Holiday Express

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Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Holiday Express is an annual model train and floral display.

The kids are off from school, you (we hope) have some time off work, and there are theoretically fewer commitments during the week between holidays...it's the perfect time to check out this annual model train exhibit at Olbrich Gardens. The theme for 2021 is “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” — could the exhibit include a nod to the classic Steve Martin-John Candy holiday movie? Only one way to find out. It's open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through New Year's Eve, but note that Olbrich closes at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 and is closed on Christmas day. Tickets are sold for timed entry; find available times here.

press release: December 4 - 31, 2021, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Timed tickets must be reserved in advance.

Closes at 2 p.m. December 24; Closed all day December 25

The poinsettias are blooming and the trains are back on track. All aboard the Holiday Express!

Enjoy large-scale model trains churning through a festive scene overflowing with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens. Each year, Olbrich’s creative horticulturists design and carefully construct a unique environment for visitors to explore.

This year’s show theme is Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – so get your tickets out, make sure your tray tables are in the upright position, and buckle up!

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.

Safety measures are in place to ensure a safe, socially distanced experience:

• Face masks are required in all indoor spaces at the Gardens
• Reduced capacity in exhibit viewing area
• Timed tickets must be reserved in advance
• Holiday Cafe not offered this year; carry-in water bottles allowed

Timed tickets must be reserved in advance. Olbrich members still receive free admission, but must reserve free tickets in advance to help manage capacities. Check Availability & Purchase Tickets Here! (Price includes admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory)

$6 - General Public; $3 - Children 6 & up; FREE - Children 5 & under; FREE - Olbrich Members (adult & child)

Additional processing fees apply to each purchase.

Need assistance purchasing tickets?

Help is available on weekdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Send an email to OlbrichPrograms@cityofmadison.com or call 608-243-0156.

On weekends, starting December 4 - ticket assistance is available onsite at the Gardens.

Cancelation Policy:

• Tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable
• In the event of extreme weather, Olbrich may cancel the Holiday Express for that day.
• Cancelation notices will be posted to the homepage of this site and to Olbrich's social media channels.
• Tickets for canceled viewings will be refunded in 3-5 business days. Patrons can repurchase tickets for another available date at their convenience.