The enchanting wonderland of the Holiday Train Show® was back at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), celebrating its 32nd year with more model trains, an all-new outdoor display, and a festive array of holiday experiences. From Saturday, November 18, 2023, to Monday, January 15, 2024, visitors of all ages embarked on a magical journey through miniature New York City landmarks crafted from natural materials.
Bigger and Better: In 2023-24, the beloved tradition wass bigger than ever, with nearly 200 New York landmark replicas showcased inside the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Numerous model trains weaved their way through iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, and more—all meticulously crafted from leaves, seeds, twigs, bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks by the creative team at Applied Imagination in Alexandria, Kentucky.
Outdoor Delights: But the magic didn’t stop there! An all-new enchanted woodland outdoor train display awaited on the Haupt Conservatory Lawn, expanding the exhibition outside its traditional indoor setting. Towering mountains, forest animals, winter-interest plants, and fantastical fungi brought an additional layer of holiday joy to this year’s festivities. It was not just a show, but an immersive indoor and outdoor experience.
NYBG GLOW and Bar Car Nights: On 17 select nights, visitors doubled their holiday delight with the combination of the Holiday Train Show and NYBG GLOW, the Garden’s outdoor light experience. The festively illuminated landscape and historic buildings provide a breathtaking backdrop to the evening viewing. Also the Bar Car Nights on December 7, December 14, 2023, and January 5, 2024, offered a unique opportunity for individuals 21 and over to enjoy the exhibits with curated beverages and light bites.
Holiday Treasures and Botanical Discoveries: During the day or at night, families could participate in a Holiday Train Show Treasure Hunt using the Bloomberg Connects app or the Evergreen Express Winter Activity Guide. Both guides offered engaging ways for children to explore the collections of plants growing at The New York Botanical Garden, sparking curiosity and imagination.
Sponsors and Support: A heartfelt thank you to the Presenting Sponsor, Bank of America, Founding Sponsors Victoria and Robert Zoellner, and the esteemed sponsors Alpine Associates Management Inc., Bloomberg Philanthropies, LuESTHER T. MERTZ CHARITABLE TRUST, and the Estate of Enid A. Haupt. Their support ensures the success of this cherished holiday tradition and year-round programming at NYBG.
For more information about other shows visit nybg.org.
