The Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing holiday festivities take on a magical feeling with their 13,000-square-foot, 4½-minute train ride called the Snowfall Express that transports visitors through a forest where Indiana’s animals past and present are preparing for winter’s first snow.
Snowfall Express Train
From November 29th – January 5th, 2025, visitors riding the train will experience the sights, sounds and even aromas of the season.
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“You’re taking that journey through the first snowfall in every way that we can present it,” said Brian Mancuso, the museum’s chief officer of engagement. “The whole thing has a storybook feel, and at the core of it is family memories and bringing families together.”
The ADA-accessible trackless train has four cars and seats about 18, including adults. The ride, which is free with museum admission, was created and designed by Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites’ staff and enhanced by the artwork of Indianapolis artist Candice Hartsough with original music composed by Fort Wayne-based Eric Van Cleave.
“It’s a bigger, more immersive experience with music and sights, lights and even smells in a couple of places,” Mancuso said. “We think families are going to love it.”
Celebration Crossing
Celebration Crossing begins Nov. 29 when Santa arrives by helicopter at 11 a.m. to light the 92 County Tree and kick-off the holiday season. This year, Santa will be back in his house and available for visits. Click here for schedule.
Also this year, the historic L.S. Ayres train will be on display again, and the L.S. Ayres Tea Room will be open for lunch and other events (registration required). The Great Hall will again be decorated with giant ornaments and lit-trees, and returning experiences like the Reindeer Barn – will be available. Next to the Reindeer Barn is the Tot Spot, where the museum’s youngest visitors can enjoy toys and activities built for them.
Holiday Programs and Events
Celebration Crossing 2025 also features these programs and events. Find all details and purchase tickets at indianamuseum.org/celebration-crossing.
Lunch Buffet in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room
Treat friends and family to a nostalgic lunch buffet in the beloved L.S. Ayres Tea Room™. Throughout the holiday season, you can indulge in favorites like chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches, miniature desserts and more. Tea Room gift certificates are available for purchase at indianamuseum.org.
Santa’s Holiday Breakfast in the Great Hall
Enjoy a delicious and festive buffet breakfast with Santa amidst the holiday splendor of Celebration Crossing featuring holiday music, decorations and Santa’s helpers in the Great Hall. Registration required at least 24 hours prior to each event.
Hands-On Holiday Activities
Celebrate winter festivities with this hands-on STEAM-inspired workshop and build your own cardboard gingerbread house. Recommended for children ages 4-6. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Magical Mornings
During this early opening hour for families with young children, you can visit Santa, engage in two different interactive story times and experience our new toddler area and holiday fun in Santa’s Front Yard. This space features an interactive Reindeer Barn where families can learn more about these amazing wintery animals. Magical Mornings feature fewer light shows, limited sounds and small crowd sizes to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for the littlest museum visitor and children with autism spectrum disorder.
Sippin’ with Santa
Join in the newest adults-only FUN-raiser and indulge your inner child at our Celebration Crossing experience while enjoying festive food, drinks, DJ entertainment, a 360-degree photo booth, games, activities, dancing and holiday shopping with multiple vendors. Make it a date night, girls’ night out or a fun excuse to check off some holiday shopping.
