Holiday Garden Railway

Get a jump on holiday fun at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens!

Due to high demand, Holiday Garden Railway is opening ONE WEEK EARLIER this year! Trains start running Saturday, November 23. Free with general admission.

See our other holiday events →

Holiday Garden Railway: Nighttime Express

How can the Holiday Garden Railway be even more spectacular? See it at night! With laser lights in the trees and sparkling lights along the railway, HGR: Nighttime Express is a must-see.

HGR: Nighttime Express Dates

Thursdays: December 12, 19 • 4:30 – 8 pm
Fridays: December 13, 20 • 4:30 – 8 pm
Saturdays: Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21 • 4:30–8 pm
Sundays: December 1, 8, 15, 22 • 4:30–8 pm

HGR: Nighttime Express Pricing

Member Adult: $17 • Non-member Adult: $22
Member Youth (3 – 17): $10 • Youth (3 – 17): $12
Member Child (0 – 2): FREE • Non-member Child (0 – 2): FREE

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Holiday Garden Railway: Daytime Viewing

Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting model rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages.

Saturday, November 23 – Monday, December 30
Free with general admission.

FAQ

When can I see the trains?

The Holiday Garden Railway is open daily, 10 am–4 pm from November 24 through December 30. The Morris is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year’s Day. The trains cannot run in heavy rain, snow, or ice.

Do I need tickets to see the trains during the day?

No, daytime viewing of Holiday Garden Railway is included with general admission. Advance tickets are no longer required to visit the Morris; you can purchase online or in-person.

Can I visit during the day and stay for Nighttime Express?

No. Nighttime Express requires a separate advance ticket.

Are the trains inside or outside?

The Holiday Garden Railway exhibit is an outdoor miniature display. It’s a third of a mile track with loops and tunnels surrounded by plants and twinkling lights.

Is the exhibit handicap accessible? Do you have wheelchairs?

The site is wheelchair and stroller accessible, however the path within the site is narrow and has a downward slope.

Due to limited parking, you must purchase tickets with specific arrival times. Please stay on the path. Walking into the lights off the path is dangerous, please help us keep everyone safe and stay on the path.

What is the difference between seeing the exhibit during the day or on a ticketed evening?

The difference between the day and evening is that at night the twinkling lights are set against a darkening sky. The Holiday Garden Railway is magical any time you visit, but during Nighttime Express it takes on a more festive, enchanting appeal.

Can we visit the Morris during the day and stay until Nighttime Express?

No. Nighttime Express requires a separate advance purchase ticket.

Can I use PennCard for admission for me and my guests?

No. This event requires an advance ticket purchase beyond regular admission. The PennCard and Morris membership card cover regular admission only.

Can I use my guest passes/access/library card?

No. This is a ticketed event that requires payment beyond the regular garden admission.

How long should I plan on being there?

Most visitors spend about an hour at the Morris during Nighttime Express. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes (depending on your mobility) to walk from the Welcome Center to the Garden Railway site, followed by however long you watch the trains, and then another 10–15 minute walk back to the parking low.

Why are the tickets timed?

The tickets are for specific arrival times due to the Morris’s limited nighttime parking. If you cannot arrive within 15 minutes before or after your chosen arrival time, you may be required to wait for available parking.

Do I have to leave at 8 pm?

Yes. The Morris closes at 8 pm. The lights are turned off and all staff leave at this time.

Why do members have to pay?

This is an additional event beyond membership that requires additional staffing. Members may visit the Holiday Garden Railway anytime during the day, 10 am–4 pm.

Can we buy tickets at the door?

If tickets are available, they can be purchased at the door while space remains. Until the event is sold out, tickets will be available to purchase online. To avoid disappointment, please purchase your tickets in advance online.

Can I change/cancel my tickets?

Tickets can only be used for the date and time purchased. Tickets are not transferable to another evening. Requests for refunds will be honored up until 48 hours prior to the ticket time. A $5.00 transaction fee will be charged for requested refunds. Please call 215-247-5777 x333 to request a refund. If you wish to attend on an alternate evening, you must repurchase tickets.

What happens if it is snowing, raining, or a storm is forecast?

The safety of our visitors is our highest priority. Additionally, the trains cannot run in heavy snow, rain, or ice. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be notified by email and your purchase price fully refunded. If you wish to attend on an alternate evening you will have to repurchase tickets.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

This an outdoor exhibit so please dress appropriately for the weather. The path lighting from the Welcome Center to the Garden Railway is minimal, so a flashlight may be helpful.