Starting Saturday, November 14, 2026, a miniature New York made from natural materials will come to life among tropical plants and railroad tracks. At the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, the Holiday Train Show returns, with model trains winding through replicas of New York’s most famous landmarks.
The exhibition, now in its 35th year, will run throughout the holiday season until January 10, 2027, with some new additions and the chance to enjoy the show after dark on select evenings.
New York Keeps Changing, Even in Miniature
One of the highlights of the 2026 Holiday Train Show is the addition of One Vanderbilt, the skyscraper next to Grand Central Terminal that houses SUMMIT, one of New York’s most famous observation decks. The building now joins the miniature version of New York City recreated each year at the New York Botanical Garden.
The Holiday Train Show takes place in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the botanical garden’s historic glasshouse, where model trains run among nearly 200 replicas of buildings, bridges, and other iconic New York landmarks. What makes the display special is that all the models, including the new One Vanderbilt, are made from natural plant materials: pinecones, palm leaves, and even cinnamon sticks. Outside the Conservatory, the display continues with an illuminated mountain landscape and more model trains.
How to Visit the Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show opens to the public on November 14. To visit, you’ll need an All-Garden Pass, which also includes access to the other collections at the New York Botanical Garden. Regular admission costs $35 for adults on weekdays and $39 on weekends; for children ages 2 to 12, tickets cost $15 and $17, respectively. Children under 2 get in free.
Please note that timed-entry tickets are required on weekends, November 27, and during the peak holiday period from December 21 through January 4. On other weekdays, tickets are not tied to a specific entry time. If you can’t find availability through the link above, check the official website, especially if you’re visiting during the Christmas holidays.
On select dates, you can also visit the exhibition in the evening, with the Conservatory illuminated, live music, and extended hours until 8:00 p.m. Special evening hours are scheduled for November 27–29, several dates in December, and January 2; last entry is at 7:15 p.m. Check the available ticket options if you’re planning an evening visit.
The botanical garden is normally open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with some exceptions and special holiday hours. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Keep in mind that the Grounds Access Pass, which covers the outdoor gardens, does not include the Holiday Train Show. This also applies to the free Wednesday grounds admission available to New York City residents.
How to Get There
From Midtown Manhattan, one of the easiest ways to get there is the Metro-North Harlem Line from Grand Central Terminal to Botanical Garden Station. The train ride takes about 20 minutes, and the station is directly across from the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance.
For trips within New York City, the Metro-North CityTicket costs $5.25 off-peak or $7.25 during peak hours. Due to ongoing accessibility improvements at Botanical Garden Station, allow an extra 10–15 minutes to reach the platform for trains returning to Manhattan.
If you’re driving, on-site parking costs $25 per vehicle, with the main parking entrance at 2900 Southern Boulevard. Parking may be limited on busy holiday weekends.
Source: New York Botanical Garden
