Guide to the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden

Updated 11/30/17

With Fall flying by us at lightning speed – I think the holidays caught everyone by surprise this year – and families scrambling to squeeze in favorite Christmas traditions and past times, don’t forget to go to the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Train Show.

We go to the train show (located in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory) every year, and every year it’s just as exciting. It’s always a beautiful show, with meticulously crafted trains, tracks, landmarks and other sites, all made out of bark, leaves and other natural materials – a true wonder of a site; the artistry behind it is amazing.

My mom, who was born and raised in New York, loves going to this show every year just to marvel at all the famous landmark miniatures, taking in the history of the city as she wanders around from track to track. And the kids, well of course this is train heaven for them!

There are 150 Landmarks to see – from Rockefeller Center to the Brooklyn Bridge to (the original) Penn Station to Yankee Stadium to the Empire State Building – and a bunch from outside the city too, such as Lyndhurst Castle in Westchester County and Boscobel Gardens in Cold Spring, NY. It’s a stunning show, and fascinating for all ages.

This year’s exhibition showcases Midtown Manhattan’s iconic skyscrapers, with new replicas of the Chrysler building, the Empire State building the General Electric building and St. Bartholomew’s Church.

Tickets are $23 for adults and $10 for kids ages 2-12 (under 2 free) during the week days, and $30 for adults, $18 for kids ages 2-12 during weekends. For Members, which we are, the show is free. Might I add that if you’re not a member and live in the area, you may want to consider purchasing a membership, which is almost the same price.

Also, it’s best to reserve tickets in advance online to avoid potentially long lines.

Finally, don’t forget to hit the Gift Shop on your way out. It’s a fabulous shop, especially this time of year, with delicious looking holiday décor, and a great kids section. It’s one of my favorites. Whether you’re in your 80’s or in your toddler years, the NYBG’s Holiday Train Show will not disappoint!

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, New York, 10458

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