NYC In Focus

The Holiday Nostalgia Train is a beloved NYC tradition that blends the magic of the holiday season with a journey back in time. As a native New Yorker and photographer, I attended the event on December 8, and it was an incredible experience filled with rich history, friendly faces, and unexpected moments that highlighted the unique culture of New York City.

Written and Photographed by Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

A Warm Welcome from the NYC Vintage Community

One of the best parts of the Nostalgia Train experience is the community it attracts. Over the years, I’ve become friendly with many people in the NYC vintage community, and seeing their familiar faces at events like this always brings me joy. It’s not just about riding the train; it’s about sharing the experience with people who have a passion for preserving the past. My beautiful fiancé Pamela and I joined in, camera in hand, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the event. From vintage clothing to retro hairstyles, the crowd’s commitment to authenticity added to the charm of the day.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

The Thrill of the First Car

For my first ride, I boarded the lead car of the train, officially called the R1/9 car model. Riding in the front car gave me a unique perspective as I filmed the train pulling into various stations. The vintage design, with its rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, and glowing incandescent lights, provided an unforgettable backdrop for photos and videos. As the train moved through the city, I couldn’t help but marvel at how these cars have been maintained to reflect their original 1930s aesthetic. It’s a testament to the dedication of the New York Transit Museum and the volunteers who keep this history alive.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

Live Music Brings the Past to Life

Another beautiful part of this experience was the live music organized by the New York Transit Museum. At 96th Street, bands played era-appropriate music, immersing everyone in the sounds of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. These volunteer musicians, dressed in vintage attire, transported us back in time with swing tunes, big band melodies, and classic hits of the past. The effort of the New York Transit Museum staff in organizing these events is unmatched. They’ve built a tight-knit community that thrives on volunteer work and donations, making the entire experience feel like a labor of love.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

Young Train Enthusiasts Steal the Show

What truly blew me away was the enthusiasm of young train aficionados. Kids aged 8 to 15 crowded the platforms and peeked into the train, excitedly identifying each incoming subway model by its number and sound. Their passion was palpable—it reminded me of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, but focused entirely on trains. These kids weren’t just casual fans; they were true historians in the making. Many of them were documenting their experiences on social media, carefully following copyright rules to avoid any DCMA violations when sharing posts with background music. Watching them work so thoughtfully to grow their content and share their passion with others was inspiring.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

Capturing the Moment

As a photographer, this was a dream event. The vintage cars, holiday decorations, and the sheer excitement of attendees made for incredible photo opportunities. Pamela and I collaborated on video content for our social media, ensuring we captured the nostalgic magic of the train in motion. The real joy, though, came from seeing the city through fresh eyes. Even as a lifelong New Yorker, this event reminded me of the incredible experiences NYC offers—both for locals and tourists. It’s a rare chance to explore the city’s history while feeling like a tourist in your own town.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

Why You Should Go

The Holiday Nostalgia Train isn’t just for train enthusiasts or history buffs—it’s for anyone looking to experience the joy of New York in December. Whether you’re drawn to the vintage cars, the festive atmosphere, or the chance to connect with others who share a love for the city’s history, this is a ride you won’t forget. Stay tuned for more updates from my second visit on December 15, where I’ll dive deeper into the sights, sounds, and stories that make the Nostalgia Train a true NYC treasure.

Holiday Nostalgia Train Details

Want to ride the Holiday Nostalgia Train? Here’s what you need to know:

• Dates: The train runs every Sunday in December: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.

• Hours: The train operates between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Route: The train travels between 2nd Avenue–Houston Street (Uptown F Line platform) and 96th Street–2nd Avenue (Downtown Q Line platform).

• Stops Include:

• 42nd Street–Bryant Park

• Broadway-Lafayette Street

• Rockefeller Center

• 34th Street–Herald Square

• Lexington Avenue–63rd Street

Riding the Nostalgia Train is as simple as swiping your MetroCard or tapping with OMNY—no extra ticket required! Make the journey and add some sparkle to your holiday season.