Christmas Train Rides in Ohio (2026)
Ohio has exactly one licensed Polar Express in 2026, at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, and it runs on only eight days in December. Everything else on this page is a railroad’s own Santa train, and several of them are bigger than the licensed ride: the Cuyahoga Valley’s North Pole Adventure fills trains out of Independence for six weeks. For the licensed rides in neighboring states, see our Christmas train map.
The short version
- 9 holiday trains in Ohio for 2026, 1 of them the licensed Polar Express (Dennison)
- First to run: North Pole Adventure, Independence, from November 13. Last: North Pole Express, Findlay, until December 27
- Lowest fare: North Pole Express, Findlay, $3 to $5 admission
- Book only on each railroad’s own site; every ride below links to it
We list nine Ohio holiday trains below, grouped by corner of the state, plus a few holiday train displays that are worth a trip even though you do not ride them.
Ohio holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Dennison
- Season
- November 13 to December 27, 2026
- Lowest fare
- $3 to $5 admission (NWORRP)
- After Christmas
- NWORRP (to December 27)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Ohio Christmas train runs
North Pole Adventure in Independence starts first, on November 13, and North Pole Express in Findlay runs the latest, to December 27. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- North Pole AdventureIndependence · Nov 13 to Dec 22
- North Pole ExpressLebanon · Nov 20 to Dec 23
- North Pole ExpressFindlay · Nov 20 to Dec 27
- Santa TrainWellington · Nov 28 to Dec 13
- Riding with SantaOrrville · Nov 28 to Dec 19
- Santa TrainNelsonville · Nov 28 to Dec 20
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideDennison · Dec 3 to Dec 13
- Holiday TrainBellevue · Dec 5 to Dec 13
- Santa Comes to the RoundhouseSugarcreek · Dec 11 and 12
Look inside the book
Riding a Ohio 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.
Ohio's Licensed Polar Express for 2026
On the map
Where Ohio’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Independence: North Pole Adventure
- 2Bellevue: Holiday Train
- 3Wellington: Santa Train
- 4Findlay: North Pole Express
- 5Orrville: Riding with Santa
- 6Sugarcreek: Santa Comes to the Roundhouse
- 7Dennison: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 8Nelsonville: Santa Train
- 9Lebanon: North Pole Express
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Ohio towns, for shape.
Eight days only, in eastern Ohio between Canton and Wheeling.
Ohio's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dennison Depot Museum | Dennison | Dec 3 to Dec 13 | From $55 | On sale now |
| CVSR | Independence | Nov 13 to Dec 22 | $60 to $110 | On sale now |
| Orrville Railroad Heritage Society | Orrville | Nov 28 to Dec 19 | From $30 | On sale now |
| Lorain & West Virginia Ry | Wellington | Nov 28 to Dec 13 | See listing | On sale online |
| Age of Steam Roundhouse | Sugarcreek | Dec 11 and 12 | From $15 | Likely to sell out |
| LM&M Railroad | Lebanon | Nov 20 to Dec 23 | From $40 | On sale now |
| Hocking Valley Scenic Ry | Nelsonville | Nov 28 to Dec 20 | $21 to $26 | On sale now |
| Mad River & NKP Museum | Bellevue | Dec 5 to Dec 13 | From $7 | Pre-sold online |
| NWORRP | Findlay | Nov 20 to Dec 27 | $3 to $5 admission | At the gate |
Dennison: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the Depot Museum
Licensed Polar ExpressDennison Railroad Depot Museum · Dennison
- Operator
- Dennison Railroad Depot Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Dennison
- Season
- December 3 to 13, 2026: Thursday and Friday evenings December 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 6:00 and 8:00 pm; Saturdays and Sundays December 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 and 8:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes round trip
- What's included
- The story read aloud, elves with songs and games, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa boarding at the North Pole and a bell for every child
- Price
- From $55; fares vary by departure tier (Prime Time, Standard, Downtime) and class (Coach, Deluxe, First Class), plus a ticket fee
- Tickets
- On sale; coach and deluxe on Eventbrite, first class by phone
- Best ages
- All ages; everyone 1 and up needs a seat
This is Ohio’s only licensed Polar Express, at a restored depot in Tuscarawas County that was a famous canteen for soldiers in World War II. Storytellers read the book aloud in decorated vintage coaches, elves lead songs and games on the way north, and cocoa and cookies come around. At the North Pole you watch Santa and his workshop through the window without getting off, and then Santa boards to give every child a bell.
