by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
The 27th annual New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Holiday Train show continues to be one of the must see holiday events of the season! It’s a whimsical world of miniature trains and over 175 iconic New York buildings and landmarks. The Train show is so enchanting and magical one might expect a little gnome to pop out and wave hello to the visitors. With twinkling lights, the hum of trains going around the track and the contagious happiness of the holiday spirit, it is truly a wonderful seasonal excursion in the glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory! Look for more model trains than ever before, with nearly a half-mile of track hosting over a dozen large-scale model railway locomotives. Don’t forget to look up as you explore where NYC bridges come together to create an aerial display of trains soaring overhead! All of this takes place while walking through the warm, tropical interior of the palm forest and exotic plants inside the massive crystal conservatory. The Train Show runs from November 17 through January 21, 2019 and is a delight for guests of all ages. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming past familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition showcases Lower Manhattan, the birthplace of New York City, featuring the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and iconic skyscrapers sharing the spotlight among old and new favorites. Making their debut this year are One World Trade Center and the historic Battery Maritime Building along with two vintage ferry boats. Visitors will step into a miniature city where famed New York architecture is recreated using bark, leaves, twigs, seed and pine cones and other natural materials, done by designer Paul Busse’s team at Applied Imagination. Advance reservations are strongly recommended as tickets do sell out.
Besides the Train Show exhibit, the NYBG hosts a multitude of events during the holiday season and year round. Bar Car Nights, exclusively for adults 21 and over, the wintry landscape of NYBG sets the scene for festive outdoor adventures, with an after-dark viewing of the Holiday Train Show® as the centerpiece. Programs that take place are Garden wide, with music, poetry, tours, and kid-friendly programming to enjoy throughout the season. Children’s program such All Aboard with Thomas & Friends, Evergreen Express, Nutcracker presentations, Holiday Film Screenings, Holiday Cappella; all fill the holiday events there. Food is available at several café and grill restaurants for meals or snacks. Tickets or information visit www.nybg.org or call 718.817.8700. The NYBG is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126
