Model Trains Next to the Capitol, for Free
Season's Greenings is the U.S. Botanic Garden's holiday show, and it's one of the best free things to do with kids in DC in December. It opens on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, and runs through January 3, closed only on Christmas Day. Hours are 10 to 5 every day. There's no admission fee and no timed pass for anything, including the trains.
This year's theme is National Parks and Historic Places, for America's 250th. The model trains run outdoors in the gated gardens past plant-made versions of the Grand Canyon, Mount Vernon, the Statue of Liberty, the Old Faithful Inn and Mount Rushmore. Inside the Conservatory there are more than 20 DC landmarks built out of plant parts, plus a lot of poinsettias. The trains are outside, so they may not run in bad weather.
On six evenings the Garden stays open until 8pm with live music from 5 to 8 and food and drink vendors: December 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29. Coffee and hot chocolate are sold near the trains. Strollers are welcome, though the outdoor paths switch between stone, gravel and grass. If your child does better with fewer people, there are sensory-friendly sessions on the morning of December 5 and the evening of January 2, with registration.
Event Details
What Kids Will See
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Getting There 🗺️
Parent Tips 💡
- Go on a weekday. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- Thanksgiving Day counts. It opens on Thanksgiving, which makes it a good walk after the big meal.
- Check the weather. The trains are outdoors and may not run in bad weather.
- Try a late night. Six December evenings stay open until 8 with live music.
- No tickets needed. Just walk in, any day it is open.
Questions Parents Ask
When is Season's Greenings 2026?
November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day) to January 3, 2027, 10am to 5pm daily, closed December 25.
Is Season's Greenings free?
Yes. There is no admission fee and no tickets or timed passes are needed, including for the model trains.
Where are the trains at the U.S. Botanic Garden?
The model trains are outdoors in the gated outdoor gardens. They may not run in bad weather.
Are there evening hours?
Yes. The Garden is open until 8pm on December 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29, with live music from 5 to 8.
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