The fleet of vintage trains wrap around each of the replicas.

The exhibition takes over the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and turns it into a train and miniature wonderland. Over 140 New York landmark replicas hug the train tracks, which are planted with lush flowers, mosses and greenery. Coupled with twinkling lights and a fleet of model trains, the result is indeed a magical sight to behold!

This year, Busse and his team added even more to their display with a replica of world-famous department store Macy’s that greets visitors as they enter the conservatory. Head to the back of the exhibition to check out the working Roosevelt Island tram model, which is right by the Palm Dome Pool. International sites like the Sphinx, the Route 66 Diner, the Parthenon and the Boston Harbor Lighthouse were also cobbled together from twigs and stems in the Artist’s Studio room.

Old favorites like the original Penn Station, the New York Public Library, Radio City Music Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge also dot the landscape, and are made from bark, twigs, stems, fruits, seeds and pine cones.

The beautiful exhibition has been a New York Botanical Garden holiday tradition since 1992, but new surprises keep popping up each year. If you’d like to experience this magical display for yourself, get your tickets in advance, as the popular exhibition may very well sell out!

+ New York Botanical Garden