Combine a cozy onboard tea service with round-trip transport from Central Park South to the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. This guided outing pairs city stories with horticultural spectacle and family-friendly entertainment.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slides off Manhattan’s glass, and a signature pink bus idles on 59th Street — a small, warm vessel that will carry you uptown to a winter spectacle. Onboard, fine teas steam in paper cups while a guide threads local stories through the route: Central Park’s southern edge, the neighborhoods that shaped New York, and the Bronx’s quieter streets. The bus unfurls the city like a map folded into a holiday story.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking but includes standing and short outdoor paths.
Wildlife
History
The New York Botanical Garden opened in 1891 as a center for public education and plant research; the Holiday Train Show began in the early 1990s, showcasing miniature NYC landmarks crafted from natural materials.
Conservation
NYBG runs active plant research and conservation programs; visitors are asked to stay on paths, dispose of waste properly, and avoid disturbing plant collections.
Reserve your spot on the Holiday Tea Experience & NYBG Holiday Train Show today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Load your ticket in advance
Download the TopView app and add your digital ticket before arriving; paper vouchers aren’t accepted and the bus departs on time.
Arrive early
Plan to be at the Central Park South boarding point at least 15 minutes before departure to secure your seat and avoid missed boarding.
Dress in layers
Temperatures vary between the heated bus, outdoor waiting areas and the humid conservatory; a lightweight jacket and scarf work well.
Bring a reusable bottle
You’ll be walking the garden and may want water between tea tastings; refill stations are available at NYBG.
Warm jacket or layered clothing
Keeps you comfortable between the warm bus, outdoor sidewalks, and the conservatory’s humidity.
winter
Comfortable walking shoes
Stable footwear handles paved paths and the occasional gravel or mulch surface in the garden.
Phone with TopView app & portable charger
A charged phone is required to display your digital ticket and for navigation or photos.
Reusable water bottle
Stays hydrated while you explore the grounds and reduces single-use plastic.
summer