All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Take This Season

by Yuliya GeikhmanNovember 17, 2021

Holiday train outings, or rides on the “Polar Express” can be a magical and festive event for kids. Some of these train rides are directly inspired by the “Polar Express” book and movie, some are all about Santa and his little helpers and most have some form of refreshment, singing, performance, and even a little gift. But take note! These rides tend to sell out pretty early, so if you want to take a train trip to the North Pole this holiday season, you’ll need to start looking now. We’ve picked the best holiday train rides to take in 2021, and all are located less than two hours (give or take 10 minutes!) away from central Manhattan by car. Book now and enjoy the ride!

Holiday Train Shows

If you can't make it to an actual locomotive, you can still take in one (or more) of the magical model train shows happening this holiday season.

The New York Botanical Garden Train Show
The New York Botanical Garden celebrates the 30th anniversary of its holiday train show in 2021. This magical display features more than 175 New York landmarks re-created with nuts, bark, leaves, and other plant parts as designed by Laura Busse Dolan and the creative team at Applied Imagination.

Humming along between familiar sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Macy’s and the original Penn Station, large-scale model trains cover almost a half-mile of track across rustic bridges and trestles, through tunnels and past cascading waterfalls. And don't forget to look up at the trains zooming overhead!

On select dates, you can also check out the garden's holiday light display, NYBG GLOW, which in addition to dazzling light creations, features music, dance, food and more.

Nov. 20 - Jan. 23, 2022
Tickets: $32/adults;$30/student/senior; $18/kids two–12; free for children under two. Combo train show/GLOW: $35/adults (13-64), $20/kids two 0 12.
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
718-817-8700
Online: nybg.org

Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at the New-York Historical Society

This year, this holiday train tradition goes to the amusement park! Joining a selection of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models from the renowned Jerni Collection, 2021's festive display includes never-before-seen toy rides. Visitors can marvel at a miniature Ferris wheel, carousel, blimp ride, and roller coaster.

Aside from being fun for the kids, the Jerni Collection, which includes hand-crafted and hand-painted pieces dating from approximately 1850 to 1940, is considered one of the finest collections of antique trains and toys in the world.

Tickets: Adults/$22; Seniors/Educators/Active Military/$17; Students/$13; Kids (five–13 years old)/$6; Kids four and under/free
Admission is pay-as-you-wish from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays

Nov. 19-March 13, 2022
170 Central Park West at 77th St.
Upper West Side
212-873-3400
Online: nyhistory.org

If you're still a little nervous about being in an enclosed space with strangers, check out the Catskill Mountain Railroad's Catskill Mountain Express! This version of a holiday train ride invites passengers onto open-air trains for a 60-minute journey to Santa's Workshop at the North Pole. Passengers get a cookie from the local bakery, and a wave from Santa as the train passes. Kids also get a small gift after the North Pole is reached. (Handwarmers are sold on-site, and you're welcome to bring blankets!)

Tickets: $29/adults; $23/kids
Nov. 26-Dec. 23
55 Plaza Rd.
Kingston, NY
845-332-4854
Online: catskillmountainrailroad.com

Wayne Tristate Santa Train

Location: Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center, Wayne NJ (1hr from NYC)

Date: Saturday, December 18

Price: TBD

Online: tristaterail.org

Details are still being determined for this trip; "Like" Tristate Rail's Facebook page to get updates. This hour-long experience will give kids a chance to meet Santa, who will also be giving each child a present and a candy cane. The trip will also have a few special guest appearances by other characters, and children will receive a small toy and an activity book. The train is equipped with bathrooms and is wheelchair accessible. See Covid-19 protocol here.

Whippany NJ Polar Express

Location: 1 Railroad Plz, Whippany NJ (1hr 15m from NYC)

Date: Select dates Nov. 1-Dec. 31

Price: $42-$80/depending on class and date

Online: whippanythepolarexpressride.com

A popular holiday train ride option, this Polar Express has been refreshed during its year off in 2020. Seating has also been adjusted to improve the visibility of the show for passengers. Choose from Coach Class or First Class for your two-hour journey (First Class is in a restored 1940s car). This spectacular train ride is themed around "The Polar Express" movie, and it sets the mood by playing the sweeping soundtrack during the ride. Passengers make their way to "the North Pole," where hot chocolate and cookies are served, "dancing chefs," perform, and there is a readalong of the children's book that the movie was based on. A small gift is included in the price—a silver sleigh bell (and a ceramic Polar Express mug if you're in First Class)—and throughout the ride, families can enjoy musical performances by characters from the movie. First Class passengers get the benefits of larger windows, plush seating, and plenty of space for legs and little ones.

