Behind the Scenes of Olbrich's Holiday Express

Setting up Olbrich's Holiday Express takes weeks of work and the coordination of many people. A group of horticulturists and garden staff start with an empty room and transform it into a holiday wonderland. This web page will show the daily behind-the-scenes changes as Olbrich's Holiday Express evolves. Check back often to see the progress!

Olbrich's Holiday Express is open December 6 though 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

 

Poinsettias galore!

A sea of red, white, and pink poinsettias compliment creative gingerbread houses and model trains. Olbrich's Holiday Express is almost ready to open!

Finishing touches are almost done! Poinsettias grown in Olbrich's greenhouses add holiday cheer.

gingerbread houses

Gingerbread houses from Madison area bakers are added to Olbrich's Holiday Express. Each gingerbread house is unique with creative touches such as candy cane fences, ice cream cone evergreen trees, and tiny people made of frosting.

 

wreath is hung

A large holiday wreath is hung by horticulture staff in the lobby of Olbrich's Botanical Center.

 

poinsettias in olbrich's greenhouse

Poinsettias are grown from cuttings in Olbrich's greenhouse. The cuttings are planted in August, and are now waiting to decorate Olbrich's Holiday Express! A variety of these poinsettias are available for purchase in Olbrich's Growing Gifts shop.

 

Wooden fence

A wooden fence protects the model trains from accidental derailments!

 

olbrich's lobby is decorated

Olbrich's lobby is decorated from floor to ceiling!

The lobby in Olbrich's Botanical Center begins to look festive with holiday trees and poinsettias.

 

train tracks

The train track laid. Small amounts of gravel especially for model train tracks is added. These details make the track look like the real thing!

Cement blocks are covered with burlap before the track is laid.

 

undecorated Gingerbread train

As Olbrich's staff prepares for Olbrich's Holiday Express, Madison area bakers are creating gingerbread houses and a gingerbread train for the show. The gingerbread creations, decorated with colored frosting and an array of candy, will add to the festive atmosphere of Olbrich's Holiday Express!

 

cement blocks are the foundation of the train track

The shape of the train track can be seen from above.

Cement blocks are used as the foundation for the train tracks.

 

pine trees

Pine trees are brought in on the first day of set up. L.E.D. lights, which use less energy than traditional holiday lights, are strung on all the trees.

The smell of freshly cut pine trees fills the entire building!

 

before setup begins

Olbrich's Atrium, the setting for Olbrich's Holiday Express, starts as an empty room.