All Aboard! Calling all train lovers. The holiday season is approaching, and so are Holiday Train Rides. Make sure to book your tickets early as many of these festive train rides tend to sell out quickly!
2025 Holiday Trains Rides near Indianapolis:
Reindeer Ride Express
- Location: Nickel Plate Express | Noblesville
- Dates: Nov:15–16, 22–23, 28–30; Dec: 5–7, 12–14, 19–23.
- Price: November examples: Standard Group of 2 $85; Group of 4 $170; Platinum Private Table (4) $200; Diamond Private Table (4) $278; Diamond (2) $140; Private Caboose (up to 20) $750. Prices rise in December. Find tickets here.
Experience a magical Christmas on an hour and fifteen-minute ride with Santa. Sing Christmas carols and sip hot chocolate while crossing over Morse Reservoir. The ride includes a cookie and gift from Santa. Adult beverages are available for purchase on board. Children 3 and under ride free on a parent’s lap.
Related Article: Holiday Festivals near Indianapolis
Sullivan Express
- Location: Sullivan Hardware | Indianapolis
- Dates: End of November–Dec 23 T
- ickets on sale:Nov 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm.
- Price: TBA for 2025 (tickets are sold by the train car, typically fitting ~4 adults + 2 small kids).
Take a trip to see Santa at the North Pole with the Sullivan Express. Check-in at Central Station at the Keystone location, then enjoy a narrated train ride filled with surprise visitors.
Snowfall Express Train at the Indiana State Museum
- Location: Indiana State Museum | Indianapolis
- Dates: Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (during Celebration Crossing).
- Price: Included with museum admission — AAdults $23, Seniors $21, Youth 3–12 $17; under 3 free; members free. Purchase Tickets Here.
Take a 5-minute ride at the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing. Encounter critters preparing for winter, scenes coming alive with movement and music, and an accessible train ideal for the whole family.
Glimmer Lights: Piney Acres Express
- Location: Piney Acres Farm | Fortville, Indiana (about 30 minutes from Indianapolis)
- Dates: Nov. 20–Dec. 21, 2025 (Thursday–Sunday evenings; no train on Thanksgiving Day)
- Price: Piney Acres Express holiday train $16.32 per person; Holly Jolly Tractor Ride $13.23 per person; all walking children and all adults need tickets. Find tickets here.
Climb aboard the Piney Acres Express for a 20-minute “North Pole” ride through glowing Christmas light displays on a 73-acre tree farm. Each rider gets hot cocoa and a fresh holiday cookie. Families can slow down, sit together, and watch the lights without a long cold walk. Santa visits select evenings in his cabin (generally 6–8:30 p.m.); check your night for availability. The train and tractor rides run in most weather, including light snow and rain.
Holiday Train Rides in Indiana 2025:
The Polar Express Train Ride in French Lick
- Location: French Lick Scenic Railway | French Lick, IN
- Dates: Nov 1–Dec 23 (multiple departures).
- Price: $37–$112 depending on date and class.. Children under 2 are free. Tickets are still available on select days!
Relive the classic story on an 80-minute trip to the North Pole. The conductor punches your golden ticket; dancing chefs serve hot chocolate & a cookie; Santa boards to greet passengers and gives each guest a silver sleigh bell.This one sells out fast.
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Indiana Christmas Train
- Location: Fort Wayne Railroad | Fort Wayne, IN
- Dates: Dec 5–7, 12–14, 19–22.
- Price: Coach starts at $35 (kids) / $45 (adults); upgrades available (First Class, Pullman, private suites/cars).. Find tickets here.
A new holiday tradition has arrived in Northeast Indiana! The Indiana Christmas Train ride will depart Pleasant Lake, Indiana for a magical 1.5-hour trip through the winter countryside with Saint Nick aboard! Choose from accommodations in Deluxe Coach, First Class, or charter a private Pullman passenger car for the entire family.
Upon your arrival at Santa’s Station, you’ll climb aboard his special diesel-powered train as the Jolly Old Elf takes a break from his holiday work to walk the train and visit with guests. Enjoy carols with our onboard musicians, savor a warm drink, and watch the countryside pass.
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Christmas Caboose Train
- Location: Fort Wayne Railroad | Fort Wayne, IN
- Dates: Nov 21–23 and Nov 29–30.
- Price: $10, children 3 and under are free; or $500 for a 45-minute private caboose charter. Buy tickets here.
Take a 20-minute ride with Santa Claus or charter a private caboose. Due to demand, all tickets must be purchased online and ahead of time. Tip: Buy these now! This train ride usually sells out early!
