Santa, Christmas music and a holiday cookie come with the ride on the Reindeer Express in Noblesville. This 75-minute train ride leaves Forest Park and travels through Cicero to Arcadia before returning to the depot. Families stay on board for the entire trip, with letters to Santa and a visit from the man himself along the way.
Related Article: Holiday Train Rides in Indiana
Christmas Music and Santa Visits on Board
The vintage train cars set the scene for an afternoon or evening of Christmas music, treats and time with Santa. One detail to check before booking: Standard Class includes chocolate milk. Platinum Class, Diamond Class and the private caboose include hot chocolate.
Activities for the Whole Family
- Letters to Santa: Kids can write their wish lists for delivery to the North Pole post office.
- Santa’s helpers: The holiday programming includes helpers such as the Postmaster.
- A visit with Santa: Santa greets passengers in the main train cars during the ride.
Each passenger also receives a holiday cookie. Families considering the private caboose should check the separate Santa-visit note below.
Reindeer Express
A Round Trip Through Hamilton County
The route crosses Morse Reservoir and continues through Cicero to Arcadia, where the train turns around for the return trip. Passengers do not get off in Arcadia. Choose a daylight departure if the view is part of the appeal; visibility outside the train is limited after dark.
Reindeer Express Tickets and Seating
The main passenger-car tickets include the ride, a cookie, the drink listed for that seating class, Santa’s visit and a chance to write a letter to Santa.
These are the published group and table prices. Check the final total when booking.
| Seating | November | December |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, two seats | $95 | $115 |
| Standard, four seats | $180 | $230 |
| Platinum, table for four | $210 | $250 |
| Diamond, table for two | $142 | $164 |
| Diamond, table for four | $284 | $328 |
| Private caboose, up to 20 | $800 | $900 |
A family buying four Standard seats saves $50 by choosing November. Diamond tickets include priority boarding and a souvenir mug. Children ages 2 and under may ride free on a lap in Standard Class only. Include an infant ticket when booking. Table seating does not allow lap children.
2026 Dates and Departure Times
Rides run on select dates from Nov. 14 through Dec. 23. The booking calendar lists these departures, all in Eastern Time:
- Nov. 14 and 21: 2, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
- Nov. 15: 2 and 4 p.m.
- Nov. 22: Noon, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 27-29: Noon, 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
- Dec. 4, 11 and 18: 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20: Noon, 2, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
- Dec. 21-23: 2, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Check the official booking calendar for current availability.
Tips Before Boarding the Reindeer Express
- Boarding: Check in at Hobbs Station at Forest Park Depot, 825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060. Parking in Forest Park is free.
- Arrival: Arrive 30 minutes early. Doors close five minutes before departure; late arrivals are not rebooked or refunded.
- Restrooms: Use the facilities at Hobbs Station before boarding. Passenger cars have small emergency restrooms; the caboose has none.
- Food and drinks: Purchase additional beverages at checkout. Outside food and drinks require prior approval.
- Tickets: Download and save tickets for scanning at check-in. Printing is not required; seat assignments appear on the tickets.
- Accessibility: Passenger-car seating is upstairs, reached by a narrow staircase. The historic passenger cars are not wheelchair accessible.
Book a Private Holiday Caboose
The holiday caboose seats up to 20 people and travels with the Reindeer Express. It includes hot chocolate and holiday treats for the group. Every guest, including children, counts toward capacity. Dress warmly: the caboose has a space heater but can feel chilly.
[Can’t verify: Santa’s caboose visit. The event webpage advertises a visit before departure, but the booking description says Santa cannot visit the caboose. Confirm with Nickel Plate Express before publishing this detail.]
More Information About the Reindeer Express
The Reindeer Express is operated by Nickel Plate Express. Visit the official Reindeer Express page for seating details and reservations.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun Around Indianapolis
Questions About Riding the Reindeer Express
Additional boarding and accessibility information is available in the Nickel Plate Express FAQs.
Where does it board?
At Hobbs Station inside Forest Park in Noblesville. Check in at the depot before heading to the platform.
How long is the ride?
About an hour and 15 minutes, with passengers staying aboard until the train returns to Noblesville.
Can I purchase food and drinks?
The included treat and drink depend on the ticket. Arrange additional beverages at checkout. Contact the railroad ahead of time about dietary needs.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available in Forest Park near Hobbs Station and along the main park road.
Does the train have heat?
Nickel Plate Express lists heated passenger cars. Bring layers for the outdoor boarding area and ride, especially if booking the caboose.
Are there restrooms on the train?
The main passenger cars have small restrooms for emergencies. The private caboose does not.
Can adults ride, too?
Yes, Reindeer Express welcomes all ages. For an adults-only outing, Holiday Cheers is a separate ride for ages 21 and older.
