Whenever I’m in New York City (NYC) or going over the White Stone Bridge, I’m always on the lookout for the Empire State Building, especially at night to see the spire with its radiant and colorful glow. Recently, I happened upon another view of it, and that was at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Holiday Train Show. This year they have added a new replica of the Empire State Building and a spire that lights up along with St. Bartholomew’s Church, General Electric Building, and Chrysler Building to their 150+ buildings of NYC. The Holiday Train Show is located in the 90 foot dome of the conservatory, and they have created a stunning view of the iconic buildings of Manhattan, along with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

After attending my fourth Holiday Train Show, you might think, especially as an adult, that maybe I have experienced it enough times. But I haven’t!

Applied Imagination is the company who designs and creates this truly magical exhibition by building upon the beauty of the NYBG, adding delight with the G-size model trains whizzing throughout the conservatory, and miniature (though not that small in size) replicas of the many NYC landmarks. Their attention to detail and the passion of creating each of these buildings is spectacular. It can take anywhere from 300-500 hours to create each building, and that does not include all of the time to plan, create the blueprints and curate all of the natural elements (plants, bark, pinecones, fruits, leaves and fungi), let alone the 10 days to install it.

Macy’s department store is at the main entrance where they have thoughtfully created an extended enclosed entrance for those attending the show, and giving you your first glimpse of what is to come.

Next is the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which took nearly five months to create. A few of the interesting pieces that it’s constructed with are cork bark, curls of cinnamon, Japanese honeysuckle branches, pine cone scales, acorn caps, bamboo stems, anise seeds and the top of the main dome is a mahogany seedpod and a lotus seedpod. It’s amazing!

There is always something to catch your attention from the iconic NYC bridges made of sticks and bricks with trains running overhead to the numerous buildings and landmarks of NYC.

Coney Island was their new exhibit last year and the Wonder Wheel (Ferris Wheel) has its seats made up of coco pods.

One of my favorites is the elephant whose decor is so ornate. St. Bart’s dome is made from a gourd, though I would imagine it took many tries before finding the perfectly shaped one.

The Washington Arch is stunning and looks so realistic.

Check out the intricate detail of the New York City Library with the steps made of fungi. The statues along the top are made of acorns, hickory nuts, dried okra pods, other seedpods, pitcher plant petals and grapevine tendrils.(1)

This ornamental floral display is part of the Frick Collection building. Another example of the intricate details put into each one. The Statue of Liberty is made up primarily of palm leaves.

The Eden Museum is decorated with red berries for the holidays and looks quite festive.

After attending my fourth Holiday Train Show, you might think, especially as an adult, that maybe I have experienced it enough times. But I haven’t! It’s a magical wonderland created in the warm ambiance of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and as you walk through, you cannot help but feel that you have been transported to a world of wonder and delight.

As enjoyable as it to see photos of it, it’s so much more of an experience to actually attend the NYBG Holiday Train Show. If visiting the NYBG isn’t within your reach, there are many other variations of this spectacular and magical exhibition, and they can even be found throughout the year.

1. NYBG The Holiday Train Show, A City within a City

Share with me below: What is your favorite building exhibited at any of the holiday train shows?

FEATURED VIEW
Manhattan. Photographed @ New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show.

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