• NYC
  • NJ
  • LI
  • CT
  • Boston
  • LA
  • TRAVEL

View full site
View mobile site
Mommy Poppins - Things to Do in NYC with Kids
  • about
  • advertise
  • submit an event
  • contact
Follow me on twitterFriend on facebookSubscribe to this feed
  • Baby
  • Preschoolers
  • Kids
  • Tweens
  • Manhattan
    • Uptown
    • Downtown
  • Brooklyn
  • Queens
  • Bronx
  • Staten Island
  • Classes
  • Camps
    • Day Camps
    • Sleep Away Camps
  • Preschools
  • Indoor
  • Parties
  • Museums
  • Eat
  • Things to do
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Halloween
    • Holiday
    • Parks
    • Farms
    • Water Fun
    • SHOP
  • Visitors
  • Day Trips
  • Event Cal
  • DIRECTORY
  • Memorial Day Weekend for NYC Kids: Governors Island Family Festival, Dinosaur Safari,...
  • Memorial Day Weekend Getaways: 5 Fun Day Trips for NYC Families
  • Best Things to Do with NYC Kids: May 2013
  • New York City Summer Camp and Day Camp Guide 2013
  • This Week: Memorial Day Weekend in NYC and Beyond, Beaches After Sandy, Family Day Tr...
  • World Science Festival 2013: Free Street Fair and Other Science Fun for NYC Kids
  • Brand-New Queens Amusement Park: Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel
  • NYC Beaches After Sandy: What to Expect at Rockaway, Coney Island, Brighton Beach and...
  • 5 Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals for NYC Kids
  • Governors Island with Kids: Vintage Carnival Rides and What Else is New for 2013
  • 5 Ways for Kids to Experience Russian Culture in NYC
  • Family-Friendly Crown Heights Restaurants: Where to Eat with Kids in Brooklyn
  • This Week: Mommy Poppins App, Memorial Day Weekend Travel Deals, a Dino Ride at the B...
  • Mommy Poppins App Is Coming! Help Us Launch It and Win Cool Rewards
  • Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend with NYC Kids: Outdoor Festivals, Dance Para...
  • Best Ice Cream and Ices in Queens: 9 Sweet Scoop Spots

Our Featured Guide:

 

Follow me on twitter Friend on facebook Subscribe to this feed

Recent Comments





We've been featured:

featured in logos.jpg

The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show: What's New for 2012

Nov 11 2012
  • Stephanie's blog
By Stephanie
Things to do with kids: The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show: What's New for 2012

The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, and as always it's one of New York City's top seasonal attractions for families. Little electric trains go whizzing by more than 140 NYC landmarks made out of acorns, twigs, bark, berries and leaves. My family and I make it a point to go every single year—it's truly a quintessential New York holiday experience. There's a reason it's No. 52 on our list of 100 Things to Do with Your Kids in NYC.

The Holiday Train Show isn't the only fun thing for families at the NYBG this season. Kids can also head to the Everett Children's Adventure Garden to romp in a gingerbread playhouse, decorate gingerbread cookies and look at intricate gingerbread houses, or enjoy special seasonal performances.

We've got the scoop on what's new at the 2012 Holiday Train Show, which opens on Saturday, November 17, plus info on other seasonal train exhibits in NYC, including the brand-new Holiday Express display at the New-York Historical Society.

The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show is simply amazing. Where else can families marvel at detailed miniature replicas of the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium and other iconic NYC spots made entirely from natural materials? The trains weave in and out of these little landmarks, through tunnels, over bridges and even through waterfalls. It's a magical sight and adults should enjoy it just as much as kids.

For 2012, the garden has added a new famous building to the mix: a four-foot tall model of Macy's Herald Square. Since the replica of the store was originally created for Macy's Flower Show, it's much bigger than the other buildings and is therefore displayed on its own in the tented waiting area.

