We haven’t done a train ride since our Nickel Plate Railway here went out of business… since then, they’ve removed even the tracks! But they did keep a ride close that we can now pickup in a near by park! However, Santa trains are going to be on our radar super early from here on out! So while this may be a post for years to come, as of 2019, here’s a list of all the Santa Trains (that I could find) around the state! And believe me, you’ll want to plan and start buying these tickets early as most of them sell out rather quickly!
NORTHERN INDIANA
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Santa Train
Explore Santa’s railroad workshop, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and climb aboard his red caboose during this super fun and affordable Santa Train, snow or shine! Each trip is operated by a vintage diesel locomotive and lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum
These Santa Trains depart the station from North Judson and travels to English Lake. On the way, you’ll pick up Santa Claus just outside of town before continuing with the journey. Santa will then personally visit with each child on board the train and give them a gift bag filled with goodies before the train returns to the station.
North Judson, Indiana
CENTRAL INDIANA
THE POLAR EXPRESS(TM) comes to life when the train departs Connersville’s Grand Central Station for a journey through the quiet countryside for a special stop at the “North Pole” to allow Santa Claus to board THE POLAR EXPRESS. Guests onboard will enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie while listening and reading along with the magical story.
SANTA TRAINS
This is the only licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS(TM) Train Ride event in the Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Indianapolis areas. Tickets sell out quickly for this event! Don’t miss the chance to share this holiday favorite with your family! You will surely want to make this an annual holiday tradition.
Connersville, Indiana
Your favorite holiday tradition is back! See our historic train all lit up in Christmas lights, courtesy of Gaylor Electric. Take an hour and fifteen-minute ride through Central Indiana while singing Christmas carols and sipping hot chocolate. The ride includes a cookie, commemorative craft and visit with Santa in the little red caboose.
Noblesville, Indiana
After leaving the station, the narrated train ride will travel through a bear country where you’ll encounter some friendly bears doing some rather unusual things. As the Sullivan Express leaves the woods, enjoy the smell of fresh greens as our North Pole-bound train moves through the Sullivan Christmas tree lot. As the train gets closer to the North Pole, there is a small problem that leads the train on a new course and some unexpected surprises… that you’ll have to see for yourself! This one comes highly recommended!
Indianapolis, Indiana
This train is pretty fun as its admission is FREE. Get into the spirit of the season when Santa rolls into town, and celebrate the special Yuletide tradition shared by generations of people who’ve grown up in Indiana Railroad communities. Check their facebook page for details!
Various Central Indiana Locations
Monticello Railway Museum – Polar Express
This hidden gem offers a charming escape to create a magical Christmas experience for your little ones on the Polar Express. In addition to the usual Polar Express fare (stories, carols, cookies and milk), Monticello Railway offers indulgent additions like the Deluxe Car, a Private Car, or Lunch with Santa! Bring your pajamas and spend the day at the Monticello Railway Museum creating the ultimate magical Christmas experience on the Polar Express!
Monticello, Indiana
SOUTHERN INDIANA
French Lick Scenic Railway Polar Express
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical 80 Minute trip through a rail yard, neighborhoods, and through a tunnel on the way to The North Pole. Once on board, your Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
HO HO HO
Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. On the return trip from the North Pole, Elves on each car lead passengers in caroling, and onboard entertainment.
French Lick, Indiana
So there you have it…. a spectacular round up of the holiday rides throughout Indiana! You can find out more about each one by clicking on the names above! Who doesn’t love riding on a train and singing Christmas carols?! They all seem like a winning experience for everyone in the family!