See Covid-19 protocols here.

Santa Express

Location: 242 E Main St, Thomaston CT ( 1hr 50m from NYC)

Date: Every weekend (Fri.-Sun.) between Thanksgiving and Christmas

Price: Santa Express - Coach: $29.50/person; First Class: $59.50/person; $1 for kids 2 and under

Online: rmne.org

This train ride lasts about an hour and 20 minutes and gives families a chance to interact with Santa and his elves. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa's toy bag while elves and other characters lead passengers in carols and singalongs. First class travelers will also be served hot cocoa and get more comfortable seating. Afternoon and evening rides are available, with evening rides being lit up with Christmas lights. Keep in mind that there are no restrooms on the trains.

Phillipsburg Polar Express

Location: 100 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg NJ (1hr 50m from NYC)

Date: Nov. 26-Dec. 19, various times & dates

Price: $42/adult, $32/child, $5/lap sitters (under 2)

Online: 877trainride.com

The Phillipsburg rendition of the Polar Express train ride includes music from the movie, a reading of the book, hot chocolate and cookies, a gift of a sleigh bell, and more. There will be performances and jugglers, as well as visits from Santa and other characters. Travelers are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this whimsical ride. Tickets for certain dates have already sold out, so if you're interested in this one, act fast to get your tickets!

Essex Steam Holiday rides

Location: 1 Railroad Ave, Essex CT (2hr 10m from NYC)

Date: Nov. 19-Dec. 23, various dates & times

Price: $45-$75

Online: essexsteamtrain.com

[Editor's Note: Sadly, this train trip is already sold out for the 2021 season!] The North Pole Express is an hour and a half ride that turns each train car into an interactive musical performance of "The Night Before Christmas." Expect cookies and cocoa and visits from Mrs. and Mrs. Claus. First Class tickets for the North Pole Express are already sold out, so get your tickets soon to ensure a spot.

—Yuliya Geikhman

Why I’m Protecting Thanksgiving from Christmas

By Jen Kathrina-Anne

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 15, 2021

Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness for family and friends.

Legend has it that the Pilgrims made it through their first winter in the New World thanks to the Native Americans who provided food and shared their means for survival in a harsh climate.

Traditional Thanksgiving fare includes mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams and other vegetables, cranberry sauce, ham, and of course, the main attraction, the Thanksgiving turkey. This is all followed by pumpkin or apple pie (or both, in my family) topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Wow, I’m salivating for that meal already, but it’s still more than a week away.

Wait, isn’t it Christmas already?

No, you say?

But everywhere I go, I see Christmas garlands strung across store aisles, Christmas tree farms are throwing open their gates, inflatable snowmen have replaced their jack-o’-lantern counterparts, and Santa has set up camp at the mall.

When I was younger, I remember that after Halloween, I would continue to see autumn-themed decorations and other trimmings wherever I went; it was basically Halloween décor minus the scare factor.

It was still autumn and everyone was celebrating the “Harvest Season.” Thanksgiving was always a nice, smooth transition into the “Christmas Season.”

Now with retail taking more and more of a chunk of our attention to the holidays, The “Christmas State of Mind” needs to start earlier and earlier to feed the gift-giving frenzy of a confused populace who keep thinking Christmas is right around the corner, forgetting that speed bump called Thanksgiving.

Why squeeze out a holiday that is totally non-denominational, brings family and friends together for delicious food, and reminds us to show gratitude for all our blessings?

So I’m here, with a defense of Thanksgiving—let’s slow down and enjoy November, its fiery show of leaves going out in a blaze of glory, the countdown to the Thanksgiving Feast, the constant reminder to “give thanks” inherent in the name of the season.

And to those who wish to rush, don’t panic. As soon as you finish that last bite of turkey and stuffing, you may don your ugly sweater and play those Christmas carols. You still have an entire month, after all.

This post originally appeared on The Haute Mommy Handbook.