Fares are tiered: Prime Time costs the most, Downtime the least, in coach, deluxe or first class. Arrive an hour ahead; boarding starts 30 minutes before departure and the gates close 5 minutes before, with no refunds for late arrivals.
Check dates and tickets with Dennison Depot Museum(opens in a new tab)Cleveland, Akron and Canton Area Santa Trains
Northeast Ohio has the most choices, from a 90-minute evening train to a steam roundhouse in Amish Country.
Independence: the North Pole Adventure on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
North Pole trainCuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad · Independence
- Operator
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Rockside Station, Independence
- Season
- November 13 to December 22, 2026, with departures at 5:00 pm (back 6:30) and 7:55 pm (back 9:25)
- Ride length
- 90 minutes
- What's included
- Christmas elves, milk and a cookie, writing a letter to Santa, and a possible visit from Santa in your car
- Price
- $60 to $110 per person by class: coach, table seating and first class
- Tickets
- On sale now; limit 20 tickets per person
- Best ages
- All ages; pajamas encouraged
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad ran the licensed Polar Express for years and now runs its own North Pole Adventure, a 90-minute evening ride from Rockside Station on the south edge of Cleveland. Elves work the decorated, heated coaches, kids get milk and a cookie and write letters to Santa, and Santa may stop in your car.
There are just two departures, 5:00 and 7:55 pm, so pick the early one for small kids. Plan to arrive 45 minutes ahead; parking at Rockside is free. Every car has a restroom, and one car is ADA accessible. With six weeks of dates it is the easiest big holiday train in Ohio to fit into a calendar.
Check dates and tickets with CVSR(opens in a new tab)Orrville: Riding with Santa in coach 208
Santa trainOrrville Railroad Heritage Society · Orrville
- Operator
- Orrville Railroad Heritage Society(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- ORHS Rail Yard, Orrville
- Season
- Saturdays November 28, December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, at 11:00 am, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm; Fridays December 4, 11 and 18 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 40 minutes
- What's included
- Santa collecting wish lists on the ride, then cocoa, cookies and a goodie bag for each child
- Price
- From $30; lap children under 2 free
- Tickets
- On sale now through Etix
- Best ages
- All ages
The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society runs one vintage coach, number 208, on a 40-minute ride to its Winter Wonderland while Santa walks the aisle collecting wish lists. Afterward there is cocoa and cookies, and every child gets a goodie bag. With room for only 66 riders, it is small and calm, which suits toddlers.
It leaves from the society’s rail yard on South Crown Hill Road, between Scotts Miracle-Gro and Catrone Trucking, not from the old depot downtown. The coach has no restroom, only a portable toilet on site, and it is not ADA accessible.
Check dates and tickets with Orrville Railroad Heritage Society(opens in a new tab)Wellington: the Lorain & West Virginia Railway Santa Train
Santa trainLorain & West Virginia Railway (Lake Shore Railway Association) · Wellington
- Operator
- Lorain & West Virginia Railway (Lake Shore Railway Association)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Wellington Station, Wellington
- Season
- November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, and December 12 and 13, 2026
- Ride length
- 30 to 50 minutes
- What's included
- A visit with Santa and a bell for every child under 12
- Price
- See the railway's ticket page
- Tickets
- Tickets sold online
- Best ages
- All ages; every rider needs a ticket
The all-volunteer Lake Shore Railway Association runs this short Santa Train out of Wellington, southwest of Cleveland in Lorain County. The decorated train goes about a mile and a half and then backs up to the station, 30 to 50 minutes in all, and Santa visits along the way. Every child under 12 gets a bell.
Everyone needs a ticket, which you pick up at the station office; printed tickets will not get you on. Arrive 15 minutes early because the train leaves on time, rain or shine. The historic cars are not handicap accessible.
