All aboard to visit Santa at the North Pole! The Sullivan Express train ride has been a family favorite for years. Here is what you need to know about this Indianapolis holiday tradition!
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What to Expect
The Santa Express departs from Sullivan Hardware & Garden’s 71st & Keystone location, and honestly, it’s always such a fun way to kick off the holiday season. You’ll check in at Central Station, which is set up in the greenhouse. While you wait for your train, we always take a few minutes to browse around Sullivan Hardware. They have so many unique Christmas toys and gifts that my kids inevitably start updating their wish lists on the spot. It’s also right next to Sully’s Grill, so we usually grab a bite before or after the ride. My kids can’t get enough of Pat’s Pretzels—it’s become part of our tradition.
The Journey
When the train arrives, your family will be seated together in one car. If you’re bringing grandparents or extended family, I’d recommend getting two train cars. We tried squeezing in four adults and two kids once—it worked, but it was tight! I’d say four adults and a couple of kids is the absolute max. The ride itself is short—about 10 minutes—and since it’s open-air, make sure you’re dressed warmly. We’ve definitely learned that lesson! Even though the train has plastic windscreens to block some of the chill, you still feel the cold on those December nights. Now, we always bundle up in layers and bring blankets.
As you head toward the North Pole, you’ll pass by festive holiday scenes with animatronic animals, twinkling lights, and Sullivan’s famous Christmas tree lot. The kids love spotting the dancing bears and all the Christmas lights—it’s like stepping into a little winter wonderland, even if the ride is brief.
Arriving at the North Pole
Once you reach the North Pole, the kids can play in Santa’s Workshop and enjoy individually wrapped crafts while your family takes turns visiting Santa. This has honestly been one of the best Santa experiences my family has had in Indianapolis. The Sullivan’s Santa is always incredibly authentic, way more than the typical mall Santa, and he seems to spend more time with each family. You can tell just by his outfit—it’s more traditional and detailed, which adds to the magic. Last year, he took the time to really listen to both of my kids’ Christmas lists and even asked them about their year. It wasn’t rushed at all.
We walked away with memories that my kids still talk about, and every year, it ends up being one of the highlights of the holiday season for us. After your visit, you’ll hop back on the train and head back to Central Station.
Related Event: Take a Ride on the Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown
2024 Sullivan Express Dates:
Sullivan Express will run from Nov. 23th thru Dec. 23rd. Times will vary.
Things to Know About the Sullivan Express
- Each Santa Express ticket purchase is for one family. Typically, a family of four to six people can fit in one train car.
- If not everyone wants to ride the train, or you can’t fit your whole party in one train, the rest of your party can join you at the North Pole by meeting you there on foot.
- Just want to ride the train? Don’t want to visit the North Pole or see Santa? Open ride times are available with no reservation needed. Tickets for open rides are $30* per train car. Check the website for specific dates and times.
- Bring your camera! Photos with Santa are DIY.
- Once you leave the station, your trip will last approximately 25 minutes.
- Disability accommodations are available. Contact Sullivan’s Hardware to learn more.
- Don’t have a kid with you? Adult-only events are available! Beer and wine are also available at Sully’s Grill during Sullivan Express Santa hours.
The Lunch Express*
The Sullivan Express isn’t just for kids! During select days, you’ll be able to grab lunch at Sully’s Grill before taking your own 15-minute ride through the North Pole.
How much does the Sullivan Express to the North Pole cost?
Tickets for the Sullivan Express with a stop to see Santa will range between $60-$75* per car. Each car can hold 4-6 passengers depending on age and size. $30* tickets are available for those not wishing to meet Santa or stop at the North Pole.
All tickets go on sale on Nov. 1, 2024, at 4 pm.
*Based on info from 2023, we will update this post as soon as more info is released for the 2024 holiday season.
For more information about Sullivan Express or to purchase tickets, visit the website.
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