WASHINGTON - Capping off the United States Botanic Garden’s America250 celebrations, this year’s holiday show will be a collaboration with the National Park Service, celebrating America’s national parks and historic places. From Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26, 2026) through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, the Garden will be a showcase of America’s natural and historic icons.
In the outdoor model train display, multiple G-gauge trains will circle 37 models of national parks and sites in the National Register of Historic Places, all made from hundreds of plant parts, including the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon National Park, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, Elvis’ Graceland, and more.
“It’s a joy to bring this collection of plant-based models celebrating the National Park Service back to the Garden,” said Dr. Susan K. Pell, USBG executive director. “It’s one of my favorite themes because it celebrates the rich natural and cultural heritage of our nation and connects with visitors from across the street and around the world.”
Our collection of D.C. landmarks made from natural materials returns inside the Conservatory, featuring the U.S. Capitol; the Lincoln Memorial; the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial; and many more, surrounded by thousands of poinsettias ranging from heirlooms to newly developed varieties.
“America’s national parks tell the stories of our nation through the extraordinary places and landscapes we share,” saidJessica Bowron, Comptroller Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director of the National Park Service. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re delighted to partner with the United States Botanic Garden to bring these special places to life in such a creative and festive way.”
On select Tuesdays and Thursdays -- December 8, 10, 15 ,17, 22, and 29 -- the Conservatory and outdoor train display will have extended hours, staying open until 8:00 p.m. There will be live holiday music and food and drink vendors from 5-8 p.m. during these special holiday evenings.
A gift store run by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and local D.C. small business Rewild will offer a variety of botanically-themed gifts for purchase in the Conservatory's West Gallery. Local restaurateur Vintage Views will offer coffee, hot chocolate, and other drinks and snacks for sale on weekends and will be on-site daily the week of Christmas.
The United States Botanic Garden is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, closed on Dec. 25. It is free and tickets are not required. See the full list of national parks and historic places models, live musical performances, visiting tips and more at www.USBG.gov/Holiday
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Online folder of photos and b-roll
United States Botanic Garden contact:
Devin Dotson, Senior Communications Specialist, devin.dotson@aoc.gov | 202-306-6743
National Park Service contact:
Mike Litterst, Public Affairs Officer, NewsMedia@nps.gov | 202-245-4676
About United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States, established by Congress in 1820. The U.S. Botanic Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. With over a million visitors annually, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices. It is a living plant museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. www.USBG.gov
About the National Park Service
Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
