How To Photograph The Vintage hOLIDAY tRain (NYC)
A Photographer’s Guide To The vINTAGE hOLIDAY tRAIN iN nyc
A well-dressed woman on the Holiday Nostalgia Train in NYC. December, 2024.
What is the Vintage Holiday Train (in NYC)?
Above—very bad quality screenshots from iPhone videos… but you get the idea.
Every year, the New York Transit Museum brings their historic 1900s train cars back on the tracks for the annual Holiday Nostalgia Rides. These trains run on select Sundays from late November through December (we’ll talk details below).
If you’re local to NYC—or a follower of the street photography community—you’ve probably seen these trains posted online by other photographers.
The vintage cars, combined with nostalgic outfits, create a one-of-a-kind opportunity. For photographers, it’s a chance to capture scenes that look like they’ve literally been pulled straight from the early 20th century.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most out of photographing the Holiday Nostalgia Train in New York City.
How do you see the Holiday Nostalgia Train in NYC?
Every year, departure details, timelines, etc. may change. I’ll outline this year’s schedule below, but remember know that the specific dates, times, and departure locations change every year.
Always check the New York Transit Museum website for the latest details!
When does the Holiday Nostalgia Train run?
In past years, the Holiday Nostalgia Train runs on Sundays from late November (just after Thanksgiving) through December. The exact schedule does vary year to year, so always confirm for the current year.
For 2024, the trains are operating Sundays between 10 AM and 5 PM, traveling between 2nd Avenue and 96th Street stations. See the full schedule here.
Reading this in 2025 or beyond? Visit the New York Transit Museum’s website for the latest updates.
How To Get Photos Of the Holiday Train - Photography Tips
1. Get There Early and Focus on the Platforms
When you’re on the train, it’s going to be packed—tourists, photographers, nostalgia fans, you name it. Capturing clean, vintage-style photos with minimal distractions might be tough.
Instead, spend time on the platforms at the start and end of the ride or even during stops (just be fast—don’t get left behind). These moments provide space to focus on the vintage details of the train and its riders. You’ll also get to see the train actually pull into the station, if you’re early enough, which will give you a chance to catch photos of the front or back of the train itself.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for organized meetups! Last weekend (December 15, 2024), I heard about a “vintage meetup” at 2nd Avenue Station before the 12 PM departure. Riders dressed in their best retro attire gathered on the platform for photos and mingling.
These meetups are goldmines for photographers, offering a chance to capture well-dressed subjects in a less crowded setting.
2. Engage with the Riders
The holiday train draws nostalgia enthusiasts from all over the world (literally). That said, don’t be afraid to strike up conversations—these connections often lead to better photos and more meaningful moments.
Even if you prefer candid shots, showing riders your work afterward can lead to great reactions and new opportunities.
Lastly, be polite—if someone asks you not to photograph them, just thank them and move on!
3. DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE DETAILS
Just as beautiful are the robust outfits, are the intricate details that make them up. I found myself really invested in looking for little details—things like textures, colors, etc. I put my 56mm to work! More on gear below.
What Lens Should You Bring?
For this year, I brought the Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 and 23mm f/1.4, my go-to prime lenses right now. Here’s why I recommend a mix of wide and tight focal lengths:
Tighter Lens (e.g., 56mm):
The trains can get crowded. A tighter lens allows you to isolate well-dressed subjects or focus on vintage details without modern-day distractions (like AirPods or smartphones… lol).
Wider Lens (e.g., 23mm):
A wider lens works best for capturing full outfits or wider scenes when subjects are more isolated.
Both lenses are fast primes, which helped me navigate pockets of low light on the train. But don’t stress about gear—while faster lenses give you an edge, I’ve shot this experience in the past with a variable aperture kit lens (f/3.5–5.6) and still got great results.
What Camera Settings Should You Use?
ISO: Don’t be afraid of higher ISOs. I was shooting between 1600 ISO and 6400 ISO for the majority of my photos. You may need to in some cases due to the lighting, but also, the added noise can even enhance the film-like, vintage aesthetic.
Aperture: Shoot wide open (e.g., f/1.2 or f/1.4) to gather more light and isolate your subjects from busy backgrounds. This is key—again, these trains get super busy, the last thing you want is an amazing vintage shot with a damn iPhone in the background.
Shutter Speed: Use a faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/125s or higher) to freeze motion—these trains will be moving, and so will the people, so you’ll need to freeze that action to get clear shots.
FAQs (DMs I got on IG):
Can you take photos on the train? Do you need a permit?
Yes, you can take photos, and video is generally fine too. The same rules apply as any other day on the subway. Still, don’t take my word for it if you’re worried. Go check out their website for specifics.
Do you have to dress up to ride the Holiday Train?
No, you don’t need to dress up to ride the holiday train—its totally optional. In fact, in my experience so far in recent years, most riders are either tourists or photographers. Lawl.
Outro
Aside from the other tourists/photographers around you, this experience will definitely feel like you stepped back in time. Whether you’re a nostalgia lover, a photographer, or just a fan of NYC history, the Holiday Nostalgia Train is a magical event you won’t want to miss—and I hope this post helped you plan your visit.
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