Miniature building and train at botanical garden train show.

Holiday Train show at The New York Botanical Gardens

The New York Botanical Garden’s holiday train show is a well-loved NYC holiday tradition. This isn’t your average model train show. All the little buildings are replicas of NYC landmarks, and they’re all made out of plant materials. The level of detail they achieve is wonderful.  The 2015 – 2016 dates for the train show are November 21, 2015 – January 18, 2016.

The buildings are arranged in settings with real plants. Model trains make their way through the display. It’s all set up in the Conservatory building, where it’s nice and warm (tip: dress in layers – it may be cold outside, but the conservatory is always warm).

Weekend and Peak Day tickets are regularly $30 for adults, $28 for seniors, $28 for students with an ID,  and $18 for children ages 2 – 12.   (Peak days are December 14 – January 1).  It’s cheaper to go on a weekday when tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $18 for students with an ID, and $10 for children ages 2 – 12.

In addition to the train show, there are concerts, poetry readings and other events and activities scheduled.  The popular Box Car Nights also return this season, with special entertainment, activities, and treats for adults 21 and over.

Gothamist article with photos and information about this year’s show.

Discount:

LivingSocial has discount weekday tickets to the train show ($16 for adults and $8 for children) as well as discount tickets for Bar Car Nights ($29).  See the offer details.

Additional discount opportunities will be posted if they become available.

 

This is a very popular event and it sells out. Tickets are timed and sold in 15 minute increments.

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