singer: November 23, 29; December 13, 14, and 28; and January 4 and 18.
Louie Lou Louis: November 30; December 7, and January 11.
Hands-on Evergreen Express Crafts: All Ages Nights Only in the Green School: 6:00 pm until 8:45 pm. Perfect for families with young children.
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail runs until December 1.
Macys
Admission
Admission Holiday Train Show (Timed-Entry): Adults: $39, Seniors (65+): $35, Students (with valid ID): $35, Children (2-12): $27, Children (under 2): Free.
Admission Holiday Train Show (Flex Ticket): Adults: $49, Children (2-12): $37
Please visit the website for all pricing information for The Holiday Train Show and its programs, All-Garden Pass, and New York City Resident Grounds Access Pass: https://www.nybg.org/visit/admission/?keyword=tickets
Hours: The Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and select Monday holidays.
Until next time, wishing you and your family the happiest of holiday seasons!
About the NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre oasis located in Bronx, New York. Founded in 1891, the garden attracts year-round visitors with its exquisite beauty, spectacular exhibitions, and interesting programs. It is a National Historic Landmark located in Bronx, New York where its nearby neighbors include Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo. Do allow a minimum of 3 hours to thoroughly experience the New York Botanical Garden and its many programs.
Other special exhibitions and events, such as Members-Only Previews, may cause early closing of Garden areas. Exceptions are also made for evening events, which may take place after normal Garden hours. For specific hours on the day of your visit, please see their calendar on the website: www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/
The Garden, its buildings, and its tour vehicles are accessible to people with disabilities, except for a few areas where the terrain is naturally uneven. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at both Garden entrances, on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not accepted). An ID must be left with Visitor Services. Visit the website for additional information: www.nybg.org/visit/accessibility.php
Please visit the website for additional information and admission for the NYBG, The Holiday Train Show®, as well as many upcoming programs and events including their annual Orchid Show: www.nybg.com
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10458
United States
Telephone: +1-718-817-8700
Website: www.nybg.org
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NYBotanicalGarden
X: https://x.com/NYBG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nybg/
@LilyKwongNYBG
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