Everything is possible in NYC, even turning the clock back and finding yourself in the past with the Holiday Nostalgia Rides!
Every December the New York Transit Museum, in collaboration with MTA, dusts off its historic subway cars and brings back its holiday nostalgia rides… You should see the faces of those tourists and New Yorkers who happen to be on the right station at the right time who find themselves back to 1930s! 🤩
Don’t worry, I’m about to share all details so you’ll be ready to step inside one of these vintage subway cars and fully enjoy your Time Machine 🕰️
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the Holiday Nostalgia Rides and have an EXTRAordinary New York City experience! 🗽
What’s Holiday Nostalgia Rides? 🚉
The Holiday Nostalgia Rides refer to a vintage train made of eight cars that ran from 1930s until 1977 and are normally on display at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn Heights. Modern for their time, the cars feature rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, roll signs, and period advertisements. ⭐
When are the Holiday Nostalgia rides happening?
This special train will be running every Sunday in December between 10am and 5pm.
Save the date: December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 2024.
What is the Holiday Nostalgia Rides route?
The vintage train runs from the 2nd Avenue/Houston Street station on the uptown F platform and the 96th Street downtown Q line.
⬆️ DIRECTION UPTOWN: It departs from the 2nd Avenue on the uptown F line at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm.
⬇️ DIRECTION DOWNTOWN: It departs from the 96th Street-2nd Avenue on the downtown Q line at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
You can board anywhere along the route.
Here are all the stops, in both directions:
- 2nd Avenue – Houston Street (F)
- Broadway – Lafayette Street (D/F, 6) – ♿ Accessible Station
- West 4th Street – Washington Square (A/C/E, D/F) – ♿ Accessible Station
- 34th Street – Herald Square (D/F, N/Q/R) – ♿ Accessible Station
- 42nd Street – Bryant Park (A/C/E, D/F, N/Q/R, S, 7)
- 47th – 50th Streets – Rockefeller Center (D/F) – ♿ Accessible Station
- 57th Street – 6th Avenue (F)
- Lexington Avenue – 63rd Street (F, Q) – ♿ Accessible Station
- 72nd Street – 2nd Avenue (Q) – ♿ Accessible Station
- 86th Street – 2nd Avenue (Q) – ♿ Accessible Station
- 96th Street – 2nd Avenue (Q) – ♿ Accessible Station
‼️ Attention: vintage trains from the past run alongside modern ones!!!
How much does a Holiday Nostalgia Rides cost?
The ride aboard the past with Holiday Nostalgia Rides has no additional cost: just swipe your MetroCard or “tap as you go” with your credit card at the turnstile as for any other ride in NYC and you’ll be all set! 🎫
How long is the ride? ⏱️
You can actually hop on/off anytime during the ride, however, if you choose to stay onboard for the entire ride, it will take about 40 minutes.
Is there any dress code?
No special outfit required! If you’re lucky, you might run into some people wearing their favorite vintage outfit and you could even witness a swing dance party on the platform! 💃 I dress up as well from time to time.
PRO TIP: to elevate your experience, head to Buffalo Exchange for vintage finds at affordable prices. I got my dress for $25! 🛍️
Why you’ll love it ❤️
There is a special atmosphere on board… The train goes much faster than the modern one, you can smell the strong smell of burnt brakes, it is very noisy, the lights go off every now and then, there are blades moving the air and in an instant you are truly catapulted into the New York of the past! ✨
Conclusions
Don’t miss your chance to travel through time hoping onboard Holiday Nostalgia Rides – for just the cost of a subway ride!
Ready to hop on this NYC Time Machine?
If you’re looking for other unforgettable NYC experiences for your holidays in New York City, I’d recommend you to also check these other blog posts I wrote for you:
🎟️ Ticketed Experiences:
– Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise: The Perfect Way to Get Into the NYC Holiday Spirit at Its Best
– Circle Line Holiday Harbor Lights Cruise: Santa’s approved Cruise ✨
– Winter Whirl: Roller Skating Inside the Oculus at World Trade Center, New York City
– Elf The Musical on Broadway Will Fill Your NYC Holiday with Joy and Magic!
🆓 Free Experiences:
– STARSCAPE at Genesis House: A Must-See Free Immersive Exhibit in NYC!
– Best of Christmas in NY – instagrammable edition
– Best Christmas Trees to See in New York City: Your 2024 Insider Guide to Holiday Magic 🎅🎄
