Holiday trains around Indiana sell out fast, especially the big, marquee rides that everyone has on their holiday bucket list. This update focuses on those major, high-demand train experiences and where you can still find tickets as of November 18, 2025.
Many of the smaller, community train events listed in our main guide still have plenty of availability and will likely have tickets throughout the holiday season. For full ride descriptions, pricing details, and more options (including those smaller trains), start with our main guide, 10 Best Holiday Train Rides in Indiana (2025).
Important: All availability below is accurate as of the morning of November 18, 2025 and may change at any time. Many trains are down to just a few seats on specific departures.
Quick Look: Where You Can Still Find Tickets
- Best bets for full-family tickets: Hoosier Valley Railroad Santa Train, Sullivan Express (weekday mornings), Indiana Christmas Train (First Class).
- Good, but going fast: Reindeer Ride Express (Fridays and Sundays), Whitewater Valley Railroad Polar Express (select dates).
- Very limited/single seats only: Fort Wayne Railroad Christmas Caboose Train.
Reindeer Ride Express (Nickel Plate Express – Noblesville)
Current availability (as of Nov. 18): Saturdays are sold out. There is still availability on Fridays and Sundays, but many of those time slots only have a few tickets left.
This is one of the most popular “big” Christmas train experiences near Indianapolis, so it is not surprising that Saturdays are gone. If your schedule is flexible, look at Friday evening or Sunday departures and be ready to grab what you see. Larger families may need to split across adjacent seats or cars depending on how many tickets are left in a time slot.
Parent tip: Have a couple of backup dates in mind before you log in to book. The calendar can move quickly as you click through times.
Sullivan Express (Sullivan Hardware – Indianapolis)
Current availability (as of Nov. 18): There are still tickets available for weekday mornings in December, along with a few early afternoon tickets.
The most in-demand evening and weekend Sullivan Express trains are tight or sold out, but weekday mornings still have good options. This works well for families with flexible schedules, preschoolers, or homeschool days when you can make the train your big outing.
Parent tip: If you need after-school times, look first at early December. Those limited afternoon trains are going to disappear next.
Indiana Christmas Train (Fort Wayne Railroad – Pleasant Lake)
Current availability (as of Nov. 18): A limited number of tickets remain. On most days and departure times, standard coach seating is sold out, but First Class tickets are still available.
If you have been eyeing the Indiana Christmas Train, you will likely need to upgrade to First Class to ride this year. That can actually be a nice perk: more space, a special atmosphere, and a “splurge” experience if you are already making the drive to northeast Indiana.
Fort Wayne Railroad Christmas Caboose Train
Current availability (as of Nov. 18): At first glance it appears that there are tickets left, but the remaining trains mostly have just one ticket available on each departure.
For families or groups, this one is essentially sold out at this point. A single ticket could work if you are trying to join friends who are already booked or if one adult wants to ride, but this is no longer a realistic option for most family groups looking to sit together.
Parent tip: If the Christmas Caboose Train was your dream pick and you did not get seats this year, bookmark the ticketing page and plan to buy earlier next season. This one sells out quickly.
The Whitewater Valley Railroad Polar Express (Connersville)
Current availability (as of Nov. 18): Tickets are still available for trains on November 21–23, November 28–30, and December 12 and 14.
Many of the prime weekend dates are already sold out, but there are still Polar Express options if you can visit on the dates above. Some of these trains may have limited car options or fewer seats together, so expect to be flexible with exact times and seating classes.
Parent tip: Have everyone’s sizes and ages handy when you book. This train requires tickets for ages 2 and up, and younger children riding on laps can change how many seats you actually need.
Hoosier Valley Railroad Santa Train (North Judson)
Current availability (as of Nov. 18): Tickets are still available on all trains.
If you are willing to drive a bit farther from Indianapolis, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Santa Train is currently the best bet for families who want more choices. With all trains still showing availability, you can pick a date that works with your calendar and still sit together without fighting over the last few seats.
Parent tip: Because there is still availability across the board, this is a great option for larger families or multi-family groups who want to ride together. Book soon, though. As other trains sell out, more people will look north to Hoosier Valley.
Before You Book
- Check dates and fine print: Many trains run multiple times per day with different policies for babies and toddlers, so read the details carefully before you purchase.
- Watch weather and timing: Winter driving can slow you down. Build in plenty of extra time for parking and boarding, especially with younger kids in tow.
- Re-check availability: Everything in this article is based on availability as of November 18, 2025. Inventory can change by the hour, especially as we get closer to Thanksgiving and early December.
If you strike out on one of these, keep an eye on your chosen railroad’s website and social media. Occasionally, extra trains or last-minute cancellations will open up new tickets. And if all else fails this year, use our main Holiday Trains in Indiana guide to decide which ride you want to prioritize for next season.
