New York Botanical Garden

The NYBG Glow and Holiday Train Show is one of most unique Christmas experiences in NYC! While it was enjoyable, I significantly enjoyed the train show more than the lights (which were underwhelming). The event would be below average if not for the special nighttime admission to the train show. We would go again but would maybe purchase tickets solely for the train show.

The cost was on the higher end of Chrismtas experiences: $54 per adults, $39 per children, and parking was $22 per vehicle.

There were maybe only 3-4 unique light displays and those were minimal too - something you could maybe see walking around NYC for free (light up trees, string lights, light up buildings). I wish there were more lights horticulture themed or really utilizing the large natural space.

Not too much for kids to do. I definitely saw more adult groups than families. Besides walking around the garden at night, the main kid activities were the photo ops, playing with a small trolly/train, and looking for hidden acorns in the train show.

The true gem of this event is the holiday train show. The display features hand crafted buildings and train displays of sights around NYC - all housed within the architecture and plants of the Haupt Conservatory. The details are incredibly intricate and there's something to see no matter where you're standing or whichever way you're facing. Most of my visit was spent at the Haupt Conservatory for the holiday train show.

Restrooms were available during the event and were well maintained.

Food was not as plentiful. There were a few vendors from the Bronx Night Market but nothing too appealing (limited drink options too) so we ended up eating on the way home. Sweets can be purchased but that was a little far back by the holiday train show entrance.

Easy, flat walking surfaces that are well lit. Any paths not part of GLOW were not lit. There was no line to enter. There was a short line for the indoor portion of the holiday train show - visitors went in waves. The outdoor portion comes first and there were no lines to enter, though tickets were checked again.

Parking is either by the front entrance or directly across the street at Fordham University ($22 parking fee is cash only). There are signs and staff members directly you in the right direction.