Macy's Herald Square

After debuting last year, the Artist’s Studio is back but it's been completely revamped. Instead of static photos and tools, the display now features some of the artists' non-Holiday Train Show works. A small train made from bark chugs past non-NYC landmarks, including Lucy, the famous elephant of the Jersey Shore.

New Jersey's famous elephant Lucy and other roadside attractions in the Artist's Studio

Since the Holiday Train Show is located inside in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, it's a great destination, even once winter takes hold. Plus, the NYBG offers other holiday attractions just for families that are free with Holiday Train Show admission.

Gingerbread Adventures
Head to the Everett Children's Adventure Garden for all things gingerbread. Kids can create a gingerbread garden journal, pot plants that are in used in gingerbread recipes and decorate gingersnaps. There is also a fabulous display of gingerbread houses made by local pastry chefs.

The Little Engine That Could
Puppet master Ralph Lee brings the classic story of the spunky choo-choo who saves Christmas to life. Runs Tuesdays-Thursdays, November 27–December 27, except Christmas Day, and Mondays, December 17 and 31, times vary. Visit the website for the complete schedule.

All Aboard with Thomas and Friends
Preschoolers' favorite blue engine and his pals star in this mini-musical. After the show, kids can pose with the costumed characters. Runs Tuesday, January 1-Sunday, January 27, times vary. Visit the website for the complete schedule.

Upon entering the show, you're greeted by Lady Liberty and Ellis Island in the Harbor.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History

The old Yankee Stadium


 

A Christmas tree

Some of NYC's famous skyscrapers

The United Nations

Grand Central Terminal

Oh yeah, there are trains, too.

Holiday Train Show Tips

The Holiday Train Show is extremely popular and gets jammed during peak times. The NYBG combats the crowds by selling timed tickets. Still, if it all possible, try to go on off-peak days (weekdays or evenings in November, early December and January).

It's best to buy tickets in advance. If you try to pay at the door, you may find your preferred time slot sold out.

The decked out NYBG is a great place to snap a photo for your holiday cards! Awesome photo ops include the Christmas trees and other decorated greenery. See our other ideas for unique holiday photo ops in NYC.

Strollers aren't allowed inside the Holiday Train Show but you can leave them in the anteroom.

There's on-site parking for $12 per vehicle, but the NYBG is accessible via public transportation. Take Metro-North from Grand Central to the Botanical Garden station, which is directly across the street from the main entrance.

The garden has two cafes. The food is good but pricey so you may want to eat in Little Italy around Arthur Avenue, which is a short drive away.

The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show is on view Saturday, November 17-Monday, January 13. Weekdays: $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 2-12. Weekends and peak days Friday, November 23, Monday, December 17-Tuesday, January 1: $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 2-12. Visit the website for hours, dates and additional details.

Other NYC Holiday Train Displays

This year, the New York City Transit Museum's Annual Holiday Train Show in Grand Central Terminal has a brand-new layout created by Lionel in honor of the station's upcoming 100th anniversary. This cute but modest display takes visitors on an imaginary journey from Grand Central Terminal to the North Pole. Runs Wednesday, November 21-Sunday, February 10, 2013. FREE.

New for 2012, the New-York Historical Society will host Holiday Express, a seasonal exhibit featuring impressive antique model trains, train stations and sheds, bridges and tunnels, carousels and Ferris wheels. While there, be sure to check out the interactive DiMenna Children's History Museum, which is also located at the Historical Society. The display is on view Friday, November 24-Sunday, January 6 in the Sculpture Court at the New-York Historical Society, 77th Street and Central Park West. Free with admission: $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for children ages 5-13, free for kids under 5. One kid under 13 per family can get in free by coloring this train.

Unfortunately, the popular Station at CitiGroup Center is no longer running.

Check out our Holiday Guide for lots of other ways to celebrate the season in NYC, and find great gift ideas in our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide.

