It's on 4 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Cost$2.90
- AddressSubway stations vary per year
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
During the weekends in December, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum and offers folks a rare opportunity to travel back in time. By running a vintage 1930’s subway train guests get a taste of what New Yorkers’ daily commute was like nearly 100 years ago. The subway lines that host the annual tradition vary from year to year.
This unique experience is known as the Holiday Nostalgia Ride, and it’s something you’re not going to want to miss if you’re visiting New York City during the winter. It’s one of the most affordable winter activities in NYC, since it doesn’t cost anything more than the standard subway fare ($2.90). Some locals even dress the part, showing up in clothing styles that represent the vintage era.
During weekends in December the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum to offer New Yorkers a chance to time travel. How? By running vintage subway cars on the F line for an experience called the Holiday Nostalgia Train.
I mean, riding in vintage trains is the last thing you’d expect to find on a list of free things to do during Christmas in New York City. But alas it’s one of the most memorable. Better still, it doesn’t cost more than the standard subway fare ($2.90), which is a small price to pay for such a cool holiday experience.
During Sundays in December the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum to offer New Yorkers a chance to time travel. How? By running vintage subway cars on the F line for an experience called the Holiday Nostalgia Train.
I mean, riding in vintage trains is the last thing you’d expect to find on a list of the best things to do in New York City during winter. But alas it’s one of the most memorable. Better still, it doesn’t cost more than the standard subway fare ($2.90), which is a small price to pay for such a cool experience.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a vintage 1930 train pull up in front of me while I awaited the subway. I mean, hopping aboard a vintage train wasn’t on my bingo card when I popped into the subway!
Turns out I was privy to one of the most whimsical holiday traditions in NYC, a ride on the Holiday Nostalgia Train.
During select weekends in December, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum to offer New Yorkers a chance to travel back in time by running vintage trains on the F line.