What better way to start the holidays than with a ride on a Santa train? There are several Polar Express Train rides in Ohio. One is even called the North Pole Express, which is similar to the others. These train rides tend to fill up quickly, so plan ahead and begin your holiday season in a unique and festive way with a Christmas train ride.
The Polar Express. Beginning the journey down the tracks just before Thanksgiving are the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Christmas train rides. Known as The Polar Express during the holiday season, visitors from all over board this magical train ride that comes straight from the pages of The Polar Express book. To add to this holiday event, passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas just like in the story. Each passenger will receive hot cocoa and cookies served to them while elves read the story of The Polar Express as the train ride progresses. Santa will also join in the holiday festivities by singing Christmas carols and talking to the kids. Ticket prices range from $38 per person to $68, depending on which seating you prefer. Will you arrive at the North Pole? All activities are done on the train, but who knows where you’ll end up if you truly believe!
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Santa Train and North Pole Express. This railway offers two different Christmas train rides. First, hop aboard the Santa Train and step into a festive holiday adventure that will take you on a two-hour magical ride. Each child will get a chance to tell Jolly Old Saint Nicholas what they want for Christmas and get to spend time with Santa’s elves too! Tickets range between $12 to $16, and children under 3 are free but must sit on someone’s lap. Santa train rides begin the first weekend after Thanksgiving.
Second, enjoy a round-trip ride on the North Pole Express. When you purchase a train ticket on this Christmas train, you will receive not only a two-hour train ride but hot cocoa, cookies and a souvenir bell. Passengers will step off the train and head across the street to North Pole Nelsonville for ice skating. Tickets range from $17 to $25 and need to be purchased in advance because seating is limited. You’ll find this Christmas train on US 33 in Nelsonville, Ohio.
Dennison Railroad Museum Presents The Polar Express. Located in Dennison, Ohio, this The Polar Express train ride is also packed full of magical adventures. From elves singing and playing games with passengers to sipping hot cocoa and chowing down on cookies, this is an experience like no other. Although Christmas train rides run several times each day, the train ride will only be available a few days in December. Tickets range from $30 to $50. For more information, call 740-922-6776 or 877-278-8020.
North Pole Express LM&M Railroad. Located in Lebanon, Ohio, the North Pole Express starts its Christmas train adventure beginning right after Thanksgiving each year. The train ride will take you 30 minutes one-way where there will be a 45-minute layover to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, elf entertainment and a visit with Santa Claus. Then, it’s back on the Christmas train to return to the station. There are no bathrooms on board the train, and it is not handicapped accessible. Ticket prices range from $8.50 to $20.50. The train cars are heated, but be sure to dress warmly for the layover. For more information, call 513-933-8022, ext. 101.
Enjoy the holiday season and look for a Santa train near you!