Holiday Express Model Train & Flower Show
Visitors can watch large-scale model trains chug through a festive landscape filled with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens. Depending on the day, guests can spot steam trains, bullet trains, circus trains, Santa trains, and freight trains operated by the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society. Event admission also includes access to explore the tropical Bolz Conservatory.
What to Expect
Large-scale model trains navigate hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens.
Event Details
Ages
Everyone/All Ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Food & Drink
Light refreshments are offered at the members-only preview on December 4; no food or drink options are specified for regular show days.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with train-loving children
Vibe
Festive and botanical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $10 general admission; $6 child admission for ages 6–12; free for ages 5 and under and Olbrich members. Outdoor Gardens are free for all guests. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10:00 am–4:00 pm daily; closes at 2 p.m. on December 24; closed all day December 25.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your advanced timed ticket before you go, because each slot has limited space and walk-ins can't get in once it fills.
- Members using a Green Member Guest Pass should call ahead with their name, email, preferred date and time, and the number of tickets needed.
- Visit on more than one day if you're a train fan, because the model trains on show change from day to day.
- Leave time for the free outdoor gardens, which have winter interest like container arrangements, unique bark and bright berries.
- Plan around Christmas, because the Gardens and the Holiday Express close early on December 24 and are closed all day December 25.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members-only preview on Friday, December 4, with light refreshments, live entertainment in the Bolz Conservatory and an RSVP required.
- Members get 20% off in the gift shop all day on December 4.
- Olbrich members get in free and can call to reserve a ticket with a Green Member Guest Pass.
- Children 5 and under get in free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of trains will we see?
Members of the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society bring large-scale model trains from all over the state. Depending on the day, you might see a bullet train, steam train, Santa train, circus train or freight train.
What does admission include?
All the indoor attractions, including the Holiday Express train show and the tropical Bolz Conservatory.
Can I just walk in?
Advanced timed tickets are required. Each time slot has limited space, and walk-ins can't be accommodated once it's full. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Can I visit the outdoor gardens too?
Yes, the outdoor gardens are free for everyone. Look for winter interest like container arrangements, unique bark and bright berries.
Does my membership at another botanical garden get me in?
No. Free admission through the AHS Reciprocal Garden Network isn't available during this fundraising event.
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