Christmas is days away. The kids are out of school, the shopping is (maybe) done, the presents are (mostly) wrapped, and it’s time to concentrate on kicking back and reveling in the joys of the season. For many families in the New York City area, a visit to the Holiday Train Show is as much a part of the holiday season as seeing a performance of The Nutcracker or the Rockettes, gawking at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating in Bryant Park, and watching the animals open “presents” at the Prospect Park Zoo.

And as any seasoned New Yorker can tell you, Christmas in the city can be immensely enjoyable. It’s easy to feel in the spirit of the season when surrounded by so much joy. But, for every jolly Christmas elf, there’s a Grinch whose heart is made several sizes too small by overlong lines, overwhelming crowds, and overheated offices. Escape the lines and hullabaloo of Midtown and come experience the wonder of the Holiday Train Show at the Garden. In an effort to spread the holiday cheer, we’re offering a few tips for maximizing your Train Show enjoyment during these jolly peak weeks (December 21, 2010-January 2, 2011).

See all of our top Holiday Train Show tips below.

A little afternoon “Eye Candy” for you. It snowed overnight in New York City, and we all woke up to a winter wonderland.

There’s nothing that gets us in the holiday spirit quite like a pretty little snowfall (especially one that doesn’t stick around too long, turning into gray mush).

So if you come for a visit today (the Garden is open until 6 p.m. after all!) wear a nice, warm pair of boots.

And remember the Holiday Train Show and Gingerbread Adventures are both inside!

On Sunday, as promised a month ago, I was finally able to bring my nephews, ages 2 and 5, up to the Holiday Train Show. They were blown away by the experience and were predictably thrilled to see their good buddy Thomas in attendance.

What surprised me was when my older nephew, Jasper, grabbed my hand while I was snapping a picture.  Jasper pulled me down to his level and said “Annie, you’re not taking the right pictures. Can I try?” And so, with a slight hesitation, I turned over my trusty G9 to the tiny hands of my nephew.

More photos from Jasper, age 5, below.

My nephews, like millions of other peoples’ nephews, are obsessed with trains. Obviously, I cannot wait to bring them here to the Garden this year for the Holiday Train Show, and I’m promising them a full-on train adventure.

Taking the train to see the trains is a fantastic way to bring the Holiday Train Show to life. Learn more below.

Sure, we know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet (somebody better tell Ms. Turkey here to go into hiding for the next few days), but that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting festive here at The New York Botanical Garden!

Friday marks the unofficial start of the season here at the Botanical Gardens when members are invited to take a sneak peek at the amazing Holiday Train Show.

We’ve got so many great things planned for Saturday, the first public day of the Train Show. Get the full details below!