Check dates and tickets with Lorain & West Virginia Ry(opens in a new tab)Sugarcreek: Santa Comes to the Roundhouse at the Age of Steam
Steam Santa trainAge of Steam Roundhouse Museum · Sugarcreek
- Operator
- Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, Sugarcreek
- Season
- Friday December 11, 2026, 5:00 to 9:00 pm with Christmas lights, and Saturday December 12, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour, with a 15-minute train ride
- What's included
- A steam train ride to the roundhouse, a photo with Santa among the locomotives, a craft, cookies, cocoa and a gift bag for each child
- Price
- From $15; under 3 free
- Tickets
- Online only, in advance; likely to sell out
- Best ages
- All ages
The Age of Steam Roundhouse in Amish Country only lets the public in on guided tours and special events, and this is the holiday one. A steam-powered train carries you about 15 minutes to the roundhouse, where Santa sits among the museum’s huge locomotives. Kids get a photo with him, a craft, cookies and cocoa, and a gift bag on the way out.
It runs on just two sessions: Friday evening, December 11, when the roundhouse is lit for Christmas, and Saturday morning, December 12. Tickets are online only and the museum expects to sell out. Each child needs a ticket; under 3 is free.
Check dates and tickets with Age of Steam Roundhouse(opens in a new tab)Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus Area Santa Trains
Two long-running railroads, one in Warren County and one in the Hocking Hills.
Lebanon: the North Pole Express between Cincinnati and Dayton
Santa trainLebanon Mason Monroe Railroad · Lebanon
- Operator
- Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad station, Lebanon
- Season
- November 20 to 22, November 27 to 29, December 3 to 6, and December 10 to 23, 2026; weekend departures late morning to evening, weekday evenings usually 6:00 and 8:00 pm
- Ride length
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- What's included
- Santa and his elves, a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie for every child
- Price
- From $40; Coach (bench seats) or Deluxe (individual seats)
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad calls its North Pole Express its most popular event, and for Cincinnati and Dayton families it is the closest big holiday train. The ride lasts an hour and 15 minutes through Warren County in cars strung with lights, with Santa and his elves on board. Every child gets a souvenir bell and a cookie. The name is the railroad’s own; it is not the licensed Polar Express.
Coach has 1930s-style bench seats; Deluxe has individual seats and more legroom. All cars are heated. Cocoa is sold at the station and you can carry it aboard. From December 10 the train runs every day up to the 23rd.
Check dates and tickets with LM&M Railroad(opens in a new tab)Nelsonville: the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Santa Train
Santa trainHocking Valley Scenic Railway · Nelsonville
- Operator
- Hocking Valley Scenic Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Nelsonville Depot, Nelsonville
- Season
- November 28 to December 20, 2026: weekends at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, plus 6:00 pm evening trains on November 28, December 3 to 5, 10 to 12 and 17 to 19
- Ride length
- About 2 hours round trip to East Logan
- What's included
- Heated, decorated coaches, Christmas music, Santa visiting every child and a candy cane afterward
- Price
- Adult (13 and up) $26, child (3 to 12) $21
- Tickets
- On sale now; tends to sell out
- Best ages
- All ages
The volunteer Hocking Valley Scenic Railway has run its Santa Train for over four decades, and it is a proper outing: about two hours round trip from Nelsonville to East Logan and back in heated coaches decorated inside and out, with Christmas music playing and Santa stopping to see every child. Kids get a candy cane after his visit, and the railroad suggests they bring a wish list.
You can bring your own snacks and soft drinks. Arrive 30 minutes ahead and go inside the depot for paper tickets, because a confirmation is not a ticket. Wheelchair space is very limited on the old cars, so book the wheelchair ticket and arrive early. Hocking Hills State Park is about 30 minutes away.
Check dates and tickets with Hocking Valley Scenic Ry(opens in a new tab)Toledo and Northwest Ohio Holiday Trains
Smaller, cheaper and best for preschoolers.
