You watched the parade of balloons. Then you became one.

SEE
Holiday Train Show
What: Garden gauge locomotives zip past 120 city landmarks (Apollo Theatre, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium) made of twigs, leaves, berries, and plants.
Why: It really is a model city.
When: Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thru Jan. 8.
Where: The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway, at Fordham Rd. (718-817-8700).

HEAR
5th of July
What: Prog rock band brought together by Craigslist.
Why: It is the most patriotic time of the year. (God bless Consumerica.)
When: Fri. at 7:45 p.m.
Where: The Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St., at Broadway (212-691-1900).

DRINK
September Wines & Spirits
What: New LES wine boutique offers unique, hand-harvested vino from offbeat places (Mexico, Lebanon, Slovenia).
Why: You’ve been sotally tober for too long.
When: Daily tastings. Mon.-Fri., 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 3-6 p.m.
Where: 100 Stanton St., at Ludlow St. (212-388-0770).

BUY
Shop Happy Bazaar
What: Talk, toast, and tinker with designers and brands like Yoko Devereaux, Dianne Brill, H Fredriksson, Sydney Albertini, and Bliss Lau at 30-50 percent off retail.
Why: Come on. Get happy.
When: Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. DC readers only.
Where: Space Downtown, 276 W. 25th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves.

Molton Brown, 3 7 = 1 Atelier, and Colette Malouf Sample Sales
What: MB’s luxury home stuff (Mongolian cashmere robes, leather weekenders, Peruvian alpaca blankets) are 50-80 percent off; first ever sample sale on super-fine, slinky, and somewhat see-through lingerie from 3 7 = 1; Colette Malouf’s jewelry and hair baubles are up to 60 percent off.
Why: We love a three-way!
When: MB, Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at Madison Ave.; Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m., at Third Ave.; 3 7 = 1, Fri. & Sat., noon-5 p.m.; Colette, Fri., 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: Molton Brown Emporium, 515 Madison Ave., at 53rd St. (212-755-7194); 1098 Third Ave., b/t 64th & 65th Sts. (212-744-6430); 3 7 = 1, 37 Crosby St., b/t Broome & Grand Sts. (212-226-0067); Colette Malouf, 594 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts. (212-941-9588).