Tags:
  • Bronx
  • Bronx Park
  • Christmas/Hanukkah
  • Kids
  • NYC
  • Preschoolers
  • Tweens & Teens
  • Stephanie's blog
Print this page

Similar

  • MTA Nostalgia Trains: Take a Ride Back in Time in NYCMTA Nostalgia Trains: Take a Ride Back in Time in NYC
  • New York Botanical GardenNew York Botanical Garden
  • Holiday Deals: NYBG Holiday Train Show, Live Theater, Music Lessons and MoreHoliday Deals: NYBG Holiday Train Show, Live Theater, Music Lessons and More
  • More Free Demo ClassesThings to do New Year's Day 2009 with Kids in New York

<< Previous
This Week: New Route for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Things to Do Veterans Day Weekend, Still Recovering from Sandy
Next >>
See Some of NYC's Best Graffiti at 5 Pointz in Long Island City Before It's Gone

Javascript is required to view this map.
Close

Things to do Today

  • Fri 24
  • Sat 25
  • Sun 26
  • Mon 27
  • Tue 28
  • Wed 29
  • Thu 30
Rennie Harris RHAW
The New Victory Theater
Various times
Kings County Fair
Aviator Sports and Events Center
Various times
Opening: Doodle 4 Google exhibit
American Museum of Natural History
Various times
Opening Weekend: Shipwreck!
Discovery TImes Square
Various times
Life-Size Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter Lego Display
Times Square
Various times
View all events
The 18th Annual Lower East Side Festival Of The Arts Street Fair & Youth Program
Theater for the New City
Various times
Kings County Fair
Aviator Sports and Events Center
Various times
Dance Africa 2013 Bazaar
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Various times
Rennie Harris RHAW
The New Victory Theater
Various times
Governors Island Opening Weekend
Governors Island National Monument
10:00am
View all events
Kings County Fair
Aviator Sports and Events Center
Various times
Rennie Harris RHAW
The New Victory Theater
Various times
Dance Africa 2013 Bazaar
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Various times
Opening Weekend: Design Zone
New York Hall of Science
10:00am
Governors Island Opening Weekend
Governors Island National Monument
10:00am
View all events
Dance Africa 2013 Bazaar
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Various times
Kings County Fair
Aviator Sports and Events Center
Various times
Opening Weekend: Design Zone
New York Hall of Science
10:00am
Governors Island Opening Weekend
Governors Island National Monument
10:00am
Opening: Doodle 4 Google exhibit
American Museum of Natural History
Various times
View all events
Summer Salute To Heroes
INTREPID Sea, Air, & Space Museum
Various times
Silly Sing Along with Mike Gold
LARKcafe
10:00am
Preschool Play
Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park
10:00am
Catch & Release Fishing
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
10:00am
Arts & Crafts, Snack and Chat
RHOW_BK
10:30am
View all events
Moosiki Kids Demo Class
Murray Hill Wee Ones CLub
Various times
Catch & Release Fishing
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
10:00am
Preschool Play
Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park
10:00am
Open Play Session
JACK
10:30am
The Dad Beats
LARKcafe
10:30am
View all events
CityParks PuppetMobile: Little Red's Hood
Washington Square Park
5:00pm
Harborlore Festival
Various times
The 20th Annual Red Hook Fest
Red Hook
Various times
River Tots On Pier 25
Pier 25, Hudson River Park
10:00am
Catch & Release Fishing
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
10:00am
View all events
Submit an event

Help Launch Our App and Win Rewards!





