New York City transforms into a sparkling wonderland every winter, filled with famed attractions. Yet Moynihan Train Hall—often overlooked in favor of Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park—emerges each holiday season as an unexpectedly festive, architectural marvel.
🎄 Holiday Glow Inside a Landmark
Since its debut on January 1, 2021, Moynihan Train Hall has taken residence in the historic James A. Farley Building and serves as the elegant extension to Penn Station. Each November through December, its exterior blossoms with red and green LED uplighting, while entryways and the soaring 92-foot glass skylight are adorned with warm white lights and wreaths, casting a refined holiday glow .
Live Music & Pop‑Ups Make it Merry
From mid-December 2024 into early January 2025, the Moynihan Music Series, powered by Sing for Hope, featured over 20 live holiday performances. From LaGuardia High School’s showcase on December 17 to The Big Apple Band, and Broadway Carolers performing outside on December 17 and 19, the Train Hall offered free, joyous cheer to visitors . Seasonal pop‑up carts inside served treats like hot cocoa and black‑and‑white cookies, amplifying the festive mood.
Food & Shopping That Feel Seasonal
Moynihan Food Hall, operating since 2021, offers a rich mix of NYC favorites like H&H Bagels, Magnolia Bakery, E.A.K. Ramen, and La Esquina—even a hidden Burger Joint location. During the holidays, several shops provide complimentary gift‑wrapping to ease festive shopping stress.
Art, Architecture & Kid Appeal
Architectural details shine year‑round and even more during the holidays: families can admire the massive suspended 5,000‑lb clock, gaze at The Hive—an upside‑down cityscape sculpture by Elmgreen & Dragset—or search for “Albert,” the original Penn Station eagle head display in the concourse . Inside, kids marvel at interactive design features such as the skylight (3,160 panels!), the art installations, and educational signage—all within a beautifully preserved Beaux‑Arts landmark.
Who Might Love It—Families, Local Explorers, & Art Lovers
- Family travelers: Kids love exploring train architecture and fun installations; parents enjoy the calm, festive ambiance before holiday outings.
- Architecture and art enthusiasts: The restored Farley post office, public art program (works by Kehinde Wiley, Stan Douglas, Elmgreen & Dragset) and rotating digital installations (such as January’s The Oath film series) offer museum‑quality experiences .
- Local New Yorkers: For daily commuters or visitors who want a holiday dose of cheer before heading into Midtown, it’s conveniently tucked steps from Macy’s, the High Line Connector, and Times Square.
Contextual Note & Personal Touch
Moynihan reopened during the pandemic’s aftermath—a $1.6 billion investment to relieve congestion at Penn Station and reimagine New York post office history. It now handles 17 of Penn Station’s 21 tracks, primarily serving Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road users, with plans for future Metro‑North access .
Net worth & background: The project was championed by New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whose name it bears, and executed with partners like Empire State Development and Amtrak. While “net worth” isn’t publicly disclosed, the $1.6 billion renovation underscores its scale and ambition. Architecturally, it revitalizes a landmark originally completed in 1914, crafted by McKim, Mead & White.
A Sample Holiday Itinerary at Moynihan
- 10 a.m. — Snap pictures beneath the main skylight, and spot “Albert” the eagle.
- 11 a.m. — Grab cocoa and a pastry at a Holiday pop‑up cart.
- Noon — Watch live holiday music in the Main Concourse.
- 1 p.m. — Shop or use free gift wrapping at select retail venues like Moleskine or La Maison du Chocolat.
- 2 p.m. — Descend to the art installation by Elmgreen & Dragset, enjoy public art by Wiley and Douglas.
- Later — Walk nearby to Macy’s window displays (~0.3 mi), Bryant Park Winter Village (~0.6 mi), or Madison Square Garden festive décor.
Why You Should Visit This Holiday
Moynihan Train Hall offers a rare mix: holiday spirit without the crowds, art and architecture wrapped in seasonal charm, and a central location that leads you to NYC’s biggest festive hotspots. It seamlessly blends travel, history, architecture, music, food and shopping—all within one polished, joy‑filled space. For families, travelers, and locals alike, it’s a refined yet underrated gem during the holiday season.
If you’re visiting New York this December or looking for a quieter, stylish way to get into the holiday mood, consider hopping a train to Moynihan. Often overshadowed by more famous attractions, this destination delivers understated festivity at every turn.
