The Holiday Season is upon up and in full effect. The tree has been lit, the tourists have landed, and our streets are crowded. There are lines in the stores and delays in the subways (not like that is anything new for us New Yorkers). It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Maybe not for the subway kind of trains but for the method of delivery pre-Amazon. We’re talking rail cars!
Before the internet and all the comes with online shopping, there were catalogs and mail order. When you placed an order, things were delivered by train! It’s our little theory as to why trains are symbolic and find themselves more prevalent this time of year. Whether it’s under your tree or at show, trains have become a symbolism of the holidays.
Our team can’t get enough of trains including the Lionel set choo chooing around the office. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that we check out all the Holiday train shows that we can. While they are all great, we especially love the one at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. They kick it up a notch and offer an ‘Adults-Only night’ where they serve spirts while you enjoy entertainment that is not found on a typical evening. This includes ice carving, music, and fire pits to round out your Holiday Train Show® viewing.
This all happens in the enchanting setting of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory which showcases more than 175 scaled iconic buildings and structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty under thousands of twinkling lights. Step into a miniature city that displays familiar sites all while enjoying a cocktail from one of the seasonal bars.
Also, make sure to grab a bite to eat from the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-up, then set out to explore the night’s offerings. Relax and warm up around the fire pits in the Leon Levy Visitor Center, watch art emerge from giant blocks of ice during live ice-sculpting demonstrations, sing along to your favorite tunes with dueling pianos in the Pine Tree Café, and listen to roving a cappella groups as they guide you through the Garden.
Last year’s display was epic; just check out our experience. We can’t wait for the 2018 installment!