Holiday Train Show, NYBG
4.6(155)4.6 out of 5 stars, 155 reviews New York, NY
About Holiday Train Show, NYBG
The Holiday Train Show at NYBG offers a unique and intricate display of miniature New York City landmarks, crafted entirely from natural materials like bark, leaves, and seeds, alongside various model trains traversing the landscape. It's particularly valued for its educational aspect, showcasing iconic and historical NYC buildings (including some now demolished, like Old Penn Station and Vanderbilt Mansion) and providing insight into the city's architectural past.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with children who are enthusiastic about trains.Educational family outings, especially for those interested in New York City's history and architectural landmarks.A unique and festive activity during the holiday season.Visitors looking for an experience that offers good photo opportunities of intricate displays.**Children who love trains:** Specifically recommended for kids who have a strong interest in trains.
Why families love it
- Intricate and detailed miniature models of iconic NYC landmarks (e.g., Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, Statue of Liberty) and historic buildings (e.g., Old Penn Station, Vanderbilt Mansion).
- All miniature structures are uniquely crafted from natural materials, highlighting impressive craftsmanship.
- A wide variety of model trains circulate through the detailed cityscapes, providing constant movement and interest.
- Offers an educational experience, teaching about New York City's architectural history and landmarks.
- Provides excellent opportunities for taking photographs of the detailed displays.
- Engaging for children who specifically love trains.
Insider tips
- **Reservations:** Strongly recommended to make reservations online, as walk-ins are possible but may lead to waits.
- **Arrival:** Arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, as early entry is not permitted.
- **Optimal Viewing Time:** Consider visiting around 4 PM to leverage natural light, which enhances the details and textures of the miniature structures, and allows for approximately two hours of exploration before closing.
- **Night Viewing:** If you wish to experience the show at night, be prepared for night driving or navigating public transit after dark.
- **Public Transit (from Manhattan):** Build in extra travel time due to potential train issues or bus transfers. Expect a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest bus stop to the venue.
- **Parking:** Be aware that parking is paid at the entrance and cannot be pre-paid online.
Good to know before you go
- Expecting a very long or highly guided experience, as the display can feel short and lacks clear route signage.
- Arriving without a reservation, particularly during peak times, to avoid potential waits.
- If you are highly budget-conscious, as the ticket price (around $40) combined with mandatory paid parking might be considered expensive.
- Saturday nights at 8:30 PM if you wish to avoid significant crowds, though visitors noted a cooperative atmosphere.
- The display might feel 'a bit short' for some visitors' taste.
- Crowds
- Can be 'pretty crowded at 8:30 on a Saturday night', though visitors noted a cooperative atmosphere among guests allowing each other to see.
- Value
- Tickets were reported to be 'about $40' per person by one visitor, who considered it 'a little bit expensive' but justified by the experience and the support it provides to the garden. An additional cost is the mandatory paid parking at the entrance, which cannot be pre-paid.
- Accessibility
- Public transit from Manhattan may involve transfers (e.g., D train to a bus) and includes a 10-15 minute walk from the bus stop to the venue.
- Safety
- One visitor mentioned feeling 'not unsafe' and walked with confidence during the 10-15 minute transit walk from the bus stop to the venue, which can be a consideration for parents regarding the surrounding area.
What parents say
"Amazing experience where more than the trains you get to see the magnificent buildings that once stood in New York City that line its Skyline today. Trains of all kinds, passing through the tracks such that they're going around the city make it even more enjoyable. Very strongly recommend. You learn and see so many buildings such as the Old Penn station (to make Madison square Garden) or the Vanderbilt Mansion that were demolished prior to the NYC landmarks bill stopped more of them from being torn down."
2 months ago
"Amazing work and beauty of iconic buildings such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty made from bark, leaves and other natural materials! Visiting the exhibition at 4 PM sounds like a great plan! This time allows you to enjoy the natural light, which can enhance the details and textures of the miniature structures. With two hours left before closing, you'll have plenty of time to explore the exhibits, take photographs, and truly appreciate the craftsmanship involved in creating the models of iconic New York landmarks. Enjoy your time at the exhibition!"
a month ago
"My son loves trains and I wanted to take him when he would cherish the memory and this was the year. It didn't disappoint! There was no wait, we got there a little bit before our time, so we took a stroll through the gardens a you won't be let in until 5 minutes before your appointment. It was winter, so, not much to see, but still a great time. I wanted to see the night sir, but, I'm not a fan of driving at night. I luckily got street parking really close by, but, I'm not sure about their parking although I'm told there is parking available. You can do walk ins, however, I recommend making a "
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More christmas events for kids in New York
Christmas Events for Kids Kids N Action
4.2(1,153)4.2 out of 5 stars, 1153 reviews1149 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn
Christmas Events for Kids Crazy Science-Science experiments for kids-Kids Party-Children's Birthday Party idea-Science Party
5.0(60)5.0 out of 5 stars, 60 reviews165 W 71st St, New York
Christmas Events for Kids Payasos Clowns Fabiola's Kids
4.2(129)4.2 out of 5 stars, 129 reviews42-04 215th Pl, Bayside
Christmas Events for Kids Birthday Party Booker
5.0(27)5.0 out of 5 stars, 27 reviewsDEZER BUILDING, 48 W 21st St, New York