The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Santa Train has run out of Nelsonville for more than 40 years, and it’s still one of the easiest holiday traditions to pull off with small kids. Vintage coaches, heated and decorated inside and out, make a round trip along the Hocking River Valley from the Nelsonville Depot to East Logan and back, with Christmas music playing the whole way.
Partway through the ride, Santa boards and works his way through every coach to visit each child. Every kid gets a candy cane after his visit, so have yours bring their wish lists. The trip takes about two hours, which is long enough to feel like an event and short enough that a toddler can make it to the end.
Nelsonville sits in the Hocking Hills, about two hours from Dayton and closer to three from Cincinnati. Most Southwest Ohio families make a day of it or turn it into a Hocking Hills overnight.
Schedule and Tickets
The Santa Train runs Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. All trains depart from the Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, OH 45764.
Daytime trains: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Evening trains: 6 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19
Ride length: About two hours
On Thursdays and Fridays, the 6 p.m. train is the only departure.
Adults (13 and older): $26
Children (3 to 12): $21 (under 3 ride free on a lap)
Seniors (60 and older) and military: $22
Wheelchair passengers: $22
These trains sell out, so book early. Tickets and the full schedule are on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Santa Train page.
Boarding, Food and Accessibility
- Arrive early: Trains leave on time, and the railway asks passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Pick up paper tickets inside the depot. Your email confirmation won’t get you on the train.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair space is very limited because of the antique equipment. Buy a wheelchair ticket for anyone who needs one, and arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure.
- Food and drinks: Food and soft drinks are allowed on board.
- Dress warmly: The coaches are heated, but the depot and boarding area can be cold.
- Check before you drive: The railway can adjust its schedule without advance notice, so look at the Santa Train page the morning you leave.
