Holiday traditions vary across the United States, from culture to even different events specific to certain cities. New York City is no stranger to seasonal events for visitors and locals to enjoy, but nothing is more attention-grabbing than its holiday train rides.
The New York Transit Museum and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) collaborate annually on the city’s Holiday Nostalgia Rides. These special events allow passengers to ride on vintage train cars that highlight a particular era in the history of New York City’s transit.
Not only do passengers get to ride on vintage train cars decorated specifically from their respective era, but passengers are also urged to dress up in period-typical clothing as well. This lets passengers get an immersive experience, living a snapshot of a life locals from that area would experience.
Unsurprisingly, these events are quite popular, and, thanks to social media posts on Instagram and TikTok, interest has spread. More than ever before, people are clamoring for fun events to go with friends, meet new people, or just have a new experience.
Additionally, events like these that combine fashion and history give people a chance to have a hands-on experience in learning history, and much more immersive than touring a museum. It echoes other similar dress-up events like Renaissance fairs or even cosplay at entertainment conventions.
If the city were to organize more events similar to the holiday train rides in areas outside the subway systems, it could encourage even more participation. It could be in a similar vein as historical reenactment towns, but temporarily regulated to certain parts of the city that still have many of its older buildings intact and refurbished.
