Olbrich's Holiday Express

December 3 - 31

10 am to 4 pm daily

Closed at 2 p.m. on December 24
Closed on December 25 and January 1

Large-scale model trains wind through whimsical birdhouses and hundreds of colorful poinsettias!

Admission

• $3 for adults
• $2 for children ages 3 to 12
• Children 2 and under are free
• Free for Olbrich Botanical Society members
• Admission is free for everyone on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon
• Admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory is included

What is Olbrich's Holiday Express?

Members of the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society come from all over the state to show off their large-scale model trains during Olbrich's Holiday Express. You'll see different trains, depending on the day. This year, trains wind through an enchanted land of whimsical birdhouses. Visit Olbrich's Holiday Express Behind-the-Scenes to see the changes as Olbrich's Atrium is transformed from an empty room to a magical winter wonderland.

Strollers

Strollers are not allowed in Olbrich's Holiday Express. Please enjoy the show with children on foot. Stroller parking is available in Olbrich's Lobby, and strollers are permitted in the Bolz Conservatory and outdoor gardens. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Vinery

This year, Olbrich Gardens was fortunate to collaborate with The Vinery, a local stained glass studio, to showcase 14 handmade stained glass panels featuring a variety of native birds. The Vinery teaches glass crafts to hobbyists and carries a full line of tools and glass to compliment a wide variety of classes. Staffed by 12 artists and craftspeople, the studio has expanded their efforts into fusing, bead work, and mosaics.

Select stained glass panels will be for sale during the show through Olbrich's Growing Gifts Shop.

Energy-Efficient Holiday Lights

Evergreen trees in the show are decorated with energy-efficient LED lights, which use 90 percent less energy than typical incandescent holiday lights.

 

Olbrich's Holiday Express is sponsored by

     

 

Mendota Gardeners Club

 

 

Also at Olbrich

Visit the tropical Bolz Conservatory, a glass pyramid filled with exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall, fragrant orchids and free-flying birds.

Olbrich's Growing Gifts shop is loaded with garden-related gifts for friends and family.

Stroll the outdoor gardens. Colorful bark, berries, and the Thai Pavilion stand out against the snow.

Enjoy festive holiday music on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. during December. Olbrich's Holiday Concert Series features holiday music for the entire family!

 

UPCOMING Events

Winter Concerts
Cocktails in the Conservatory

Children of the Rainforest: Samba 1 Brazilian Dance Group

Children of the Rainforest: Hale O Malo Polynesian Dance Group

Indulgence, Wine & Chocolate Tasting

Bolz Conservatory Exhibit: Treasures of the Rainforest