Private Charter
Settle into a historic, heated caboose for a 45-minute ride with a cheerful visit from Santa, complimentary cocoa and festive treats—and the option to have Santa hand-deliver your gift. Santa’s private caboose is also available in the evenings for families and large groups to charter for $500. These nighttime rides comfortably accommodate up to 15 people aboard a holiday-lit caboose warmed by an authentic coal stove, include snacks and refreshments, and last approximately 45 minutes.
The Whitewater Valley Railroad Polar Express
- Location: Whitewater Valley Railroad | Connersville, IN
- Dates: Nov 14–Dec 20 on select Fri/Sat/Sun
- Price: Early Bird $39, Value $47, Standard $55 (ages 2+ need tickets; under 2 free on a lap). Buy tickets here.
Embark on a journey from Connersville’s Grand Central Station to the “North Pole” with Santa Claus on board. Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie while listening to the Polar Express story.
Hoosier Valley Railroad Santa Train
- Location: Hoosier Valley Railroad | North Judson, IN
- Dates: November 22 and 29, December 6, 13, and 20, 2025
- Price: Coach prices start at $20/child and $25/adult. Deluxe and First Class options are also avilable. Buy tickets here.
Climb aboard the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s Santa Train and soak in the season’s magic. Departing from the North Judson depot, this leisurely ride rolls past peaceful winter fields before a cheerful visit with Santa. Snap family photos, share your wish lists, and watch every child receive a special gift from the jolly old elf.
Santa’s Candy Cane Express
- Location: Hesston Steam Museum | La Porte County, IN
- Dates: Dec. 6–7, 13–14
- Price: $9/ adult; $5/child
Experience a nostalgic children’s Christmas at this living-steam museum: visit Santa in a real railroad caboose, sip cocoa from Doc’s Soda Fountain, and hop on multiple miniature and narrow-gauge trains operating noon–4 pm Central (weather permitting). Parking is free; no advance admission needed.
BONUS: 4 More Holiday Train Rides Very Close to Indiana
Because holiday train rides are very popular, we have added some great experiences just outside Indiana that are worth visiting.
North Pole Express in Lebanon, OH
- Location: LM&M Railroad | Lebanon, OH
- Distance from Indianapolis: 2 hours
- Dates: Select dates Nov. 21-Dec. 23
- Price: Tickets range from $30-$40. Purchase Tickets Here
The North Pole Express, operated by the LM&M Railroad, is a magical event where everyone can experience the wonder of the holiday season as they journey down the train tracks of Warren County, Ohio. Passengers spend time with Santa and his elves on the 1 Hour & 15 minute journey to the North Pole. Train cars are decorated with holiday lights and decorations, adding to the cheer found throughout the event.
Santa Train on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
- Location: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway | Nelsonville, OH
- Distance from Indy: 3.5 hours
- Dates: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21
- Price: Adult: $24; Child: $19. Purchase Tickets Here.
Ride along the historic Hocking River Valley, where each train has Santa on board. Enjoy heated coaches decorated in holiday attire and listen to Christmas music throughout the journey.
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
- Location: Blackberry Farm | Aurora, IL
- Distance from Indy: 3.5 hours
- Dates: Dec 5–21, 2025 (with a sensory-friendly night Dec 5).
- Price: $10. Purchase tickets online starting November Nov 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Explore various holiday-themed activities at Blackberry Farm, including Santa’s station, vintage toy and stocking stuffer displays, holiday lights, and festive train rides.
North Pole Express & Cozy Christmas at My Old KY Dinner Train
- Location: My Old KY Dinner Train | Bardstown, KY
- Distance from Indy: 2.5 hours
North Pole Express
- Dates: Select November–December dates (waitlist only).
- Price: Adult: $89; Child: $59. Join waitlist here
Immerse yourself in a vintage holiday experience with a three-course meal on a fully renovated dinner train. Enjoy a 105-minute ride through the Kentucky countryside, with Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting each train car for caroling and storytime.
Cozy Christmas (ages 5+)
- Dates: Select days Nov. 12-Dec. 20
- Price: Adult: $116; Child: $79.50. Find tickets here.
Settle into vintage cars trimmed with classic garland for a relaxed 2–2.5 hour Christmas ride through the Kentucky countryside. Sip nostalgic wassail, cozy up with a blanket at your seat, and enjoy a three- or four-course gourmet meal as the sights, sounds, and aromas of the season surround you. See the menu.
Tickets include: 2–2.5 hour train ride; multi-course meal; fully adorned holiday-themed vintage depot and train cars.
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[…] holiday season. The train will depart from the Whitewater Valley Railroad and take passengers on a magical journey to the North Pole. The Polar Express™ Train Ride is a magical journey that re-creates the classic […]