Bellevue: the Mad River & NKP Museum Holiday Train
Caboose Santa rideMad River & NKP Railroad Museum · Bellevue
- Operator
- Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum Coach Yard, Bellevue
- Season
- December 5 and 6, and 12 and 13, 2026, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at set departure times
- Ride length
- About 10 minutes in a caboose, then cocoa and Santa
- What's included
- A heated caboose ride, cocoa and cookies in a Nickel Plate dining car, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Price
- From $7; every rider, including infants, needs a ticket
- Tickets
- Pre-sold online only; none sold at the event
- Best ages
- Best for ages 2 to 6
The cheapest holiday train in Ohio is also the cutest for toddlers. The Mad River & NKP Museum in Bellevue puts families in one of three restored, heated cabooses for a ride of about ten minutes behind a little Navy-built diesel, then serves cocoa and cookies in Nickel Plate Road dining car 127, and finishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the museum’s Monument Station.
All tickets are sold online ahead of time; there are none at the gate. Pick your departure when you buy and arrive 15 minutes early. The cabooses and dining car are not accessible. Bellevue is about an hour from Toledo and an hour and 15 minutes from Cleveland.
Check dates and tickets with Mad River & NKP Museum(opens in a new tab)Findlay: the North Pole Express lights on the quarter-scale railroad
Miniature lights trainNorthwest Ohio Railroad Preservation · Findlay
- Operator
- Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation grounds, Findlay
- Season
- November 20 to December 27, 2026: Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 to 9:00 pm, Sundays 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Ride length
- A short loop on a quarter-scale train through the light display
- What's included
- Grounds admission to the Christmas light display; train rides priced separately
- Price
- Admission $5 adults, $3 children 12 and under; rides extra
- Tickets
- Pay at the gate
- Best ages
- All ages
This one is a holiday lights night rather than a main-line train. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation runs quarter-scale trains, the kind kids sit astride, through a Christmas light display that local listings put in the hundreds of thousands of bulbs, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are on the grounds. It is open Friday to Sunday evenings from November 20 through December 27.
Admission to the grounds is $5 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under, and train rides cost a few dollars more. It is about 45 minutes south of Toledo off I-75 and an easy stop on a holiday drive.
Check dates and tickets with NWORRP(opens in a new tab)Which Ohio Holiday Train to Pick
Your kids want the movie
Dennison is the only licensed ride. With eight days on the calendar, buy as soon as you can.
You want a big night out
The Cuyahoga Valley’s North Pole Adventure or the Lebanon North Pole Express. Both have long seasons and plenty of departures.
Toddlers and preschoolers
Bellevue’s caboose ride, Wellington’s short train or Orrville’s single coach. All three are under an hour.
School-age kids and train fans
Hocking Valley’s two-hour run, or Santa among the steam engines at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.
How Far Ohio Holiday Trains Are From the Big Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | Independence (CVSR) | About 15 minutes |
| Cleveland | Wellington | About 50 minutes |
| Akron | Orrville | About 40 minutes |
| Canton | Sugarcreek | About 40 minutes |
| Canton | Dennison | About 45 minutes |
| Columbus | Nelsonville | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Columbus | Dennison | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Cincinnati | Lebanon | About 40 minutes |
| Dayton | Lebanon | About 35 minutes |
| Toledo | Findlay | About 45 minutes |
| Toledo | Bellevue | About 1 hour |
Pittsburgh is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Dennison, and Pittsburgh’s own Santa Trolley is on our Pennsylvania page. Cincinnati families can also look south to the Kentucky Railway Museum’s holiday trains on our Kentucky page, and Toledo is close to the Michigan Santa trains on our Michigan page.
Free to print
For the drive down I-77
Free printable Rally pages with a red train to color, a maze and a word search. Print a set for each kid before you leave home.
Get the free printablesOhio Details Worth Knowing Before You Book
Two North Pole Expresses, neither is the Polar Express
Lebanon and Findlay both call their rides the North Pole Express. They are different events, a full train in Warren County and a miniature railroad in Hancock County, and neither is licensed. Dennison is the only licensed Polar Express in Ohio.
Holiday trains you watch instead of ride
Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center in Union Terminal runs from November 13 to January 4, built around the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, a model layout that has been a Cincinnati tradition since 1946, with Santa arriving November 27. In Fremont, the Hayes Presidential Library sets up its free Hayes Train Special, a Victorian holiday layout kids can run with push buttons, from November 27 to January 3.
