Photo: Joseph De Sciose

The New York Botanical Garden, the largest urban botanical garden in the United States, is famous for its expansive acreage and diverse collections, its world class research facilities and annual exhibitions including The Orchid Show and, of course, the Holiday Train Show. The model train exhibition's quarter mile of track wends its way through meticulously handcrafted replicas of NYC landmarks and landscapes. Not your average arts and crafts, these realistic re-creations are made from all-natural materials such as pine cones, twigs, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, pomegranates and berries.You'll have to see them up close to believe it. The old Pennsylvania Station, scaled down from eight acres to 20 square feet, is the major new addition to the winter wonderland this season. Now in its 19th year, the show has become a New York tradition.

Photo: Robert Benson

Admission to the Holiday Train Show is included with the purchase of an All Garden Pass and with 250 acres of grounds, there is plenty to explore indoors and out. If you're taking the little ones don't miss appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and The Little Engine That Could puppet show. And go on a Gingerbread Adventure in a world of intricate gingerbread houses where kids learn about the natural ingredients used to make them and even decorate and taste their own ginger snaps. Afterward, warm up with a hot beverage in one of the Garden's cafés and do some holiday shopping at Shop in the Garden which carries great gardening related stocking stuffers, menorahs, Christmas ornaments, holiday cards and much more.

Photo: John Peden

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