Updated November 2019
Do you know about the Holiday Nostalgia Train running in New York City this holiday season? This almost-secret resurrection of vintage trains running along real tracks is back for a limited time. So go catch one while you can!
The New York Transit Museum has teamed up with the MTA to bring the old-fashioned trains from a by-gone era back for some holiday fun. The “R1-9” cars, as they are called, are from the 1930’s and can be enjoyed just as you would take the modern subway today. For a single MetroCard ticket, hop on and go back in time, rattan seats and all!
This year’s Holiday Nostalgia trains will depart from 3 different locations and will be running Sundays only:
The Holiday Traill will depart 2nd Avenue on the Uptown F Train on:
December 1st
December 8th
December 15th
December 22nd
December 29th
The trains will depart at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The Holiday train will depart 125th Street on the downtown A line on:
December 1st
December 8th
The trains will depart at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The Holiday train will depart 145th street on the downtown D line on:
December 15th
December 22nd
December 29th
The trains will depart at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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So how was it?
Fun! Interesting! I went with my girls (and brother and nephew) this past Sunday, we all swiped our MetroCards, and took the Q line train at 11:00 a.m. We had heard to arrive early for some train viewing and photo taking before departure, and that’s just what we did. Indeed, there was a crowd of people already there with cameras out; though, thankfully, it wasn’t obnoxiously crowded.
Once we boarded the train, we were taken back in time with rattan seating, ceiling fans, light bulbs, “drop-sash” style windows, vintage roll signs and original advertisements. The ads were probably my favorite part of the train – Ben-Gay anyone?…Any takers for a spin on the coaster at Rockaway’s Playland? They were lots of fun to see, and to the poor people I kept asking to move so I could take a photo, thank you.
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Interestingly, there were also people dressed up in period clothing, who really got into it. This clearly is a “thing”. So the eye candy was everywhere, from the décor to the people.
The kids were able to snag a seat, and my brother and I became straphangers, just like back in the day. At every other stop we would walk down to the next car to check it out – each one with their own decor – and to see all the advertisements. We did have one moment where we stopped for about 7 minutes, but I never felt too nervous, as there was MTA staff everywhere – about 2 per car. They are older trains after all!
Most people were like us, eager to see the vintage trains, while some others were genuinely there to use the subway system and get from point A to point B. And some others you could tell, were utterly confused! Clearly, they did not receive the memo about the nostalgia cars.
If you’re in New York, and looking for a unique activity to do with the kids (or without), check out the holiday nostalgia trains and take a ride back in time.
You Might Also be Interested in: Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Manhattan
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I Love this! The vintage advertisements and the people in period costume really make it a trip into the past. What a wonderful idea – I bet many New Yorkers enjoy this trip down memory lane! #FarawayFiles
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I’m not sure how many years it’s been going but it’s a great way to see and experience old New York!
Wow, I had no idea this was a thing – how amazing, I’d LOVE to ride on one of these! #FarawayFiles
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I know! It’s pretty cool. Just a few times a year!
What a fun thing to do, Corey! I’ve ridden on vintage cars and steam trains in the UK which is always really enjoyable. The thing I’d most love about this is the fabulous recreation of advertisements and the people in period clothes. You could almost kid yourself that you really were on a time machine! #FarawayFiles
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Exactly! The period costumes really added to it, but my favorite part was the advertisements. Trip down memory lane – well, not memory as I wasn’t born but you know what I mean!
What a fun thing to do – I love how people dressed up too.
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I know, they really got into it!
This is wonderful! I would definitely want to do this if I were in NYC! Such a fun treat!! Love the photos, and the period costumes. were they people just getting into the spirit or hired by the MTA? #farawayfiles
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That’s a great question, Hilary, and one my brother and I were asking when we were on the train. I have a feeling it was a combo, but I need to explore more of that and see how involved the MTA gets.
What a fun thing to do. My husband who is a bit of a train nerd would absolutely love to do this. It’s just like stepping back in time.
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Yep, total time machine. I’ve always loved history and trying to imagine the past :).
This looks so fun!! I love all the old advertising posters. Really interesting! #farawarfiles
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Thank you! It was so much fun 😉
I loved this when I saw this on your Instagram- what a massive treat! I think would just ride up and down admiring all the people in vintage dress ❤️. #farawayfiles
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Yes – that was definitely a cool thing to see. Thanks!
Amazing those old trains are still functional. It must be really cool to experience such ride. #FarawayFiles
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It was a cool experience for sure 🙂
So awesome that you got to ride on this! I bet it was like a blast from the past kinda feeling! Would love to do this too one day! Pinned for later! Hopefully they’ll bring it out again! #CityTripping
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They come out every year holiday season so we’ll be doing it again!
It’s something a little different. Love the period costume, the uniforms make my heart ache. Such difficult times. #citytripping
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The costumes were indeed a great touch – thanks for the comment.
Oh I’m bummed that we’re going to miss this during our upcoming trip to New York, I’d have loved to take the vintage train. I’m secretly a bit of a train geek and love everything to do with train travel, including subway trains. The vintage ads and costumes add such a great touch of authenticity. #citytripping
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The ads were my favorite part. Are you getting excited for your trip? Can’t wait to hear what you decide to see and do!
This looks great fun. I all for stepping back in time and imagining life in the past. I’m particularly a fan of the vintage posters they say a lot about the era. Well done to those getting dressed up and I can just imagine the bemused faces of those who were just getting the tube with no clue what was going on! Thanks for linking #citytripping
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Yes, the confused people was the best part!
Oh I love this! The authenticity, like stepping back in time! I would definitely want to try to see this in NYC. Impressed they have kept them running. Thanks for sharing Corey! #FarawayFiles
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Yes, very impressive!
What a great idea! Love the vintage dress too ! #FarawayFiles
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I know, they’re so great!