Postcards from the Holiday Train Show 2021 at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY, USA

Welcome to the
New York Botanical Garden
Holiday Train Show 2021

There is something extra special about the holidays when you uphold traditions so that when the holiday season rolls around there is something to look forward to doing. For 2021, the 30^th year of the Holiday Train, (and our fourth year of attending), there are 175 of New York’s most iconic landmarks and more than 25 G-scale model trains set amidst the lush greenery in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to delight the imagination and dazzle the senses.

Macy’s

We went to see the Holiday Train Show® at the NYBG on opening day, Saturday, November 20, 2021, which was a crisp, blue-sky day perfect for seeing the show and wandering through the pretty late Autumn gardens. Entering through the doors to the sounds of holiday music, we saw our first New York landmark, the iconic department store, Macy’s – the world’s largest store, created from twigs, branches, seeds, pods, stems, and more intricate bits of nature, created by the inspired team at Applied Imagination, and our hearts started to flutter with anticipation, as the model train circled the store.

City Hall

There is something almost magical about the Holiday Train Show® that brings out the joy for visitors of all ages. Perhaps for some, it is the remembrance of playing with model trains, or watching a parent or grandparent set up a model train to run on a track under their Christmas tree. For others, it may be the remembrance of playing with, or creating dollhouses, or perhaps it is remembering a special trip to New York, as the show attracts visitors from around the world and various parts of the United States who return annually to share the experience with their friends, children, and grandchildren.

Brooklyn Bridge

We loved seeing all the iconic buildings and the many trains running in front of, and around, the buildings, through tree trunk tunnels and overhead on the impressive Brooklyn Bridge created from branches and twigs. Set throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory with its the natural light provided an added element of surprise, whimsy, and elegance.

Enjoying the Train Show!

Seeing the show is always wonderful, however experiencing the show and listening to, and seeing, the delight on the faces of the other visitors of all ages, somehow always enhances our experience, especially when small children call out with joy and excitement when they spot the most beloved of children’s trains, Thomas the Tank Engine^TM and his friends, Annie and Clarabel.

The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

While all the landmark creations were truly spectacular, a few of our favorites included the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory shown with the Great Garden Clock. While the actual conservatory dome is ninety feet, the model is almost three feet, which is rather remarkable when considering the materials used, and the many tiny windowpanes.

Guyon-Lake_tysen House (1740)

Other interesting landmarks included the Guyon-Lake-Tysen House (1740) with its textured roof, The New York Public Library (1911) – note the intricate figures at the top of the building, and the Apollo Theatre (1913-1914) where they used red radish seeds and black peppercorns to spell out the name of the theater.

NY Public Library

Applied Imagination used its imagination to create the row houses, Nathan Straus House (1897), 93 Reade Street (1897), and the Edith and Ernesto G. Fabbri House (1898-1900) with their exceptional use of tiny acorns, pinecones, seeds, twigs, and pods to create the intricate details. Also lovely was the statue of Prometheus (1934) at Rockefeller Center’s Channel Gardens (1934).

Row of Houses
Apollo Theatre, Nathan Straus House, 93 Reade Street,
Ernesto G. Fabbri House

The centerpiece of the show is the creation of One World Trade Center, made with willow and birch branches, which soars above the other buildings at eleven feet. Set amongst other impressive New York landmarks on an island reflected in a pool of water with two ferry boats and the Stature of Liberty, it was spectacularly breathtaking.

World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty

After thoroughly experiencing the Holiday Train Show®, we strolled through the Tropical Garden and the Desert Garden in the Conservatory before venturing outside to enjoy the New York Botanical Garden’s natural beauty. Before leaving the NYBG we made a visit to the Gift Shop to pick up gifts along with paperwhite bulbs to bring the beauty of Spring indoors this winter.

Reflection Pool

Enhancing the visitor experience is music from The Uptown Brass (November 20, 21, 27, 28, December 5, 23, 27, 27, 29, and 30 (Leon Levy Visitor Center: 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm), Mark Weiser (November 20-21), Uptown Vinyl Supreme (November 27, 28, December 5, 111, 12), and Darren Solomon (December 4).

Street Performers

There are Holiday Classes: Holiday Wreaths (December 1 and 14), Pine Medicine (December 6), Winter Tabletop Tree (December 11), Magnolia Leaf Wreath (December 15), and Designing with Winter’s Palette (January 26).

The Evergreen Express is back to delight children in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden (daily 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. With guided activities weekdays from 1:30 pm until 2:30 pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Grand Central Station

With so much to see and do, be sure to pre-plan your visit and purchase your tickets in advance to the NYBG and check their website for new offerings. Do allow a minimum of 2-hours for your visit.

This is what makes the Train Show special!

While the Holiday Train Show® at the NYBG has become a celebrated annual tradition, it is also wonderful to visit there in any season as the gardens are forever changing, and there are many exceptional events and diverse programs offered year-round, many of which are offered online.

Until next time, keep enjoying travel with Luxury Experience. Happy Holidays!

The Holiday Train Show runs until January 23, 2022. NYBG GLOW is only offered on select evenings. Please see schedule below.

Information about NYBG GLOW

"Returning for its second year, NYBG GLOW will offer more displays to wander through and explore. The beauty of the Garden’s landmark landscape and historic buildings will be breathtakingly illuminated with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience. NYBG’s iconic sights and buildings will become dramatic, glittering canvases with the Haupt Conservatory and Mertz Library Building as the centerpieces. Washes of brilliant color, thousands of dazzling, energy-efficient LED lights, illuminated plant stories, and whimsical, picture-perfect installations reflect the surrounding gardens and collections, creating a spectacle not to be missed. During NYBG GLOW evenings, beverages and light fare will be available at one of NYBG’s outdoor bars or the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up, and festive offerings will include artistic ice sculpting, music, and pop-up performances around the Garden to add to the seasonal atmosphere. This holiday season, visitors to NYBG GLOW will be able to round out their experience with an after-dark visit to the Holiday Train Show by purchasing a special combination ticket."

NYBG Glow Schedule

Admission for The Holiday Train Show and NYBG GLOW:

Holiday Train Show Admission: Adult: $32, Senior (65+): $30, Student (with valid ID): $30, Child (2-12) $18, Child Under 2: Free

For additional information on tickets and pricing, please visit the NYBG website at: www.nybg.org/visit/admission/

Important Know Before You Go:

"Valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination and ID is required for entry to indoor exhibition spaces and facilities, and all dining areas. In accordance with New York City Executive Order 225, all visitors ages 12 and older must show valid proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for entry to indoor exhibition spaces and facilities, and all dining venues. Visitors over the age of 18 must also supply official identification displaying name and photo or date of birth. Visitors who do not supply valid proof of vaccination and ID are only permitted entry to outdoor gardens and restrooms. Children under the age of 12 who are accompanied by a vaccinated adult may enter indoor exhibition spaces and facilities, and all dining venues. All visitors are required to wear face coverings indoors and in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Edible Academy. NYBG continues to monitor CDC, state, and city guidelines."

Read more information on the NYBG website at: www.nybg.org/faq-vaccination/

See you at the NY Botanical Train Show

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 on the NYBG, The Holiday Train Show, upcoming programs and events, and admission: 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
Twitter: @nybg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nybg/

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