Vintage Trains in New York

Vintage trains in New York run every year during the Christmas season on regular subway lines. These Holiday Nostalgia Rides (“Nostalgia Shoppers’ Special Train”) ride every Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00. In 2025, the Nostalgia Trains operate from December 7th until December 28th. The New York Transit Museum’s vintage trains have original carriages dating back to the 1930s, which make you relive the New York of yesteryear.

How to Ride the Vintage Christmas Trains in New York

The Nostalgia Trains run on December Sundays on the F and Q line, between 2nd Avenue and 96th Street. Take the F line from Lower Manhattan (2 Ave to Houston St) or the Q line from Upper East Side (96th St to 2nd Ave), and celebrate the magic of the holidays on board.

Are you one of the happy few to ride this subway? You will be in for an unforgettable experience. Besides you only have to pay the normal ticket price. Do you have a 7-day Unlimited OMNY? Then you can take this ride for free. If you’re in a rush, I recommend taking the regular subway since the NYC holiday vintage trains are more of an attraction than a means of transportation.

New York’s Beloved Nostalgia Train Tradition

The surprise might be tremendous for some people just waiting for the subway to come, when all of a sudden, this vintage train ride appears. Others have been longing for this annual Christmas tradition for days. Personally, I’m not a subway fanatic at all, but you don’t necessarily have to be one in order to appreciate these trains.

This old-school train ride is good fun for everyone: it’s an adventure for children, a feast of remembrance for those who visited New York years ago and a unique opportunity for subway fanatics and history lovers and an inspiring ride for creatives. Moreover, the moment you enter, you’ll feel right at home! It’s a unique experience during Christmas time in New York.

Travel back in time at Christmas

The vintage New York subway trains look marvellous: old benches, authentic fans and ‘real’ lights will all transport you back in time – you would almost expect them to use candles! The sound is rather ‘old-fashioned’ as well: it makes a lot of noise. Sometimes they even play live music or serve drinks.

Did you miss it or craving some more nostalgia? Visit the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn. You’ll find even more vintage vehicles there!