Photo: krakenimages via Unsplash

Jen Kathrina-Anne

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin at These 6 Denver Pumpkin Patches

by Kate LowethOctober 13, 2021

When the days get cooler and the costume planning is underway, you know it’s time to go pumpkin picking! These pumpkin patches near Denver offer loads of things to do with kids like corn mazes, crafts, farm-themed playgrounds and hay rides. Gather your crew and head out for a day at one of our favorite Denver-area pumpkin patches for kids.

Queens County Corn Maze via Yabome M.K. Casper

Maize in the City
Choose from hundreds of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes at this fun pumpkin patch. In addition, you can make your way through the massive 20-acre corn maze that even has its own app-driven trivia game to help you navigate your way around! Try out the corn launcher, mini escape rooms, or let the kids run wild on the playground.

10451 McKay Rd.
Thornton, CO
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

COVID-19 Update: Check out their 2020 changes here.

Osborn Farm
Since 1861 this Loveland farm has been welcoming visitors to pick the perfect pumpkin. This year, vendors, hay rides and barrel trains will be open along with regular pumpkin patch activities! Pumpkins, cornstalks, gourds, corn, straw bales and mums will be for sale. You can also get your caffeine fix at their on site coffee trucks, but on weekends only.

1230 S. Boise Ave.
Loveland, CO
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

COVID-19 Update: Masks are recommended indoors.

Cottonwood Farm
Visit this Lafayette farm on the weekdays when admission is free and the crowds are smaller. If you come on the weekends, you get the added bonus of wagon rides around the property. It is strongly recommended that you prepay for your admission, especially for the weekends. Every day you'll find the corn and hay bale mazes, farm animals and loads of pumpkins of course. Come back after Thanksgiving for your Christmas tree! $5 admission.

10600 Isabelle Rd.
Lafayette, CO
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

COVID-19 Update: They ask for social distancing between separate parties.

Nick's Fall Fest
There's no admission fee for this spot and they pop the best kettle corn in town. There are games, rides, mazes, photo ops, an inflatable obstacle course and more to enjoy this year! Enjoy the festive atmosphere and loads of different types of pumpkins.

Nick's Garden Center
2001 S. Chambers Rd.
Aurora, CO
Online: nicksgardencenter.com

Munson Farms
Over 100 acres of farm are here for you to explore when you visit Munson Farms. In addition to pumpkins, they specialize in sweet corn, tomatoes and peaches. Pick your pumpkin from the patch or grab one that's already been picked for you. Hay rides and a corn maze are other attractions here.

75th and Valmont
Boulder, CO
Online: munsonfarms.com

Miller Farms
Family owned and operated since 1949, this farm has got the pumpkin game down. During the fall harvest, everyone takes a tractor ride to the fields with stops along the way to pick their own vegetables. They’ll get the fun and educational experience of putting their hands in the dirt and the rewarding benefit of picking fresh produce to take home to their families. They have a giant “Croc-pit” (imagine thousands and thousands of chopped-up Crocs in a giant pile-o-fun), corn maze, kids play areas, antique tractors, peddle tractors, a hay pyramid, farm animals, and a unique collection of oddities and activities.

13912 CR-19
Platteville, CO
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

—Taylor Clifton, Kate Loweth

Incredible Corn Mazes Worth Traveling For

8 Nifty Thrift Stores to Score Sweet Kids Duds

by alina adamsFebruary 12, 2012

With the holidays – ranging from Thanksgiving to Christmas – looming ominously in the not too far off distance, the race is on to make sure your kids look at least presentable for the inevitable celebrations to come. Though looking absolutely fabulous would be nice, too. In this tight economic climate, however, it seems a shame to overspend on an outfit, no matter how adorable, that your child will inevitably outgrow (or spill juice on) prior to the next big occasion coming around. Especially not when you can take advantage of others who’ve already made the same mistake.

This is where Thrift Shops come in. New York City is an absolute gold mine for the thrifty parent eager to make the whole family look good without breaking the bank. If you’re willing to put in the legwork and hunting time, NYC overflows with gorgeous, designer, expensive clothes for all ages (though, when it comes to adults, the sizes definitely run towards slender) that were often worn only once (if at all) before finding their way into a network of second-hand stores sequestered within the five boroughs.

