Christmas Train Rides in Indiana (2026)
Indiana has one licensed Polar Express in 2026, not two. Flood damage in August forced the Whitewater Valley Railroad to cancel its Connersville ride for the season, which leaves the French Lick Scenic Railway in the southern hills as the state’s only official Polar Express. The good news is everything else: a 90-minute Christmas train out of Pleasant Lake, the Reindeer Express in Noblesville, Santa trains at North Judson and Hesston, a brand-new Thanksgiving weekend Reindeer Run, and a short indoor train ride at the Indiana State Museum. Our Polar Express guide for every state covers the rest of the Midwest.
The short version
- 7 holiday trains in Indiana for 2026, 1 of them the licensed Polar Express (French Lick)
- First to run: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, French Lick, from November 6. Last: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, French Lick, until December 23
- Lowest fare: Santa's Candy Cane Express, Hesston, from $5
- Book only on each railroad’s own site; every ride below links to it
Indiana holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 7 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- French Lick
- Season
- November 6 to December 23, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $5 (Hesston Steam Museum)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Indiana Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in French Lick has the longest season, November 6 to December 23. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideFrench Lick · Nov 6 to Dec 23
- Reindeer ExpressNoblesville · Nov 14 to Dec 23
- Santa TrainsNorth Judson · Nov 21 to Dec 19
- Reindeer RunHudson · Nov 27 to Nov 29
- Santa's Candy Cane ExpressHesston · Dec 5 to Dec 13
- Indiana Christmas TrainPleasant Lake · Dec 5 to Dec 22
Look inside the book
Riding a Indiana Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Indiana's Holiday Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Indiana’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Hesston: Santa's Candy Cane Express
- 2Pleasant Lake: Indiana Christmas Train
- 2Hudson: Reindeer Run
- 3North Judson: Santa Trains
- 4Noblesville: Reindeer Express
- 5Indianapolis: Snowfall Express at Celebration Crossing
- 6French Lick: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Indiana towns, for shape.
One licensed Polar Express, five Santa trains and one indoor ride, from the Ohio River hills to the Michigan line.
Indiana's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Lick Scenic Railway | French Lick | Nov 6 to Dec 23 | From $45 | On sale now |
| Indiana Rail Experience | Pleasant Lake | Dec 5 to Dec 22 | From $35 | On sale now |
| Indiana Rail Experience | Hudson | Nov 27 to Nov 29 | From $17 | On sale now |
| Nickel Plate Express | Noblesville | Nov 14 to Dec 23 | See booking page | On sale now |
| Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum | North Judson | Nov 21 to Dec 19 | From $20 | On sale now |
| Hesston Steam Museum | Hesston | Dec 5 to Dec 13 | From $5 | On sale now |
| Indiana State Museum | Indianapolis | Nov 27 into January | See museum site | See museum site |
French Lick: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Licensed Polar ExpressFrench Lick Scenic Railway · French Lick
- Operator
- French Lick Scenic Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- French Lick Scenic Railway depot, French Lick
- Season
- November 6 to December 23, 2026, usually at 2:30, 5:30 and 7:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 75 minutes, per the railway
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, caroling, and Santa giving every guest a silver sleigh bell
- Price
- Coach from $45 on value dates; Upper Coach, First Class and Dome Class cost more, with prices rising on moderate and peak dates
- Tickets
- On sale now; many dates sell out early
- Best ages
- All ages; best for ages 3 to 10
The French Lick Scenic Railway, run by the Indiana Railway Museum in French Lick since 1978, is now the only licensed Polar Express in Indiana for 2026. The ride lasts about 75 minutes. Every guest gets hot chocolate and a cookie, and Santa hands each child the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell. First Class guests take home a ceramic mug, and Dome Class adds the year’s mug and a special gift.
Prices change by date. The railway sorts its calendar into value, moderate and peak nights, so a weeknight in early November costs less than a Saturday close to Christmas. Plan to arrive about an hour early to pick up tickets at Will Call; boarding opens 15 minutes before departure and doors close five minutes before. French Lick Resort sells a Polar Express overnight package if you would rather not drive home after a 7:30 train.
