Picture this: Your family all dressed in pajamas snuggled together, covered in blankets, with a fire crackling in the fireplace. Next to you sit bowls filled with buttery popcorn and mugs of steaming hot cocoa covered with melted marshmallows. Your children watch wide-eyed as The Polar Express zooms across the screen headed for the North Pole. As they hear the roar of the engine and sound of the whistle blow, they wonder what it would be like to be aboard the train.
Whether it’s a scene like that, a train track assembled carefully under the Christmas tree or a train ride destined for a holiday shopping spree, trains and Christmas go hand-in-hand. And now your child won’t just have to wonder what it’s like to be a passenger.
**Due to COVID-19, please make sure to check with individual business before visiting, Indy’s Child will do our best to keep info up to date.**
2020 Guide to Holiday Trains in Indiana:
19th Annual Santa Train
Location: Fort Wayne Railroad | New Haven, Indiana
Explore Santa’s railroad workshop, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and climb aboard his red caboose during the 19th Annual Santa Train. Tickets are $7.00 each and children ages 3-and-under are free! Each trip is operated by a vintage diesel locomotive and lasts approximately 20 minutes. All food and drink sold separately. Trains run snow or shine.
Trains run December 7th-8th, 14th-15th, 21st-22nd 9 AM-5 PM Saturdays and 12 PM-5 PM Sundays. Due to demand, tickets must be purchased in advance.
Limited group charters are available for up to 15 people and include a 45-minute trip with Santa, refreshments, and cookies on Saturday evenings for $300.00.
The Whitewater Valley Railroad Polar Express
Location: The Whitewater Valley Railroad | Connersville, Indiana 47331
The Polar Express 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 on board will enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie while listening and reading along with the magical story.
Dates for this year’s exciting event will be November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29; December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19. Prices for November 13 – 22, 2020 are $36, November 27 – 29 & December 4 – 19, 2020 are $37 per person ages 2 and up.
Tickets are on sale now online or by calling the Whitewater Valley Railroad Grand Central Station at (765) 825-2054.
COVID-19 Modifications:
CLICK HERE to read all modifications. Find quick highlights below.
- 8 and older must wear a face covering
- Train capacity has been reduced by 50%
- Santa will still be walking around, but will not be sitting down this year
- The train and station will be sanitized with an electrostatic fogger using an EPA approved product before each trip
Sullivan Santa Express
Have you been dreaming of a family trip to the North Pole? Well look no further! Climb aboard the Sullivan Santa Express for a memorable trip to the North Pole to see Kris Kringle himself. Check-in at Central Station located in the greenhouse at Sullivan Hardware & Garden’s 71st & N Keystone Ave store in Indianapolis. Your trip will last approximately 30 minutes. Upon your arrivle to the North Pole, the kids will get individually wrapped crafts to work on in Santa’s workshop.
Cost is $60 per family during the week and $70 per family on weekends (includes parents and kids). Learn more here and book your ride here!
Dates are very limited.
COVID-19 Modifications:
CLICK HERE to read all modifications. Find quick highlights below.
- Masks will be required
- Train cabins will be sanitized between each trip
- At the North Pole children will receive individual toys instead of communal toys to play with
Christmas Caboose
Location: Nickel Plate Express | Noblesville, IN
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate with the whole family and spread some holiday cheer in our Christmas Caboose! Guests will take a cozy 35-minute ride in the caboose to see Santa’s North Pole while enjoying a cookie, listening to a holiday story, and singing carols! Kids will also be able to visit with Santa and receive photos from a safe distance.
2020 Dates: November 14-15, 21-22, 27-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-23
This year families must purchase an entire bench for their group. Bench prices range from $25-$100 and can hold 2-5 people. Purchase tickets here.