Getting there by train
Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited stops in Cleveland and Toledo, though at night; see our Lake Shore Limited with kids guide. The Cardinal stops in Cincinnati, covered on our Cardinal with kids page.
All Aboard With Mr. Conductor
One of my favorite paintings in our book is Mr. Conductor bending down in his blue uniform to say hello to Rally. On a Santa train, the conductor is often the first holiday character your kids meet, before any elf, so let them say hello.
Rally’s first train ride was my mom’s idea, and I finished telling it for her; our story page has the rest. If you have a long drive to Dennison or Nelsonville, print some of our free train coloring pages first.
A train story for Ohio 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 Pennsylvania
- Christmas trains in Kentucky
- Christmas trains in Michigan
- 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
- Dennison Railroad Depot Museum: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: North Pole Adventure(opens in a new tab)
- Orrville Railroad Heritage Society: events(opens in a new tab)
- Lorain & West Virginia Railway: train rides(opens in a new tab)
- Age of Steam Roundhouse: Santa Comes to the Roundhouse(opens in a new tab)
- Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad: North Pole Express(opens in a new tab)
- Hocking Valley Scenic Railway: Santa Train(opens in a new tab)
- Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum: events(opens in a new tab)
- Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation: North Pole Express(opens in a new tab)
- Cincinnati Museum Center: Holiday Junction(opens in a new tab)
- Spotatrain: Ohio rail events, dates checked against operator sites(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Ohio Christmas Train Rides (2026)(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.
Ohio Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Ohio?
Ohio's only licensed Polar Express in 2026 is at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum in Dennison, in Tuscarawas County. It runs on eight days, December 3 to 13, with evening trains on Thursdays and Fridays and four departures on Saturdays and Sundays. Fares start at $55 and vary by departure time and class of service.
What Christmas train rides are in Ohio in 2026?
We confirmed nine holiday train rides in Ohio for 2026: the Polar Express in Dennison; the North Pole Adventure in Independence; Riding with Santa in Orrville; the Santa Train in Wellington; Santa Comes to the Roundhouse in Sugarcreek; the North Pole Express in Lebanon; the Santa Train in Nelsonville; the Holiday Train in Bellevue. 1 more are on this page.
What Christmas events are there in Dennison, Ohio, this year?
For families, Dennison has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Dennison Depot Museum (December 3 to December 13, from $55). It includes the story read aloud, elves with songs and games, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa boarding at the North Pole and a bell for every child. For other Dennison, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Independence, Ohio, in 2026?
For families, Independence has North Pole Adventure from CVSR (November 13 to December 22, $60 to $110). It includes Christmas elves, milk and a cookie, writing a letter to Santa, and a possible visit from Santa in your car. Plan on 90 minutes. Kids write a letter to Santa on board, and the railroad has an ADA-accessible car and restrooms in every car. For other Independence, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Orrville, Ohio, in 2026?
For families, Orrville has Riding with Santa from Orrville Railroad Heritage Society (November 28 to December 19, from $30). It includes Santa collecting wish lists on the ride, then cocoa, cookies and a goodie bag for each child. Plan on about 40 minutes. Only 66 people fit in the single vintage coach, so each ride feels like a private party with Santa. For other Orrville, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Wellington, Ohio, in 2026?
For families, Wellington has Santa Train from Lorain & West Virginia Ry (November 28 to December 13, see listing). It includes a visit with Santa and a bell for every child under 12. Plan on 30 to 50 minutes. The train runs about a mile and a half out and then backs up to the station, which is a short enough ride for a two-year-old. For other Wellington, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Sugarcreek, Ohio, in 2026?
For families, Sugarcreek has Santa Comes to the Roundhouse from Age of Steam Roundhouse (December 11 and 12, from $15). It includes a steam train ride to the roundhouse, a photo with Santa among the locomotives, a craft, cookies, cocoa and a gift bag for each child. For other Sugarcreek, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Lebanon, Ohio, this year?
For families, Lebanon has North Pole Express from LM&M Railroad (November 20 to December 23, from $40). It includes Santa and his elves, a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie for every child. Plan on 1 hour 15 minutes. From December 10 it runs every day up to the 23rd, so a weeknight ride after school is easy to book. For other Lebanon, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Nelsonville, Ohio, in 2026?