Check dates and tickets with French Lick Scenic Railway(opens in a new tab)Pleasant Lake: the Indiana Christmas Train
Santa trainIndiana Rail Experience (Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society) · Pleasant Lake
- Operator
- Indiana Rail Experience (Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Pleasant Lake station, Pleasant Lake
- Season
- December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, and 21 and 22, 2026; Saturdays at 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 and 6:45 pm, Sundays at 12:00, 2:15 and 4:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes round trip
- What's included
- Santa on every train, live music, and treats from the Christmas Kitchen car
- Price
- Deluxe Coach from $35 plus processing fees; family packages, First Class tables, a 21-and-over Cocktail Class and private cars cost more
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; children 3 and under ride free in Deluxe Coach without a seat
The Indiana Christmas Train is the big one in northeast Indiana, run by the volunteers of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. It is a 90-minute round trip through the winter countryside from Pleasant Lake, near Angola, with live music and Santa on every departure. A Christmas Kitchen car turns out holiday treats while Santa greets families in the observation lounge, and elves bring hot chocolate through the first-class cars.
The Deluxe Coach cars are heated and have restrooms. Park at 1525 Main Street in Pleasant Lake; boarding and accessible parking are at 1469 West Main Street. Only select Deluxe Coach cars are accessible, and they are marked when you choose seats. Tickets arrive by email, and proceeds go to the society’s railroad preservation work.
Check dates and tickets with Indiana Rail Experience(opens in a new tab)Hudson and South Milford: the new Reindeer Run
Santa trainIndiana Rail Experience (Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society) · Hudson
- Operator
- Indiana Rail Experience (Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Ashley/Hudson boarding site, Hudson
- Season
- Thanksgiving weekend 2026: Edon, Ohio, Friday, November 27; Ashley/Hudson, Saturday, November 28; South Milford, Sunday, November 29
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Christmas music, decorations and a visit from Santa Claus, behind a historic diesel
- Price
- Deluxe Coach $17 for children and $30 for adults; a Family Package for four is $85; a First Class table for four is $225; processing fees extra
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; children 3 and under ride free without a seat
The Reindeer Run is new this year: a shorter, one-hour version of the Indiana Christmas Train that visits three small towns on Thanksgiving weekend, one day each. It leaves Edon, Ohio, on Friday, November 27, Ashley/Hudson, Indiana, on Saturday, November 28, and South Milford, Indiana, on Sunday, November 29. Santa visits during the ride, with Christmas music and decorations, behind a historic diesel.
At $17 for a child in Deluxe Coach, it is one of the least expensive Santa trains in the region, and a good first ride for kids who might not sit still for 90 minutes. The South Milford boarding site is 7570 790 E, and Edon boards at 206 S Michigan Street.
Check dates and tickets with Indiana Rail Experience(opens in a new tab)Noblesville: the Reindeer Express
Santa trainNickel Plate Heritage Railroad (Nickel Plate Express) · Noblesville
- Operator
- Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad (Nickel Plate Express)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Nickel Plate Express Depot, Forest Park, Noblesville
- Season
- November 14 to December 23, 2026: weekends from mid-November, Thanksgiving weekend, Friday evenings and weekends in December, and daily December 18 to 23
- Ride length
- About 75 minutes round trip
- What's included
- Seasonal music, a holiday cookie, a letter to Santa delivered to the North Pole post office, and a visit from Santa
- Price
- See the booking page; Standard seats are sold in twos and fours, with Platinum and Diamond tables and a private caboose
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under free on a lap in Standard Class
The closest Santa train to Indianapolis leaves Forest Park in Noblesville, about half an hour north of downtown. The Reindeer Express runs 75 minutes north through Cicero toward Arcadia and back, with seasonal music, a holiday cookie for everyone and a visit from Santa. Kids write a letter to Santa during the ride, and the railroad delivers it to the North Pole post office. Standard Class comes with chocolate milk; the higher classes get hot chocolate.
Check in and warm up at Hobbs Station at the Forest Park depot, and park free in the park. All seating is upstairs and the cars are not accessible, and there are small restrooms on board for emergencies. Evening trains are pretty but dark outside, so a daytime departure is better if your kids want to see the countryside.
