MasterCard Special Access to Holiday Train Show
Through January 13, 2013
Priceless®. It's a word that's synonymous with MasterCard--and with The New York Botanical Garden! The Garden has partnered with MasterCard to provide Priceless New York experiences that you simply can't get anywhere else. From exclusive evenings to early access and pre-parties, you can now experience the Garden like never before--but only when you use your MasterCard card.
VIP Access to Thomas & Friends™
Thomas & Friends™ are pulling into the station! MasterCard cardholders enjoy VIP access with special reserved seating and a first-in-line position at a meet and greet and photo-op with Thomas. Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a fun-filled, sing-along, mini-performance adventure. Get tickets for January 5 or January 13.
Supported by 
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends ©2012 Gullane [Thomas] Limited.
Exclusive Early Access
Get a jump on the holidays with a visit to the magical Holiday Train Show before the Garden opens to the general public--enter at 9:15, 9:30, or 9:45 a.m. Enter early, and stay at the Garden for an entire day of fun. Get tickets for January 5.
MasterCard Budding Masters: Gingerbread Workshop
Kids ages 8-12 learn to make a gingerbread house from NYC cake artist Liz Shim, owner and head baker of Eat Cake Be Merry, and explore the spices that go into this holiday favorite. Get tickets for January 12.
PAST EVENTS
Bar Car Night with Pre-Party
On these nights for grown-ups at the Holiday Train Show, leisurely view this wondrous exhibition while sipping a complimentary cocktail. Use your MasterCard to purchase a VIP ticket that includes an exclusive pre-party. Start your night at Shop in the Garden from 6-7 p.m., where you'll enjoy complimentary champagne and artisanal chocolate plus 10% off your purchase at the Shop when you use your MasterCard. Get tickets for December 8, December 15, or December 22.
Exclusive Family Evening, December 11
After the Garden closes, see the Holiday Train Show as few others get to see it. Get into the holiday spirit as a family by exploring the Holiday Train Show in the evening, under the magic of thousands of twinkling lights. Get tickets.
Certain restrictions and terms & conditions apply. Limited quantities available and limited time offer. For MasterCard cardholders only. MasterCard, the MasterCard brand mark, and Priceless are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.
Founding Sponsors: Victoria and Robert Zoellner
Major Sponsor: Alpine Associates Advisors
Presenting Sponsor: 
Generous support also provided by the Karen Katen Foundation
Additional support provided by Brooks Brothers
All-Garden Pass tickets for the Holiday Train Show start at $20 for Adults and $10 for Kids 2-12. See prices by date.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended as tickets do sell out. Tickets are timed and sold in 15 minute increments.
Holiday Train Show Hours
- Weekdays: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Weekends: 10 a.m.–7 p.m., including Friday, November 23 (day after Thanksgiving)
- Holiday Weeks (Monday, December 17–Tuesday, January 1): 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Early closings: December 14 and 24; 3 p.m.
- Closed: November 22 (Thanksgiving) and December 25 (Christmas)
Tips to Enhance Your Visit
- Holiday Weeks (December 17–January 1) are traditionally the busiest times at the show. Opt for days before or after that period.
- Our timed-ticket system helps visitor flow through the show. Purchase tickets online to select your date and time.
- Avoid lines at the gate by purchasing your tickets online and printing them yourself at home.
- Traveling with little ones? Strollers cannot be taken into the Conservatory, so please plan accordingly.
About the Designer
Paul Busse and his team at Applied Imagination have collaborated with the Garden since the inception of the Holiday Train Show in 1992. The collection now numbers more than 140 replicas!