Our annual NYC Christmas trip is back, and this year we're heading to the vibrant heart of The Bronx for an unforgettable day of wildlife, authentic Italian market dining, and holiday magic! **(You must confirm your NYBG ticket purchase with time in the comments to be moved off the waitlist.)**

**Read Thoroughly**
**Attraction Details & Tickets (Must Purchase in Advance! The longer you wait, the greater the chance of it selling out!!)**

**STOP 1: The Amazing Bronx Zoo**
Get ready for an incredible wildlife adventure at one of the world's premier zoological parks! Spanning 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is home to thousands of animals from across the globe, housed in immersive, naturalistic habitats. You'll have 2.5 hours to explore some of its most famous exhibits:

* **Congo Gorilla Forest:** Trek through a lush rainforest to observe a lowland gorilla family, mandrills, and other fascinating African species.
* **Tiger Mountain:** Come face-to-face with majestic Siberian (Amur) Tigers through large glass viewing areas.
* **JungleWorld:** An indoor Asian rainforest teeming with gibbons, tapirs, colorful birds, and ancient ruins.
* **Madagascar!:** Discover the unique wildlife of the 'Eighth Continent,' including ring-tailed lemurs and fossa.
* **Your Entry Time:** 12:00 PM (Please purchase a ticket for this time)
* **Cost:** $28.95 (Adult Admission)
* **Tickets: MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.**
* **Link to Purchase: [https://bronxzoo.com/shop/catalogs/bronx-zoo-admission/...](https://bronxzoo.com/shop/catalogs/bronx-zoo-admission/sections/bronx-zoo-admission?end_at=2025-12-31+23:59:59+-0500&event_plu&quantities%5BTX.BZ.0011%5D=1&quantities%5BTX.BZ.0012%5D=0&quantities%5BTX.BZ.0013%5D=0&section_id=272&start_at=2025-12-01+00:00:00+-0500&view)**

**STOP 2: Arthur Avenue Retail Market ([Dinner & Exploration](https://www.arthuravenuebronx.com/))**
After our wild adventures, we'll take a short walk to the heart of the "Real Little Italy" of New York City, and dive straight into the **historic Arthur Avenue Retail Market** for dinner! This bustling indoor market is a true gem, offering a sensory overload of Italian culinary delights. It’s like a smaller, distinctly Italian version of Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market.

* **What to Expect for Dinner:** Inside, you'll find several fantastic counter-service eateries and delis. This is your chance to grab an authentic and delicious dinner, choosing from options like legendary slices of pizza, incredible hot sandwiches piled high with cured meats and fresh mozzarella (e.g., from Mike's Deli), or classic pasta dishes. Don't forget to explore the other stalls brimming with fresh produce, olives, cheeses, imported Italian goods, and freshly baked bread! It's a fantastic spot to pick up a souvenir or a gourmet treat to take home.

**STOP 3: NYBG Holiday Train Nights (If 7:30 PM fills up, purchase 8:00 PM. We will wait 30 minutes for anyone with an 8:00 PM ticket 7:00 PM is already sold out.)**
Our grand finale is a magical evening at the New York Botanical Garden's most anticipated holiday event! With a **7:30 PM timed ticket**, we'll have ample time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and surrounding areas before stepping into the main show.

* **What to Expect:** The **Holiday Train Nights** transforms the stunning Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into an enchanting wonderland. Delight in an exhibition of **model trains and trolleys** that chug along over bridges and through a miniature cityscape of **nearly 200 iconic New York landmarks**—including the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The incredible twist? All landmarks are meticulously crafted entirely from natural plant parts like bark, leaves, seeds, and branches! This special evening event features **seasonal cocktails, delicious food** **available for purchase, and** l**ive music**, all under a blanket of twinkling lights. It's truly an immersive and joyful experience that captures the spirit of the season.
* **Your Entry Time:** 7:30 PM (Please purchase a ticket for this time)
* **Estimated Cost:** Tickets typically are $46 for this special evening event.
* **Tickets: MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.**
* **Link to Purchase: [https://feverup.com/m/453578?srsltid=AfmBOopEJ3-TgQWqMwNI-QSSBTDZKYgJl-Wo5CVsYhmJFP_LRWnN17za](https://feverup.com/m/453578?srsltid=AfmBOopEJ3-TgQWqMwNI-QSSBTDZKYgJl-Wo5CVsYhmJFP_LRWnN17za)**

**Full Day Itinerary**

* **11:04 AM** (2hr 8 min) OUTBOUND TRANSIT: Depart Hamilton Station (NJT → Subway)
* **1:15 PM:** Arrive at Bronx Zoo Asia Gate area. We'll head straight in!
* **1:15 PM** (2hr 30 min): **STOP 1: The Amazing Bronx Zoo ( Purchase entry at 12:00 PM)**
* **3:45 PM** (15 min) Walk from Zoo to Arthur Avenue Retail Market (approx. 0.5 miles)
* **4:00 PM** (2 hours) **STOP 2: Arthur Avenue Retail Market (Dinner & Exploration)**
* **6:00 PM** (30 min): Travel to New York Botanical Garden (approx. 0.9 miles)
* **6:30 PM** (1 hour)**: NYBG Gardens & Pre-Show Exploration (Enjoy the grounds before your ticket time!)**
* **7:30 PM** (1hr 30 min)**: STOP 3: NYBG Holiday Train Nights (Show Entry at 7:30 PM)**
* **9:30 PM - 9:45 PM** (2 hrs 30 min): RETURN TRANSIT: Depart NYBG (Metro-North → NJT)
* **12:00 AM - 12:15 AM:**

***

**Detailed Transportation Plan & Costs**
**Total Estimated Transit Cost: $53.20 (Round-Trip)**
**1\. Morning Outbound $Hamilton → Bronx Zoo$**

* **Departs:** 11:04 AM from Hamilton Station.
* **Route:** This is a two-step journey:
* **NJ Transit Train:** Hamilton → New York Penn Station (Arrive 12:32 PM).
* **NYC Subway:** Transfer at Penn Station to the Uptown 2 train (12:38) → West Farms Sq-E Tremont Ave (Arrive 1:12 PM).
* **Walk:** A short 5-minute walk from the station to the Zoo's Asia Gate entrance.
* **Required Fare:** $38.40 (NJT Round-Trip) + $2.90 (Subway Outbound)

**2\. Evening Return $NYBG → Hamilton$**

* **Departs: 9:30 PM - 10:00 PM** from the Botanical Garden Station.
* Route: The most convenient route for a late night: Metro-North (across from NYBG) to Grand Central, Subway to Penn Station, then NJ Transit back to Hamilton.
* **Required Fare:** $9.00 (Metro-North One-Way) + $2.90 (Subway Inbound)

**Mobile Ticketing Apps (Highly Recommended)**

* **NJ Transit** (Round-trip ticket (Hamilton ↔ Penn Station) **NJ TRANSIT Mobile App**
* **Metro-North** (One-way ticket for the return trip (Time will be confirmed closer to the trip) (Botanical Garden → Grand Central) **MTA TrainTime App**
* **Subway (OMNY (tap-to-pay with credit/debit/smartphone) or a MetroCard.** Each ride is $2.90. You'll use this twice in Manhattan (once to the Bronx, once from Grand Central to Penn Station). **OMNY or MetroCard**

**Please arrive at Hamilton Station no later than 11:00 AM!**

Randee

Aldo

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