Check dates and tickets with Nickel Plate Express(opens in a new tab)North Judson: Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Santa Trains
Santa trainHoosier Valley Railroad Museum · North Judson
- Operator
- Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- North Judson Depot, North Judson
- Season
- Saturdays November 21 and 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, at 10:00 am, noon, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 pm Central Time
- Ride length
- About 60 minutes
- What's included
- A visit with Santa, family photos and a gift from Santa for every child
- Price
- From $20 in Coach; Economy Coach and three First Class options including private rooms and a private car
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; up to age 2 free on a lap
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson runs its Santa Trains on five Saturdays, five departures a day, which makes it one of the easier Indiana Santa trains to fit into a busy December. The ride is an hour through the flat, snowy farm country of Starke County, and Santa visits each family for photos and gives every child a gift.
Remember that North Judson is on Central Time, an hour behind Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, and that the museum does not allow late boarding; plan to be there 30 minutes early. Infants and toddlers ride free on a lap. The private room and private car options are worth a look for grandparents traveling with several families.
Check dates and tickets with Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)Hesston: Santa's Candy Cane Express at the steam museum
Santa trainHesston Steam Museum (La Porte County Historical Steam Society) · Hesston
- Operator
- Hesston Steam Museum (La Porte County Historical Steam Society)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Hesston Steam Museum, Hesston
- Season
- December 5 and 6 and 12 and 13, 2026, trains at frequent intervals from noon to 4:00 pm Central Time
- Ride length
- A short ride on one of the museum's railroads
- What's included
- Santa in a real railroad caboose, hot cocoa at Doc's Soda Fountain, and a ride in open or enclosed coaches
- Price
- Train tickets from $5; no admission charge for the event and free parking
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
The Hesston Steam Museum sits in La Porte County just south of the Michigan line and about an hour from Chicago, and its Candy Cane Express is the gentlest Santa train in the state. Families meet Santa in a real railroad caboose, warm up with hot cocoa at Doc’s Soda Fountain, then take a short ride on one of the museum’s railroads in open or enclosed coaches.
The event has no admission charge, train tickets start at $5, and parking is free, so it is easy to stay for lunch or ice cream at the soda fountain afterward. If heavy snow stops the small trains, the museum refunds tickets. Like North Judson, Hesston is on Central Time.
Check dates and tickets with Hesston Steam Museum(opens in a new tab)Indianapolis: the Snowfall Express at the Indiana State Museum
Indoor holiday train rideIndiana State Museum · Indianapolis
- Operator
- Indiana State Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis
- Season
- Celebration Crossing opens November 27, 2026, and runs daily into January
- Ride length
- A few minutes; the 2025 ride was about four and a half minutes
- What's included
- An indoor train ride through a snowy forest with music and moving animals, plus Santa visits and the rest of Celebration Crossing
- Price
- See the museum's site for 2026 prices
- Tickets
- See the museum's site
- Best ages
- All ages; best for preschoolers
The Snowfall Express is not a railroad, but for toddlers it may be the best holiday train in Indiana. It is a short indoor ride, about four and a half minutes when it debuted last year, through a snowy forest full of animals celebrating the first snow, with music and movement around every bend. It is the centerpiece of Celebration Crossing, the Indiana State Museum’s holiday display, which also has Santa visits.
Because it is indoors and short, it works for the youngest kids and for cold or rainy days when an outdoor train sounds miserable. The museum also holds early-morning sessions before it opens to the public; check its calendar for 2026 dates.
Check dates and tickets with Indiana State Museum(opens in a new tab)Which Indiana Christmas Train Should You Pick
Your kids love the Polar Express book
French Lick. It is the only licensed ride in Indiana this year.
Indianapolis families
The Reindeer Express in Noblesville for a real train, or the Snowfall Express downtown for toddlers.
Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana
The Indiana Christmas Train from Pleasant Lake, or the Reindeer Run on Thanksgiving weekend.
Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland
Hesston for a cheap, easy afternoon, or North Judson for a full hour with Santa.
Smallest budget
Hesston’s Candy Cane Express, from $5 with no admission charge.
