Holiday Express

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Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Holiday Express is an annual model train and floral display.

(2023 Isthmus pick) Model trains and the holiday season simply go together. Which is why the Holiday Express is a perennial Olbrich favorite. Large-scale model trains will chug through festive scenes surrounded by poinsettias and fresh evergreens, and members of the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society will be on hand to show off their own trains. As a bonus, tickets include admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory. Note that the gardens close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and are closed on Christmas Day.

media release: Enjoy large-scale model trains chugging through a festive scene overflowing with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens. Each year, Olbrich's horticulturists design and carefully construct a unique environment for visitors to explore. All aboard the Holiday Express!

During the show, members of the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society come from all over the state to show off their large-scale model trains. Depending on the day, you might see a bullet train, steam train, Santa train, circus train, or freight train.

Admission is inclusive of all indoor attractions, including the Holiday Express Train Show and tropical Bolz Conservatory. No advance tickets necessary. Paid at the door, no advance tickets: $8 – Adults (ages 13 & up); $5 – Children 6-12; FREE – Children 5 & under and Olbrich members. Admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory is included. Closes at 2 p.m. December 24; closed all day December 25.

The outdoor gardens are free for all guests to enjoy and feature winter interest container arrangements.