Model trains and a festive evening trolley ride transform Nicholas Conservatory into a Christmas wonderland.

The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is all ready for the Christmas holiday as, inside the botanical gardens, holiday trains can be seen making their way through the landscape.

Besides the indoor model trains, the Rockford Park District has transformed Trolley Car 36 into the “All Aglow Express,” which starts its run at the Conservatory and makes its way through the area.

“It’s a trolley ride,” explains Joy Weyrauch. “It starts south of our campus and we go to what we call the North Pole. Kids and families can experience the story of the Polar Express being told, while having hot chocolate, a surprise visit by Santa, and just being all together and building family traditions.”

The All Aglow Express and indoor train exhibit runs through January 6th. Details are available on the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens website.