How Far Indiana's Holiday Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | Noblesville (Reindeer Express) | About 30 minutes |
| Indianapolis | French Lick (Polar Express) | About 2 hours |
| Louisville | French Lick (Polar Express) | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Fort Wayne | Pleasant Lake (Indiana Christmas Train) | About 45 minutes |
| South Bend | Hesston Steam Museum | About 45 minutes |
| Chicago | North Judson (Santa Trains) | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
Chicago families have more choices on our Illinois page, including the licensed Polar Express at Monticello. From Richmond and the east side, the Dennison Polar Express is a little over three hours away on our Ohio page, and the Southern Michigan Railroad and Coopersville trains on our Michigan page are an easy drive from Elkhart. Louisville families are about three hours from the Stearns Polar Express on our Kentucky page.
Free to print
Coloring for the car ride
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesIndiana Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
No Polar Express in Connersville this year
The Whitewater Valley Railroad says it will not run THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride this season because of flood damage to its line. If you rode from Connersville in past years, French Lick is the nearest licensed ride in the state.
Watch your time zone
North Judson and Hesston run on Central Time. French Lick, Noblesville and Pleasant Lake run on Eastern Time.
The Indiana Rail Road Santa Train
Each December the Indiana Rail Road, a freight railroad, runs a Santa Train that stops in small towns such as Morgantown and Helmsburg, where kids climb aboard vintage passenger cars to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. It is free and has run for more than 35 years. The 2026 stops had not been posted when we checked.
Getting there by Amtrak
The Cardinal stops in Indianapolis and Connersville; see our Cardinal with kids guide.
Rally Rides the Rails
Rally gets a pretzel on his train ride in our book, and he is very proud of it. Indiana’s holiday trains are big on treats too: cookies on the Reindeer Express, hot cocoa at Hesston, and a whole kitchen car on the Indiana Christmas Train.
My mom imagined Rally’s first ride long before it was a book, and I finished it after she passed; the full story is on our story page. Grab our free Rally coloring pages for the drive.
A train story for Indiana kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon
More for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in Illinois
- Christmas trains in Ohio
- Christmas trains in Michigan
- Christmas trains in Kentucky
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- French Lick Scenic Railway: events and Polar Express(opens in a new tab)
- French Lick Scenic Railway: Tickets Please (2026 pricing)(opens in a new tab)
- Whitewater Valley Railroad: Polar Express(opens in a new tab)
- Indiana Rail Experience: Christmas trains(opens in a new tab)
- Indiana Rail Experience: Reindeer Run(opens in a new tab)
- Nickel Plate Express: Reindeer Express(opens in a new tab)
- Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum: Santa Trains(opens in a new tab)
- Hesston Steam Museum: Santa's Candy Cane Express(opens in a new tab)
- Indiana State Museum: Celebration Crossing(opens in a new tab)
- Town of Morgantown: The Santa Train(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Indiana Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Indiana in 2026?
The only licensed Polar Express in Indiana for 2026 is on the French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick, from November 6 to December 23. The Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville canceled its Polar Express for this season because of flood damage to its line.
What Christmas train rides are in Indiana in 2026?
We confirmed seven holiday train rides in Indiana for 2026: the Polar Express in French Lick; the Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake; the Reindeer Run in Hudson; the Reindeer Express in Noblesville; the Santa Trains in North Judson; Santa's Candy Cane Express in Hesston; Snowfall Express at Celebration Crossing in Indianapolis. One of the 7 Indiana rides is the licensed Polar Express.
What Christmas events are there in French Lick, Indiana, this year?
For families, French Lick has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from French Lick Scenic Railway (November 6 to December 23, from $45). It includes hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, caroling, and Santa giving every guest a silver sleigh bell. Plan on about 75 minutes, per the railway. For other French Lick, Indiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, this year?
For families, Pleasant Lake has Indiana Christmas Train from Indiana Rail Experience (December 5 to December 22, from $35). It includes Santa on every train, live music, and treats from the Christmas Kitchen car. Plan on about 90 minutes round trip. A Christmas Kitchen car makes holiday treats on board while Santa visits in the observation lounge. For other Pleasant Lake, Indiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Hudson, Indiana, in 2026?