For families, Nelsonville has Santa Train from Hocking Valley Scenic Ry (November 28 to December 20, $21 to $26). It includes heated, decorated coaches, Christmas music, Santa visiting every child and a candy cane afterward. Plan on about 2 hours round trip to East Logan. For other Nelsonville, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Bellevue, Ohio, this year?
For families, Bellevue has Holiday Train from Mad River & NKP Museum (December 5 to December 13, from $7). It includes a heated caboose ride, cocoa and cookies in a Nickel Plate dining car, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Plan on about 10 minutes in a caboose, then cocoa and Santa. For other Bellevue, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Findlay, Ohio, in 2026?
For families, Findlay has North Pole Express from NWORRP (November 20 to December 27, $3 to $5 admission). It includes grounds admission to the Christmas light display; train rides priced separately. Plan on a short loop on a quarter-scale train through the light display. The trains are quarter-scale, small enough that kids sit astride the cars, and they run through hundreds of thousands of lights. For other Findlay, Ohio, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Cleveland, Ohio find a Christmas train ride?
From Cleveland, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Independence (CVSR), about 15 minutes; Wellington, about 50 minutes. Each Ohio ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Cleveland families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Akron, Ohio find a Christmas train ride?
From Akron, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Orrville, about 40 minutes. Each Ohio ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Akron families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Canton, Ohio find a Christmas train ride?
From Canton, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Sugarcreek, about 40 minutes; Dennison, about 45 minutes. Each Ohio ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Canton families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Columbus, Ohio find a Christmas train ride?
From Columbus, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Nelsonville, about 1 hour 15 minutes; Dennison, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each Ohio ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Columbus families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Cincinnati, Ohio find a Christmas train ride?
From Cincinnati, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Lebanon, about 40 minutes. Each Ohio ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Cincinnati families can compare before they drive.
Is the Cuyahoga Valley North Pole Adventure the same as the Polar Express?
No. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad once hosted the licensed Polar Express but now runs its own North Pole Adventure, a 90-minute evening ride from Rockside Station in Independence. It has elves, milk and cookies, letters to Santa and a possible visit from Santa, but it does not follow the book. Fares run $60 to $110.
What is the best Santa train near Cincinnati?
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad's North Pole Express in Lebanon is about 40 minutes from Cincinnati and runs from November 20 to December 23, 2026, including every day from December 10. The ride lasts an hour and 15 minutes with Santa and his elves, and every child gets a bell and a cookie. Fares start at $40.
Which Ohio Christmas train is best for toddlers?
Short rides work best. The Mad River and NKP Museum Holiday Train in Bellevue is a ten-minute caboose ride followed by cocoa and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, from $7. Orrville's Riding with Santa lasts about 40 minutes, and the Lorain and West Virginia Santa Train in Wellington runs 30 to 50 minutes.
How long is the Hocking Valley Santa Train?
About two hours. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's Santa Train runs from the Nelsonville depot to East Logan and back in heated, decorated coaches, with Santa visiting every child and a candy cane afterward. In 2026 it runs from November 28 to December 20, with 11:00 am and 2:00 pm weekend trains and some 6:00 pm evening trains.
Are there any Ohio Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The North Pole Express in Findlay runs until December 27. Every other Ohio ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The North Pole Express in Findlay: November 20 to December 27, 2026: Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 to 9:00 pm, Sundays 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Ohio?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Ohio is for the North Pole Express in Findlay: $3 to $5 admission. At the top end is the North Pole Adventure in Independence: $60 to $110. Prices come from each Ohio railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the North Pole Express in Findlay: admission $5 adults, $3 children 12 and under; rides extra.
When do Ohio Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the North Pole Adventure in Independence; Riding with Santa in Orrville; the North Pole Express in Lebanon; the Santa Train in Nelsonville. The Polar Express in Dennison: on sale; coach and deluxe on Eventbrite, first class by phone. The Santa Train in Wellington: tickets sold online. Santa Comes to the Roundhouse in Sugarcreek: online only, in advance; likely to sell out.
