NYBG Holiday Train Show: Festive Trains and City Icons
The New York Botanical Garden transforms into an enchanting winter spectacle this holiday season with the return of its beloved Holiday Train Show and the adult-focused evening experience, Holiday Train Nights. Running from November 16, 2025, through January 25, 2026, the exhibition celebrates the magic of New York City and the holiday spirit.
The Holiday Train Show: Miniature New York
The main event takes place inside the Victorian-era Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, where G-gauge model trains wind their way through a stunning, miniaturized version of New York City. But make sure you walk through the garden just outside as well, where you’ll find a stunning outdoor display of model trains and outdoor settings.
Botanical Landmarks and Cityscapes
The exhibition features almost 200 meticulously crafted replicas of iconic New York landmarks, all ingeniously constructed using natural materials. Visitors can marvel at tiny versions of the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge, all crafted from items such as acorns, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks. The miniature landscape is animated by the festive trains and trolleys, which glide along nearly half a mile of track. The entire display provides a charming, botanical tribute to the city’s most treasured architecture.
The exhibition’s goal is to celebrate the holidays while highlighting the diverse plant life of the region. Daily admission is included with a general Conservatory ticket, making it a spectacular seasonal attraction for families and guests of all ages.
Holiday Train Nights: Adult Evening Fun
For visitors seeking a sophisticated evening-only experience, the garden hosts Holiday Train Nights on select evenings during the season, offering a refined way to enjoy the exhibition after dark. Even if you’ve been to the Holiday Train Show, Train Nights is a completely different experience, and one you won’t want to miss!
Music, Cocktails, and Lights
This separately ticketed event invites adults to explore the glowing garden long after the sun sets. Thousands of festive lights illuminate the Conservatory and the surrounding landscape in a dramatic display. Guests can wander through the dazzling exhibits, listen to live seasonal music, and enjoy cocktails and specialty beverages available for purchase.
Holiday Train Nights offers a vibrant, festive atmosphere, turning the beloved Train Show into a perfect date night or unique holiday gathering in the Bronx. Tickets for these evening sessions are typically sold separately from daytime admission and often sell out quickly.
Planning Your Festive Visit
The New York Botanical Garden recommends purchasing tickets in advance due to high demand. Beyond the trains, the gardens also feature festive outdoor decorations, seasonal dining options, and a beautiful selection of holiday merchandise.