For families, Hudson has Reindeer Run from Indiana Rail Experience (November 27 to November 29, from $17). It includes Christmas music, decorations and a visit from Santa Claus, behind a historic diesel. Plan on about 1 hour. Each town hosts the train for a single day, with local holiday activities alongside the ride. For other Hudson, Indiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Noblesville, Indiana, in 2026?
For families, Noblesville has Reindeer Express from Nickel Plate Express (November 14 to December 23, see booking page). It includes seasonal music, a holiday cookie, a letter to Santa delivered to the North Pole post office, and a visit from Santa. Plan on about 75 minutes round trip. For other Noblesville, Indiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in North Judson, Indiana, in 2026?
For families, North Judson has Santa Trains from Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum (November 21 to December 19, from $20). It includes a visit with Santa, family photos and a gift from Santa for every child. Plan on about 60 minutes. The museum runs on Central Time, and First Class includes a private room for up to three or a private car for up to 15. For other North Judson, Indiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Hesston, Indiana, in 2026?
For families, Hesston has Santa's Candy Cane Express from Hesston Steam Museum (December 5 to December 13, from $5). It includes Santa in a real railroad caboose, hot cocoa at Doc's Soda Fountain, and a ride in open or enclosed coaches. Plan on a short ride on one of the museum's railroads. For other Hesston, Indiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2026?
For families, Indianapolis has Snowfall Express at Celebration Crossing from Indiana State Museum (November 27 into January, see museum site). It includes an indoor train ride through a snowy forest with music and moving animals, plus Santa visits and the rest of Celebration Crossing. Plan on a few minutes; the 2025 ride was about four and a half minutes. For other Indianapolis, Indiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Louisville, Indiana find a Christmas train ride?
From Louisville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: French Lick (Polar Express), about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each Indiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Louisville families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Fort Wayne, Indiana find a Christmas train ride?
From Fort Wayne, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Pleasant Lake (Indiana Christmas Train), about 45 minutes. Each Indiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Fort Wayne families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near South Bend, Indiana find a Christmas train ride?
From South Bend, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Hesston Steam Museum, about 45 minutes. Each Indiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so South Bend families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Chicago, Indiana find a Christmas train ride?
From Chicago, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: North Judson (Santa Trains), about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each Indiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Chicago families can compare before they drive.
How much is the French Lick Polar Express?
Coach seats on the French Lick Polar Express start at $45 on value dates in 2026. Upper Coach, First Class and Dome Class cost more, and every class costs more on moderate and peak dates. First Class and Dome Class include a souvenir mug, and Dome Class adds a special gift.
What is the closest Santa train to Indianapolis?
The Reindeer Express on the Nickel Plate Express in Noblesville is about 30 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis. It runs from mid-November to December 23 and lasts about 75 minutes, with Santa, a holiday cookie and a letter to Santa that the railroad sends to the North Pole post office.
What is the cheapest Christmas train ride in Indiana?
Santa's Candy Cane Express at the Hesston Steam Museum in La Porte County has train tickets from $5, no admission charge and free parking on December 5 and 6 and 12 and 13. The new Reindeer Run on Thanksgiving weekend is $17 for a child in Deluxe Coach.
Are Indiana Santa trains wheelchair accessible?
It varies. The Indiana Christmas Train has select accessible Deluxe Coach cars, marked when you choose seats. The Reindeer Express in Noblesville has all of its seating upstairs and its cars are not accessible. Families who need an accessible seat should contact each railroad before buying tickets.
Do any Indiana Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Indiana holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the Polar Express in French Lick, which runs until December 23. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Indiana in the drive-time table above. Dome Class seats ride upstairs under glass, and the depot has an activities tent with wooden train sets.
Which Indiana Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Indiana ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Reindeer Run in Hudson: about 1 hour. The longest is the Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake, at about 90 minutes round trip. Ages for the Reindeer Run in Hudson: all ages; children 3 and under ride free without a seat. Each town hosts the train for a single day, with local holiday activities alongside the ride.
