Step Back in Time on NYC’s Vintage Holiday Train
New York City is hopping with holiday cheer this December, and this year, there’s a unique way to soak in the city’s festive spirit: experiencing a ride on a vintage subway train.
Every Sunday throughout December, the New York Transit Museum will be running its annual Holiday Nostalgia Rides program, transporting passengers back to the 1930s. Starting December 1st and continuing through the 29th, the classic R-1/9 train, affectionately nicknamed "Arnines" or "City Cars" will be chugging along the old Eighth Avenue Line, marking its return after a pandemic-induced hiatus.
"There’s really no more magical place in the country than New York in December," said New York Transit Museum Director Concetta Bencivenga. "“It’s just magic, and this is just an added element where it’s something that’s a little bit different to do, but we only do it at this time of the year. It’s very fun to do, and it can get you in the holiday spirit.”
These retro trains, with their signature rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, and incandescent light bulbs, will take passengers on an immersive journey through time. The trains, which once graced the Eighth Avenue line, served New Yorkers for four decades before retiring in 1977.
The route will travel between the 2nd Avenue-Houston Street station (uptown F line platform) and the 96th Street-2nd Avenue station (downtown Q line), bouncing between the two directions each hour.
"Featuring rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, roll signs, and period advertisements, the R1/9s are the cars that inspired Billy Strayhorn’s iconic ‘Take the A Train,’” the museum’s website noted.
And the best part? You can experience this unique trip for the price of a regular MetroCard swipe!
Hop on board any Sunday in December between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
"All the holidays that are at this time of the year — Diwali, Kwanza, Hanukkah, it’s Christmas — all of them are about life and adding a little bit of sparkle. So this is the transit Museum’s little dash of sparkles, too,” explained Bencivenga, reiterating the transit museum’s original mission: “You don’t only get to travel through the city, but travel back in time.”
For a full list of stops on this nostalgic treat, visit the MTA website.
## Step Back in Time on NYC’s Vintage Holiday Train: An Interview with Historian Dr. emily Carter
**World Today News Exclusive:**
The holidays are in full swing in New York City,and this year,a touch of vintage glamour joins the celebrations. The much-anticipated “Vintage Holiday Train” is chugging through the city, offering a unique experience for locals and tourists alike. We sat down with renowned historian Dr. Emily Carter, an expert on New York City’s transportation history, to delve into the story behind this festive phenomenon.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, thanks so much for joining us. Can you tell our readers about this “Vintage Holiday Train”? What makes it so special?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a true delight to be hear. The Vintage Holiday Train is a collaboration between the MTA and the New York Transit Museum, utilizing a beautifully restored train car from the 1930s. Imagine stepping aboard a piece of history, adorned with twinkling lights, festive garlands, and nostalgic holiday decor! It’s a journey through time and a celebration of New York’s rich transit legacy.
**WTN:** This sounds truly magical. Can you elaborate on the history of these vintage trains?
**Dr. Carter:** These “R1-9” cars, as they are officially known, were the workhorses of the subway system from the 1930s to the 1970s.They were iconic for their sleek Art Deco design and their reliable performance, transporting millions of New yorkers through the city’s evolution.Seeing one decked out for the holidays is a real treat, invoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
**WTN:** What kind of experience can visitors expect on the Vintage Holiday Train?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a truly immersive experience. As you ride the train, you’ll be surrounded by holiday music from the era, vintage posters, and educated conductors sharing anecdotes about the train’s history and the city’s holiday traditions. It’s a unique blend of history, festive cheer, and good old-fashioned fun, perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who loves a touch of vintage charm.
**WTN:** Is this train ride a permanent feature, or is it a seasonal attraction?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a seasonal offering, designed to add a special touch to the holiday season. The train runs on select days throughout December. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so I encourage those interested to book in advance!
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and insights with our readers.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience the magic of the Vintage holiday Train this season!