by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
It wouldn’t be the same festivities if we didn’t include the Holiday Train Show as part of our family’s annual tradition. There is no age limit for enjoyment at this wonderful New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) event. Now in its 34th year of enchanting train displays and cherished seasonal traditions, the show returns on Saturday, November 15th and runs through January 11, 2026. Each year more attractions are added, so something new is always happening. Presented by The Bank of America the holidays are enhanced by including an outing to the NYBG to experience the joy of this amazing presentation! The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas, including new surprises for this year to life under the glass of the warm and welcoming Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. (This gorgeous building reminds one of a crystal palace) Visitors can get up close to see these miniature masterpieces, each one meticulously crafted from plant parts such as palm fronds, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks, fusing horticulture with design throughout the exhibition. While walking and viewing the creative buildings and architectural likeness, closer looks to see the composition of the buildings is a must. Outside guests can explore a glowing mountain scape brimming with even more trains and picture-perfect moments. Journey through the exhibition with friends and loved ones after dark and see the show in a charming new light on select evenings during Holiday Train Nights. 
This Train Show is renowned for its vignettes of G-scale model trains enlivening botanical replicas of famous New York landmarks in miniature, though some are no longer standing, like the first Yankee Stadium or the original Penn Station. Each one is delightfully re-created from natural materials such as leaves, seeds, twigs, bark, and acorns by the creative team at Applied Imagination in Alexandria, Kentucky. American steam engines, streetcars from the late 1800s, and modern freight and passenger trains travel indoors in the Conservatory’s galleries along overhead trestles, through tunnels, across soaring structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge, and in an enchanting woodland outdoor display over towering mountains with forest animals, winter-interest plants, and fungi on the Conservatory Lawn, providing merriment for young and old alike.
New this year is the Delacorte Theater, a new miniature masterpiece joining this year’s Holiday Train Show lineup. It is a botanical replica of the recently reopened and renovated Delacorte Theater, longtime home to The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. It appears alongside a Central Park tableau that includes the Gothic Arch, Belvedere Castle, the Music Pavilion, the Angel of the Waters Bethesda Fountain, the Dairy, and Cop Cot. The model was constructed using bark from a variety of trees including ash, locust, and hickory, all sustainably gathered in the forests near the Applied Imagination studio in Kentucky. Special funding for The Delacorte model is made possible by Larry E. Condon. Whether planning a festive day trip with the kids or looking for an unforgettable outing with loved ones, the Holiday Train Show at NYBG stands out as one of the most affordable holiday experiences in New York City, with tickets starting at $25. NYBG’s daytime admission, especially during off-peak weekdays, offers the best value for families, friend groups, and holiday explorers. Daytime admission offers full access to the Holiday Train Show, where you can see replicas of Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Macy’s flagship store to name a few, all made of plant materials. Admission also includes access to NYBG’s historic landscape and gardens, perfect for family-friendly fun, casual holiday strolls, and budget-savvy seasonal memories. It’s the ideal way to share holiday cheer with the people you love, without breaking the bank.
A Premium Evening Experience for those looking for a different kind of holiday magic, Holiday Train Nights on select evenings offer a premium, elevated nighttime experience. Visitors of all ages are welcome, but these special evenings are designed for those who want a more atmospheric, after-dark celebration. Sip seasonal beverages, stroll the illuminated exhibition, and shop for everyone on your list, while enjoying the festive setting under twinkling lights. It’s the perfect night out, whether planning a date, gathering friends, or seeking a more elegant experience. The warm glow of the Haupt Conservatory with colorful lighting brings the holiday spirit under glass. Marvel at multiple beautifully lit Conservatory scenes, from the cactus-filled desert to the lush rainforest galleries, which offer truly card-worthy holiday photo opportunities at every turn, with holiday classics and Christmas pop favorites sung by performers. The night is made complete with sweet and savory bites and spiked cider cocktails and mocktails for purchase. The “Bar Car” is back with a 21+ only bar at the Hudson Garden Grill Patio. Holiday Train Nights take place on select evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. Holiday Train Nights are ticketed through NYBG’s presenting partner Fever. For more information about the Holiday Train Show, please visit: https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show-2025/ The New York Botanical Garden is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10458.