The enchanting tradition of holiday train shows, beloved in the United States for over a century, has arrived in Singapore for the very first time. The Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show (滨海湾花å›åœ£è¯žåˆ—车之旅), a festive spectacle like no other, opened at the Flower Dome today and runs through 5 January 2025.
A Festive Journey Across America
In collaboration with the Embassy of the United States in Singapore, the show features five model trains navigating over 100 meters of intricate railroads with loops and overhead trails. Visitors can follow the trains’ paths through iconic American landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Grand Central Terminal, brought to life with stunning botanical models crafted from natural materials like pinecones, twigs, and seeds.
Complementing the train displays are 16 varieties of poinsettias and an extraordinary collection of 480 conifers across 49 species, infusing the Flower Dome with festive cheer and the spirit of Christmas.
A Tribute to Holiday Traditions
Rooted in early 20th-century America, holiday train displays began as model trains placed beneath Christmas trees during the railway’s golden era, symbolizing the joy of homecoming. Over time, this tradition evolved into large-scale exhibitions, captivating families during the festive season.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
The show is a remarkable collaboration between Gardens by the Bay’s horticulturists, the New York Botanical Garden, the United States Botanic Garden, and Singaporean model train enthusiasts. This marks the first time botanical models like the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory are displayed outside the Americas.
Local model train hobbyists, led by German resident Thomas Bhat, also played a key role in advising on technical aspects and assembling the intricate displays.
Global Railway Highlights and Local Touches
Beyond the U.S. displays, visitors can explore a Swedish railbus exhibit in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden, featuring authentic railway artifacts and whimsical decorations crafted by young beneficiaries from the Children’s Cancer Foundation. Nordic railway dioramas showcasing Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden further enrich the experience.
In a tribute to Singapore’s rail history, the show includes recreations of the Raffles Place MRT station façade and a detailed MRT train cabin, in collaboration with SMRT Corporation. Visitors can also view a rare rail component from the Singapore Rail Discovery Centre.
Event Details
- Date: Until 5 January 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay (Admission charges apply)
Supported by Bloomberg, Dalio Philanthropies, Federal Express Singapore, and SMRT Corporation, the Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show offers a one-of-a-kind festive experience for all ages.
For more details, visit Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show.