Some of our favorites include:

Clementine
39 ½ Washington Sq. Street
Greenwich Villag
A consignment store that was specifically created to feel like a high-end boutique, Clementine’s offers maternity clothes and children’s outfits up through size 4T. They offer a super simple Frequent Shopper Program: For every $200 you spend in the store, you get $10 off your next visit! Favorite maternity brands to resell include Liz Lange Collection, Cadeau, Chiarakruza, Isabella Oliver, Olian, and Formes, while choices for kids encompass Catimini, Cakewalk, Marese, Oilily, Bonpoint, Jacadi, Clayeux, and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (with a sprinkling of Gap, H & M, and Uniqlo thrown in and sold at an even deeper discount).

Jane’s Exchange
191 East 3rd Street
East Village
NYC’s biggest maternity and children’s consignment store, Jane’s Exchange will not only outfit your child from, technically, well before birth, they will also give them an indoor place to play while you browse for bargains. Items on sale currently range from fluffy pink tutus to somber navy blazers, plus a custom tote bag to carry them out in. Children’s furniture is also available, as well as breast pumps, strollers, and car seats.

St. Luke’s Thrift Shop
487 Hudson Street – Lower Level
Greenwich Village
Sponsored by the church and initially set up to provide the neighborhood’s homeless population with clothing, job interview attire, and other needed essentials, St. Luke’s also offers a great selection for bargain hunters when it comes to baby goods and extremely marked down designer clothes. Their handbag sales in March and September are extremely popular with moms.

Angel Street Thrift Shop
118 West 17th Street
Chelsea
This “Bargain Hunter’s Dream,” according to New York Magazine, receives donations not only from the fashionable denizens of Chelsea and surrounding areas, but directly from designers and home furnishing companies, making their merchandise not only nearly new, but on the cutting edge of the latest styles, as well. Keep your calendar open especially for their pre-Thanksgiving and Christmas sales.

Monk’s Trunk
23 Hawthorne Street (near Flatbush) in Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Brooklyn
Shop from the comfort of your own home at Monk’s, as he posts pictures of his best new items when they come in. (However, if you want to buy, hurry on down to Brooklyn via the Q, B, or 2 train; the good stuff won’t last long.) Children’s clothes range from sizes 0 to 6 and often go for an average 75% off retail price. Monk’s also has a selection of toys and books, and, this month, is soliciting Halloween costumes. So either bring in your old ones and pick up some extra cash upfront, or dig around and find a hidden treasure of your own!

Flying Squirrel
96 N 6th Street
Brooklyn
Though primarily a store that sells new clothing, shoes and toys for infants and toddlers, Flying Squirrel does a brisk trade in secondhand baby carriers, diaper bags, furniture, equipment, and walkers. Since all those above can be quite pricey, it makes sense to check out gently used versions, especially as a way to decide whether you actually like it before buying a new one.

Unique Thrift Stores
218 West 234th Street
Bronx
&
408 Fulton Street
Brooklyn
&
161-20 Jamaica Avenue
Queens
Operating 30 stores across the United States (including three in NYC), Unique’s mission is to serve the community by providing quality secondhand merchandise in a pleasant shopping environment. They offer a VIP Program with discounts and exclusive offers. But be warned before you set off: The sheer quantity of items on sale has been known to turn a quick trip into an all-day bargain hunting extravaganza.

Housing Works
Assorted NYC locations
With so many options to choose from, if the Housing Works Thrift Shop on the Upper West Side doesn’t have what you’re looking for, try Gramercy. Or Hell’s Kitchen. Or Park Slope. Or Yorkville. All funds raised go to help fight homelessness and AIDS.

Do you have a favorite place to get great deals? Let us know! (We won’t tell a soul…)

–Alina Adams

Photos courtesy of Alina Adams and Allison Ellis.

ML Holiday Tag: thanksgiving,christmas,halloween

All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Take This Season

Holiday Train Shows

Wayne Tristate Santa Train

Whippany NJ Polar Express

Santa Express

Phillipsburg Polar Express

Essex Steam Holiday rides

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Why I’m Protecting Thanksgiving from Christmas

By Jen Kathrina-Anne

Jen Kathrina-Anne

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8 Nifty Thrift Stores to Score Sweet Kids Duds

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