Which Ohio Christmas trains have Santa?
Eight of the 9 Ohio rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Dennison: the story read aloud, elves with songs and games, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa boarding at the North Pole and a bell for every child. The North Pole Adventure in Independence: Christmas elves, milk and a cookie, writing a letter to Santa, and a possible visit from Santa in your car.
Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in Ohio?
One Ohio holiday train is listed with steam: Santa Comes to the Roundhouse in Sugarcreek. Santa Comes to the Roundhouse in Sugarcreek: a steam train ride to the roundhouse, a photo with Santa among the locomotives, a craft, cookies, cocoa and a gift bag for each child.
How much are tickets for the Polar Express in Dennison?
The Polar Express in Dennison costs from $55; fares vary by departure tier (Prime Time, Standard, Downtime) and class (Coach, Deluxe, First Class), plus a ticket fee. The Polar Express runs December 3 to 13, 2026: Thursday and Friday evenings December 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 6:00 and 8:00 pm; Saturdays and Sundays December 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 and 8:00 pm.
What does the North Pole Adventure in Independence cost in 2026?
The North Pole Adventure in Independence costs $60 to $110 per person by class: coach, table seating and first class. The North Pole Adventure runs November 13 to December 22, 2026, with departures at 5:00 pm (back 6:30) and 7:55 pm (back 9:25). CVSR tickets: on sale now; limit 20 tickets per person. CVSR age rules: all ages; pajamas encouraged.
How much are tickets for Riding with Santa in Orrville?
Riding with Santa in Orrville costs from $30; lap children under 2 free. Riding with Santa runs Saturdays November 28, December 5, 12 and 19, 2026, at 11:00 am, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm; Fridays December 4, 11 and 18 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm. Orrville Railroad Heritage Society tickets: on sale now through Etix.
How much is the Santa Train in Wellington?
Lorain & West Virginia Ry posts current Santa Train fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Santa Train runs November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, and December 12 and 13, 2026. Tickets sold online. Lorain & West Virginia Ry age rules: all ages; every rider needs a ticket.
How much is Santa Comes to the Roundhouse in Sugarcreek?
Santa Comes to the Roundhouse in Sugarcreek costs from $15; under 3 free. Santa Comes to the Roundhouse runs Friday December 11, 2026, 5:00 to 9:00 pm with Christmas lights, and Saturday December 12, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Age of Steam Roundhouse tickets: online only, in advance; likely to sell out. Age of Steam Roundhouse age rules: all ages.
What does the North Pole Express in Lebanon cost in 2026?
The North Pole Express in Lebanon costs from $40; Coach (bench seats) or Deluxe (individual seats). The North Pole Express runs November 20 to 22, November 27 to 29, December 3 to 6, and December 10 to 23, 2026; weekend departures late morning to evening, weekday evenings usually 6:00 and 8:00 pm. LM&M Railroad tickets: on sale now.
How much is the Santa Train in Nelsonville?
Fares for the Santa Train in Nelsonville: Adult (13 and up) $26, child (3 to 12) $21. The Santa Train runs November 28 to December 20, 2026: weekends at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, plus 6:00 pm evening trains on November 28, December 3 to 5, 10 to 12 and 17 to 19. Hocking Valley Scenic Ry tickets: on sale now; tends to sell out.
How much is the Holiday Train in Bellevue?
The Holiday Train in Bellevue costs from $7; every rider, including infants, needs a ticket. The Holiday Train runs December 5 and 6, and 12 and 13, 2026, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at set departure times. Mad River & NKP Museum tickets: pre-sold online only; none sold at the event. Mad River & NKP Museum age rules: best for ages 2 to 6.
What does the North Pole Express in Findlay cost in 2026?
Fares for the North Pole Express in Findlay: Admission $5 adults, $3 children 12 and under; rides extra. The North Pole Express runs November 20 to December 27, 2026: Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 to 9:00 pm, Sundays 5:30 to 8:30 pm. NWORRP tickets: pay at the gate. NWORRP age rules: all ages. The trains are quarter-scale, small enough that kids sit astride the cars, and they run through hundreds of thousands of lights.