Categories

Beach Vacations (3)Best Family Travel Destinations (1)Books (76)Camps (70)Charming Towns (1)Childcare (12)Christmas/Hanukkah (49)Classes (157)Crafts (74)Cultural Events (229)Educational Travel (5)Fall (39)Family Cruises (3)Family Friendly Hotels (1)Family Photography (8)Family Resorts (5)Family Travel (49)Family Travel Tips (6)Farm Fun (3)Festivals (128)Film (40)Food (174)For Train Lovers (7)Free Activities (265)Giveaways (89)Great Cities (2)Green (41)Halloween (22)Healthy Kids (47)Helpful Products (30)Holidays (175)Indoor Activities (179)Itineraries (75)Kid-Friendly Recipes (9)Multicultural (24)Museums (208)Music (62)Nature (62)News (198)NYC as Classroom (49)Offbeat (33)Other Sites (80)Outdoor Activities (172)Outdoor Adventures (7)Parenting Tips (37)Parks and Playgrounds (125)Parties (69)Photo Gallery (6)Preschool (23)Profiles (4)Schools (51)Services (55)Skiing (5)Small Space Living (16)Spas (2)Special Needs (26)Sports (54)Spring (57)Stores (94)Summer (96)Technology (24)Theme Parks and Water Parks (7)Things to Do (601)Tours (2)Toys and Games (32)Transportation (19)Visiting NYC (50)Water Fun (55)Weekend Trips (63)Winter (63)Zoos and Aquariums (5)

Our Free Online Guides

 

    

   

Our Neighborhood Guides

Things to Do on the Upper West Side

Things to Do on the Upper East Side

Things to Do in Park Slope

Things to Do in Midtown West

Things to Do in Tribeca

Things to Do in Chelsea

Things to Do in Dumbo

Things to Do in Williamsburg

Things to Do in Greenpoint

Things to Do in Harlem

Things to Do in Long Island City

Things to Do in Forest Hills

Things to Do in Fort Greene Clinton Hill

Things to Do in Crown Heights

Things to Do in Chinatown

Things to Do in Jackson Heights

Things to Do in Dyker Heights

Things to Do in Riverdale

More Mommy Poppins Guides

 

  
 

Welcome to Mommy Poppins

MommyMommy Poppins is New York City's favorite free online resource for parents and kids where you'll discover the inside skinny on things to do, see, learn, play, make, read, splash, eat, run amok, party and envy in the New York area with kids. I hope you like the site. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.Anna

From the region

Mommy Poppins

  • This Week: Memorial Day Weekend in NYC and Beyond, Beaches After Sandy, Family Day Trips, Mommy Poppins App
  • World Science Festival 2013: Free Street Fair and Other Science Fun for NYC Kids
  • Memorial Day Weekend for NYC Kids: Governors Island Family Festival, Dinosaur Safari, Beach Season, New York Aquarium Reopens
  • Brand-New Queens Amusement Park: Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel
  • NYC Beaches After Sandy: What to Expect at Rockaway, Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Others in 2013

Mommy Poppins

  • Long Island Kids' Activities May 25, 26, & 27: Memorial Day Weekend Bethpage Air Show, Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival
  • Great Long Island Beaches for Families Post-Sandy
  • Train Museums, Exhibits and Rides on Long Island
  • Strawberry Fields: 4 Strawberry Picking Farms on Long Island (and a Couple of Festivals)
  • Long Island Kids' Activities May 18 & 19: EMCON3 Anime Festival, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Fleece & Fiber Fair

Mommy Poppins

  • Great Day Trips in NJ: Wild West City
  • Mostly Free and Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Memorial Day Weekend May 25-27
  • Organic Farm Shares in New Jersey
  • Take a PEEC: Visit the Pocono Environmental Education Center
  • Kid-Friendly NJ-Based Party Boats

Mommy Poppins

  • Mommy Poppins App Is Coming! Help Us Launch It and Win Cool Rewards!
  • Mostly Free and Fun Things to do with the Kids this Memorial Day Weekend in Connecticut: Parades, Fairs and Picnics
  • Memorial Day Parades and Events in Litchfield County
  • Memorial Day Events and Parades in New Haven County
  • Autism Resources for Families in Hartford County, CT
©2007-2013 Mommy Poppins. All rights reserved.