Holiday Express

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Focal Flame Photography

A display at the 2024 Holiday Express at Olbrich Gardens.

Holiday Express

A forest of poinsettias is the backdrop to this winter-themed display at Olbrich that’s become a family favorite as large-scale model trains travel the fanciful landscape. Other holiday decorations make this an “oh lookit” classic year after year. Members of the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society will be on hand to show off their own trains. New this year: Advance tickets for timed entry; admission at the door will only be available if space allows. Tickets include admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory, where you can remember what July feels like. (The outdoor gardens, worth a visit in any season, are still free.) Note that the gardens close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and are closed on Christmas Day. More info at olbrich.org.

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!

10 am-4 pm daily, Dec. 6-31. Closes at 2 p.m. December 24; Closed all day December 25.

Admission is inclusive of all indoor attractions, including the Holiday Express Train Show and tropical Bolz Conservatory. The outdoor gardens are free for all guests to enjoy and feature winter interest container arrangements.

New this year! All tickets include a TIMED ENTRY. To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests, we strongly recommend reserving tickets in advance. There are a limited number of tickets available for each time slot. Once these are sold, capacity is reached and we may not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

Tickets are available for specific date and there are time slots every 15 minutes.

If you are unable to use your ticket on that specific day or time slot, you can come on any other day or time during the show. You do not need to call to change your date or time.

As this is a fundraiser for the gardens, there are no refunds.

Guests who arrive outside of their ticket time (early or late) will still be allowed entry but may experience additional wait time to prioritize guests that arrived at their designated time. If you have any questions about ticketing policies or purchasing tickets, please call (608) 246-4550.

$10 - General Admission | $6 - Child (ages 6-12) | FREE - Ages 5 & under | FREE - Olbrich members

Free admission through the AHS Reciprocal Garden Network is not available during this fundraising event. The outdoor gardens remain free.