All Aboard! Holiday, Santa, and Polar Express Train Rides

A few years ago, our girls got to ride the famous French Lick Polar Express to the North Pole.  They loved dancing and singing with the elves, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies, and (of course) riding a real train. It was a festive way to kick off our holiday season!

All Aboard: Where to Ride a Holiday Train

All Aboard! Where to catch a ride on a holiday train or the Polar Express

The French Lick Polar Express has been known to sell out an entire YEAR in advance. (It’s been called one of the top five most magical Polar Express rides in the country, so it’s not surprising that it’s popular.) If you can’t snag French Lick Polar Express tickets for this year, here’s a list of other Polar Express train ride locations (and other holiday trains) for you to consider.

Catch a ride on the Holiday Express at Deming Park. The train will run  on select December dats (weather permitting) from 6-8 p.m. $1 per ride.

During Miracle on 7th Street (Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3), the trackless train will be downtown.

On Friday, December 2 to Sunday, December 4, Santa Claus will ride the rails on the annual Santa Train, spreading good cheer and lasting memories to kids and families in communities along our route! Guests are also entertained by costumed characters including superheroes, princesses, and much-loved holiday favorites while they wait their turn. Admission is FREE. Stops made in Linton, Dugger, Jasonville, and Sullivan!

On December 3 and 4, head to Monticello, Illinois for Lunch with Santa on the Train. Enjoy a train ride, individual visit with Santa, and kid-friendly sack lunch.

Head to Indy for a ride on the Sullivan Express Santa Train.  86 miles from Terre Haute in Indianapolis. Narrated ride through bear country, visit Santa and his workshop, and more!

The White River Valley Railroad in Connersville, IN offers special holiday excursions, Santa Claus Limit trains, and The Polar Express (TM) Train Rides!

Reindeer Ride to Noblesville operates on Saturdays and Sundays. Book your seats for a newly enhanced Christmas adventure in Forest Park, Noblesville. (2 hours from Terre Haute.)

Head to Tell City (almost 3 hours for the Candy Cane Express on the Ohio River Scenic Railway.

Visit Santa Claus, Indiana (2 hours and 20 minutes from Terre Haute for the Santa Claus Flyer. Climb aboard this magical train ride and join Santa and his elves as they deliver his updated “Nice List” to the North Pole! This is a perfect 30 minute, budget-friendly experience to share with your family this holiday season.  Before or after your trip, be sure to visit some of the other area attractions while in America’s Christmas Hometown!

We also find it fun to travel by train during the holiday season. The kids can wander around the train cars and the parents don’t have to worry about driving in sketchy road conditions. Win-win! You can read all about how our family traveled by train to Chicago HERE. A holiday train ride is a great tradition for families with young kids, since most kids adore trains. And for those of us in Terre Haute, an amazing train ride could almost make up for all of the times we’re railroaded around town.

Must-read tips for traveling by train to Chicago!

55 Experience Gift Ideas for Kids and Families in the Wabash Valley

Chances are good that your kids don't need any more toys. At most houses, toys seem to magically multiple, and ...
Read More

December Calendar and Christmas Events in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley

Every year (for the past 9 years!) Haute Happenings has put together a calendar of Christmas events in Terre Haute ...
Read More

Miracle on 7th Street 2022

If you attend only one downtown event in Terre Haute, make it Miracle on 7th Street. For our family, Miracle is ...
Read More

When and Where to Have Meals with Santa and his Friends in the Wabash Valley

Breakfast with Santa in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley Make this Christmas season extra special by having meals with ...
Read More

All Aboard! Holiday, Santa, and Polar Express Train Rides

A few years ago, our girls got to ride the famous French Lick Polar Express to the North Pole.  They ...
Read More

25 Places to See Santa and His Friends in the Terre Haute Area in 2022!

Santa Claus is coming to town! Take your kids to meet Santa in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley at ...
Read More

Find the perfect tree at a local Christmas tree farm!

After years of fluffing dusty fake branches, the idea of a real tree may sound refreshing. And for families with ...
Read More

2022 Christmas Events: Holiday Guide Homepage

If you're looking for holiday and Christmas events for Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley, you've come to the right ...
Read More

Don’t Miss the Light Your Way Parade!

Our community LOVES the Light Your Way parade!   Put it on your calendar ASAP because it's sure to be ...
Read More

9 Holiday and Christmas Parades in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley

As the season changes, we're busy working on over a dozen holiday posts! These posts remind us that it is ...
Read More