New York Holiday Excursions: Holiday Train and Light Show at the New York Botanical Gardens:
By Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
Running from November 16 through January 12, 2014, the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG) is one of the most anticipated family traditions of the season and a delight whether or not you are a train buff.
The Holiday Train Show® is celebrating its 22nd year with plenty of fun programming for all ages. Over 20 large-scale model railway trains and trolleys, from American steam engines and streetcars from the late 1800s to modern freight and high-speed passenger trains traverse nearly a quarter-mile of track across rustic bridges, along overhead trestles, through tunnels, and past waterfalls that cascade into flowing creeks. The trains in the Holiday Train Show are G-gauge, sometimes measuring more than two feet long and weighing as much as 10 pounds. Thomas the Tank Engine™ and other trains especially loved by children also travel the tracks of the exhibition.
The exhibition showcases replicas of New York landmarks, artistically crafted of natural materials such as bark, twigs, stems, fruits, seeds, and pine cones by designer Paul Busse’s team at Applied Imagination. The original Pennsylvania Station and Yankee Stadium, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center are among the favorites in the Botanical Garden’s collection of more than 150 Holiday Train Show replicas. Thousands of glowing, twinkling white lights throughout the display make this an absolutely magical setting for both adults and children alike.
Guests can stroll through the magnificent Enid A. Haupt Conservatory building, through various garden settings and then on to the twinkling exhibits and displays. One of the centerpieces of the holiday season is a 30-foot evergreen tree glistening with lights. The displays consist of 6,000 square feet of miniature wonderland rivers, rustic bridges, wooded mountains, waterfalls cascading into flower creeks, forest tunnels, replicas of historic New York landmarks and a glittering, child-high Manhattan skyline.
The grounds
In keeping with the colder climate of December, all of the displays are held inside the NYBG’s huge, Victorian, crystal Conservatory building. The Conservatory sparkles like a jewel and the fantasy settings come to life! The miniature buildings on display are a bronzed-hue and soft lights illuminate the villages and trains capturing the essence of holiday magic. Historical landmarks, like the Empire State Building, the Plaza Hotel, Grand Central Station, Gracie Mansion and the Chrysler Building, once again remind visitors of all of the wonderful architecture that is found in our beloved city. The hours for the train show are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week, with extended hours on Friday and Saturdays during Christmas week. Best seen at night, for the maximum beauty of the holiday lights, some guests might want to arrive around 3 p.m. and conclude their tour when it is dark and the light display will be enjoyed the most. Bundle up and be warm for the walk from the parking lot to the exhibit.
However, there is plenty to do throughout the day and visitors can see the Garden grounds, the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and take a narrated tram tour. Guests entering the domed, crystal Conservatory are offered an audio handset that briefly describes each section of this tremendous “hothouse.” There is also the Tropical Rain Forests of Central and South America, with breathtaking displays of bright red and pink Anthurium (bleeding hearts) and heliconia (flamingo flower), along with hundreds of other lush, flowering plants. Huge palm trees from Madagascar, mango and cacao trees from Venezuela and Bolivia lined the pathway leading to the next exhibit. Visitors walk through winding paths of lush foliage and artistically designed botanical displays, and into the Aquatic Plant area. In the center of this room is an elongated pond with floating plants, greenery and a Grecian-like statue in the center. Citrus plants, such as tangerines and lemons growing abundantly on the trees lining the walkway along the edge of the path, provide a summery-like break from the heart of winter. There is something fascinating about seeing trees laden with fruit in the midst of winter and the Christmas season, especially when you live in New York.
Other programs
There are numerous programs at the NYBG to educate, fascinate and entertain children of all ages. This year, programming includes ‘Holiday Adventures’ in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Puppet shows and storybook characters have always been childhood favorites and The Little Engine that Could and Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends will both be featured, as a puppet show and in person photo opportunity session this season. Check the NYBG website for times and dates for these and other planned attractions. In January it’s All Aboard with Thomas & Friends™. Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a new fun-filled, sing-along, mini-performance adventure by helping them decorate the station in time for the big Sodor surprise party before the guest of honor arrives! Parents are welcome to bring their camera to have a photo op with Thomas and capture the special day! Select dates, January 1–26. Visit nybg.org for the full performance schedule.
For adults, the popular ‘Bar Car Nights,’ return with opportunities for grown-ups to enjoy an evening viewing of the Holiday Train Show while sipping a complimentary cocktail. Bundle up and watch live ice sculpting demonstrations and purchase additional beverages and seasonal refreshments at the limited-run Holiday Dining Pavilion: “Streets of New York.” Fridays, December 6 and 20, and Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21, 7 to 10 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended and are available for purchase at nybg.org. Non-Member $30/Member $20 (Adults 21 and over). Last minute holiday shopping is also available for one-of-a-kind experience at the NYBG gift shop. There are thousands of glittering ornaments, Holiday Train Show souvenir books and DVD’s, garden books and ornamental accents for the home and garden.
The New York Botanical Garden is located in the Bronx and is a museum of plants and gardens. It is located at the Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road. It is easy to reach by Metro-North or subway. It is open year round with fabulous presentations every season. It is open Tuesday through Sunday and on Monday holidays. They are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information about their programs, events and exhibits call them at 718 817-8700 or visit their website at www.nybg.org.
