If you’re looking for a festive holiday event to enjoy with your train-loving family and friends, look no further than the Reindeer Ride Express. This 75-minute train ride departs from Forest Park in Noblesville and takes passengers through Cicero and Arcadia before returning to Forest Park. Along the way, you’ll see Santa’s workshop, cross the scenic Morse Reservoir, and enjoy Christmas carols while sipping hot chocolate.
What to Expect On Board the Reindeer Ride Express
Climb aboard for cozy, vintage-coach fun: holiday music, hot chocolate and a cookie, letters to the North Pole, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Evening rides feel extra magical, though visibility is more limited after dark.
Activities for the Whole Family
During the 75-minute train ride, families can enjoy a range of holiday activities, including:
- Writing a letter to Santa: Kids can write down their Christmas list and hand it directly to Santa.
- Meeting Santa’s helpers: Other friendly helpers, like the Postmaster, will ensure letters to the North Pole are delivered safely.
- A visit from Santa Claus: Santa will greet passengers during the ride, adding a magical touch to the experience.
To make the trip even sweeter, passengers will also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and a delicious holiday cookie.
A Scenic Round-Trip Journey
The Reindeer Ride Express offers beautiful views as it travels from Noblesville to Arcadia. You’ll pass through Cicero and cross the Morse Reservoir, providing plenty of stunning sights. While daytime rides offer better visibility, evening rides create a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights illuminating the route.
What’s Included with Your Ticket
Each ticket comes with:
- A 75-minute train ride through Noblesville, Cicero, and Arcadia
- Complimentary hot chocolate and a holiday cookie
- A meet-and-greet with Santa Claus
- The opportunity to write a letter to Santa and deliver it to the North Pole
2025 Dates & Departure Times
The Reindeer Ride Express runs on the following dates:
- November: 15–16, 22–23, 28–30
- December: 5–7, 12–14, 19–23
Multiple departure times are available each day, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
Tips before boarding the Reindeer Express:
- Where to board: Hobbs Station at Forest Park Depot (825 Forest Park Dr., Noblesville). Free parking at Forest Park.
- Restrooms: Make sure to use the restroom before boarding. Facilities are available near the boarding area, and there is a small restroom on the train for emergencies.
- Prepare for the ride: Since the trip is 75 minutes long, it’s a good idea to let kids stretch and play before and after the ride. You can also bring small activities to keep younger children entertained during the journey.
- Food & drinks: All beverages must be pre-purchased at checkout; no outside food or drink allowed. Adult beverages vary by excursion.
- Tickets: When printing your tickets, double-check that your car number is clearly marked to avoid seating issues.
- Seating: All seats are on the upper level of the train, so be prepared to climb a short set of stairs. The train’s gentle rocking is generally comfortable, but it may affect those prone to motion sickness. Unfortunately, the train is not ADA accessible at this time.
Book a Private Holiday Caboose
For an even more exclusive experience, families or groups can rent the holiday caboose, which seats up to 20 people. The private caboose departs with the Reindeer Ride and includes a holiday sweet tray and hot chocolate for your group. Please note that Santa will not visit the caboose during the ride.
More information about the Reindeer Express:
The Reindeer Ride Express is operated by Nickel Plate Express, located at 825 Forest Park Drive in Noblesville. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit nickelplateexpress.com.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun around Indianapolis
Q & A about the Reindeer Ride Express 2025
You can find all commonly asked questions at nickelplateexpress.com/faqs.
Where does it board? The excursion boards in Forest Park, Noblesville. (825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville). Check-in and warm-up at Hobbs Station at Forest Park Depot.
How long is the ride? The ride is an hour and fifteen minutes long and travels through Cicero and Arcadia. The train stops briefly at ‘Santa’s Workshop,’ courtesy of Gaylor Electric…the Noblesville-based company also decks the train out in approximately 2,000 Christmas lights! The train will return to Noblesville at the end of the ride. Passengers will not disembark at Santa’s workshop.
Can I purchase food and drinks?: Beverages and snacks, including adult beverages, are available on board!
Where do I park? There is ample & free parking available within Forest Park! Find a spot near the boarding tent and park your car. (Parking is located near the 3-way stop and the carousel)
Does the train have heat? The train cars have heat, but bringing layers to keep comfortable is still recommended. The system is old and on a cold day it is still drafty in the train.
Are there restrooms on the train? There are small restrooms on the train in case of emergencies. There are also restrooms located at Forest Park, about a block behind the boarding platform. Look for the white restroom building!
Can adults ride, too? Of course! Or, check out our holiday date-night ride, Holiday Cheer(s)! This adult-only ride features holiday cocktails, Christmas music, and snacks.
