This Weekend: A Cheerful Winter Solstice
Posted in Around the Garden on December 21 2012, by Matt Newman
This morning’s raincoat weather hasn’t had us whistling “White Christmas.” Not yet, anyway. But just in time for the winter solstice, it looks like the clouds should be clearing up ahead of a dipping thermometer through the weekend! While we’re not going to see any snowflakes floating on the breeze just yet, it’s safe to say you should be breaking out the knit hats and scarves for any and all pre-holiday adventures in the NYBG this weekend. It’s time to say goodbye to fall, and transition into something a little frostier by comparison.
Bar Car Nights have once again proven a massive success, and it’s just about time to say goodbye for another year. Saturday, December 22, marks the final party under the lights of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory–at least for the 2012 holiday season. And if you’re quick about it, you’ll still have the opportunity to snag a ticket or two for our last few hours of casual cocktails. Seeing as our guest list has filled to capacity for each of the past evening events, this is your cue to be hasty with registration–don’t dawdle! We expect to have a full house once again, especially with this being the last chance for an adults-only Holiday Train Show viewing before Christmas.
In the meantime, we’ll be keeping the schedule light with all of our classic seasonal activities, including the Bird Walk, Gingerbread Adventures, and the usual weekend schedule for the Conservatory’s train display. If you’re leaving town to visit family for Christmas, we hope you’ll pay us a visit before you head out! Whether or not you do, here’s to a safe and relaxing holiday from everyone here at the Garden.
Saturday, December 22
Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert.
Film Screening: Holiday Train Show with David Hartman – 11:30 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
A PBS documentary narrated by David Hartman explores how the Holiday Train Show goes from imagination to creation and features exclusive interviews with designer Paul Busse.
Bar Car Night – 7 to 9 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Non-Member $30/Member $20 (Adults 21 and over). Advance tickets recommended; includes one free cocktail. On these special nights for grown-ups at the Holiday Train Show, leisurely view this wondrous exhibition while sipping a complimentary signature cocktail created exclusively for Bar Car Nights. Get into the holiday spirit under the magical glow of thousands of twinkling lights as you enjoy seasonal favorites by a capella group, The Mistletones. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture this special holiday memory, and the images will be available for download or purchase after your visit. A cash bar and snacks will be available for purchase.
Sunday, December 23
Film Screening: Holiday Train Show with David Hartman – 11:30 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
A PBS documentary narrated by David Hartman explores how the Holiday Train Show goes from imagination to creation and features exclusive interviews with designer Paul Busse.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Gingerbread Adventures
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, open all day for exploration
Guided Activities: Weekdays, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Weekends, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Children explore the spices that make up a classic gingerbread recipe. Kids can step inside a child-sized gingerbread playhouse and also decorate a gingersnap cookie with frosting and candies. All ages will enjoy viewing a display of gingerbread houses made by New York City-area bakers.