When do Indiana Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in French Lick; the Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake; the Reindeer Run in Hudson; the Reindeer Express in Noblesville; the Santa Trains in North Judson; Santa's Candy Cane Express in Hesston. Snowfall Express at Celebration Crossing in Indianapolis: see the museum's site. Popular Indiana dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Indiana Christmas trains have Santa?
All 7 Indiana rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in French Lick: hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, caroling, and Santa giving every guest a silver sleigh bell. The Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake: Santa on every train, live music, and treats from the Christmas Kitchen car. The Reindeer Run in Hudson: Christmas music, decorations and a visit from Santa Claus, behind a historic diesel.
Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in Indiana?
One Indiana holiday train is listed with steam: Santa's Candy Cane Express in Hesston. Santa's Candy Cane Express in Hesston: Santa in a real railroad caboose, hot cocoa at Doc's Soda Fountain, and a ride in open or enclosed coaches.
What happens on the Polar Express in French Lick?
The Polar Express in French Lick includes hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, caroling, and Santa giving every guest a silver sleigh bell. For the French Lick ride, plan on about 75 minutes, per the railway. Dome Class seats ride upstairs under glass, and the depot has an activities tent with wooden train sets.
What is included with the Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake?
The Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake includes Santa on every train, live music, and treats from the Christmas Kitchen car. For the Pleasant Lake ride, plan on about 90 minutes round trip. A Christmas Kitchen car makes holiday treats on board while Santa visits in the observation lounge.
How much is the Reindeer Run in Hudson?
Fares for the Reindeer Run in Hudson: Deluxe Coach $17 for children and $30 for adults; a Family Package for four is $85; a First Class table for four is $225; processing fees extra. Season: Thanksgiving weekend 2026: Edon, Ohio, Friday, November 27; Ashley/Hudson, Saturday, November 28; South Milford, Sunday, November 29. Indiana Rail Experience tickets: on sale now.
How much are tickets for the Reindeer Express in Noblesville?
Nickel Plate Express posts current Reindeer Express fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Reindeer Express runs November 14 to December 23, 2026: weekends from mid-November, Thanksgiving weekend, Friday evenings and weekends in December, and daily December 18 to 23. Nickel Plate Express tickets: on sale now. Nickel Plate Express age rules: all ages; 2 and under free on a lap in Standard Class.
How much are the Santa Trains in North Judson?
The Santa Trains in North Judson cost from $20 in Coach; Economy Coach and three First Class options including private rooms and a private car. The Santa Trains run Saturdays November 21 and 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, at 10:00 am, noon, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 pm Central Time. Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum tickets: on sale now.
How much are tickets for Santa's Candy Cane Express in Hesston?
Fares for Santa's Candy Cane Express in Hesston: Train tickets from $5; no admission charge for the event and free parking. Santa's Candy Cane Express runs December 5 and 6 and 12 and 13, 2026, trains at frequent intervals from noon to 4:00 pm Central Time. Hesston Steam Museum tickets: on sale now. Hesston Steam Museum age rules: all ages.
How much is Snowfall Express at Celebration Crossing in Indianapolis?
Indiana State Museum posts current Snowfall Express at Celebration Crossing fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. Season: Celebration Crossing opens November 27, 2026, and runs daily into January. Indiana State Museum tickets: see the museum's site. Indiana State Museum age rules: all ages; best for preschoolers. The ride passes forest animals celebrating the first snowfall of winter.
What should parents know before riding the Polar Express in French Lick?
Prices change by date. The railway sorts its calendar into value, moderate and peak nights, so a weeknight in early November costs less than a Saturday close to Christmas. Plan to arrive about an hour early to pick up tickets at Will Call; boarding opens 15 minutes before departure and doors close five minutes before.
Where does the Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake leave from?
The Indiana Christmas Train in Pleasant Lake boards at Pleasant Lake station, 1469 West Main Street, in Pleasant Lake. Park at 1525 Main Street in Pleasant Lake; boarding and accessible parking are at 1469 West Main Street. Tickets arrive by email, and proceeds go to the society’s railroad preservation work. Indiana Rail Experience tickets: on sale now.