Holiday Express

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(2017 What to Do) The annual Holiday Express display combining large scale model trains and plants opens for the season on Friday. This year's exhibit features an old west mining camp and desert-friendly plants, but never fear: Poinsettias and evergreens will still make an appearance. On exhibit through Dec. 31.

press release: December 7 - 31, 2019, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Closes at 2 p.m. December 24; Closed all day December 25.

All aboard for Olbrich’s Holiday Express! Large-scale model trains wind through a holiday scene overflowing with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens!

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

The Wisconsin Garden Railway Society is always looking to add new members, so if you're interested in model railroading, be sure to visit their website for more info!

Help our talented Horticulture team create this year's Holiday Express by donating something from the Wish List. It could be something you already have lying around the house, or something purchased from a store. Interested in helping out? Contact Horticulturist Katey Pratt at kpratt@cityofmadison.com as soon as possible!

2019 Theme: Secret Life of Snow-pals: Perfect packing snow. Dogwood branches turned into arms. Carrot nose placed just right, with a touch of personality.

We're all familiar with the image of snow-pals...but what are they thinking? Are they sick and tired of working long hours in below-zero temperatures, counting the days until their off season?

It makes you wonder...what do snow-pals do on vacation? Where do they go and what sights do they see?

Perhaps they slip-slide into spring and take up gardening, kite-flying, or spend their days dancing in the rain. Maybe in summer they head to the Caribbean for much need rest and relaxation. In fall, do they cruise the countryside admiring the vibrant fall foliage? Find out at Olbrich's Holiday Express!

Admission

• $6 for adults
• $3 for children ages 3 to 12
• Children 2 and under are free
• Free for Olbrich Botanical Society members
• Admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory is included