NYBG's 2023 Train Show Moves Outdoors
At a Glance
- What
NYBG's 32nd Holiday Train Show
- When
- November 18, 2023-January 15, 2024
- Where
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and Conservatory Lawn, New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx
- Experience
Model railways, plant-built landmarks, and a new outdoor route.
- Coverage
- Explore coverage
- Details
- What to Know
TheNakedNYC coverage
TheNakedNYC documented the indoor landmark displays and the first outdoor railway in 2023.
What to Know
A Railway Beyond the Conservatory
The new outdoor track crossed a landscape of winter plants, woodland animals, and fungi on the Conservatory Lawn. Indoors, trains continued through the landmark display that has defined the show since its debut in 1992.
New York in Plant Materials
Nearly 200 buildings, bridges, and other structures represented the city's five boroughs. The Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, Radio City Music Hall, and the Apollo Theater appeared among the models, connected by tracks, tunnels, and trestles.
The Modelmakers' Materials
Kentucky studio Applied Imagination built the replicas from botanical materials. Bark supplied walls; leaves became roof tiles. Seeds, twigs, acorns, and cinnamon sticks provided architectural details that remained visible at close range.
Trains From Different Eras
G-scale steam engines, streetcars, freight trains, and passenger cars ran through the miniature streetscape. Their movement connected individual models into a working railway display.
Two Ways to Visit After Dark
The 2023-24 program paired the train show with NYBG GLOW on 17 selected nights. Three adults-only Bar Car Nights offered evening access, with food and drinks sold separately.
