Holiday Train Rides Near Cincinnati & Dayton
There’s something about a Christmas train ride that kids love. Maybe it’s the whistle, the decorated train cars or the possibility of meeting Santa somewhere along the tracks. Whatever the reason, holiday train rides are a family tradition worth making time for.
Families around Cincinnati and Dayton have several options, from a quick ride through Christmas lights to a full Polar Express experience with hot chocolate, pajamas and a visit from Santa. Some are close to home, while others make a good excuse for a holiday road trip.
Here are eleven holiday train rides in Ohio and Indiana to add to your Christmas plans.
North Pole Express
Location: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad | 16 E. South St., Lebanon, OH 45036
Dates: Select nights, Nov. 20-Dec. 23
Price: Coach class starting at $30; deluxe class starting at $40
View dates and purchase North Pole Express tickets
The North Pole Express takes families on a 75-minute train ride through Warren County, with Santa and his elves joining passengers along the way. The train cars are decorated for Christmas, and every child receives a souvenir bell and holiday cookie.
Coach cars feature traditional bench seating and heat, while deluxe cars have individual seats, climate control and extra legroom. Hot chocolate is available to purchase at the station and can be brought aboard.
Tickets are on sale, and this is one of the closer Christmas train rides for families in Cincinnati and Dayton.
North Pole Express
Experience the Joy of the Holidays aboard our most popular event, the North Pole Express. The North Pole Express is a magical…
Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad at WinterFest
Location: Kings Island | 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Mills, OH 45034
Dates: Select nights, Nov. 27-Dec. 31
Price: Included with qualifying WinterFest park admission; ticket prices vary
View WinterFest tickets and information
Kings Island’s railroad gets a holiday makeover during WinterFest with the 12 Days of Christmas train ride. Families can board the K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad and enjoy the seasonal displays along the route.
The railroad has been part of Kings Island since the park opened in 1972. Its two steam locomotives are modeled after 19th-century trains, giving families a chance to ride behind a working steam engine.
The train is one of several family attractions available during WinterFest, so you can make an evening of it with Christmas lights, holiday entertainment and other rides. Attraction availability is subject to change.
WinterFest at Kings Island
2026 Dates, select nights November 27-December 31, 2026 | Kings Island has not posted 2026 operating nights or hours yet; check the…
The Polar Express Train Ride
Location: Whitewater Valley Railroad | 455 Market St., Connersville, IN 47331
Dates: *2026 dates have not been released yet due to the catastrophic flooding. We will update as soon as they are announced.
Check The Polar Express schedule and tickets
If your kids have watched The Polar Express more times than you can count, this is their chance to experience the story aboard a real train. Whitewater Valley Railroad operates the officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride in Connersville, Ind.
During the approximately one-hour-and-45-minute trip, passengers enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie served by dancing chefs, listen to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s book and have their golden tickets punched by the conductor.
At the North Pole, Santa and his elves board the train for the return trip. Each passenger receives a silver sleigh bell, just like in the story. Pajamas are encouraged, but bring coats and proper shoes for boarding.
One thing parents should know: There are no restrooms on the train, so make a bathroom stop before departure.
Santa Christmas Train Rides
Location: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway | Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, OH 45764
Dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 20, Thursday through Sunday
Price: Adults ages 13 and older, $26; children ages 3-12, $21; seniors ages 60 and older and military, $22; children younger than 3 ride free on an adult’s lap
View Santa Train dates and purchase tickets
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Santa Train has been a family tradition for more than 40 years. The approximately two-hour ride travels through the Hocking River Valley in decorated, heated train cars.
Santa boards the train and visits with children during the trip. Christmas music plays throughout the coaches, and each child receives a candy cane after Santa’s visit. Kids can bring their Christmas wish lists to share with him.
Saturday and Sunday departures are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with additional 6 p.m. departures on select dates. These rides are popular, so booking early is a good idea.
The Santa Christmas Train Rides
Our longest-running annual event, the Santa Train, has been a long-standing family tradition for over four Decades — 40+ years of family…
North Pole Adventure
Location: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Rockside Station | 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131
Dates: Nov. 13-Dec. 22
Price: $60-$110 per person, depending on seating
View North Pole Adventure tickets
The North Pole Adventure takes families on a 90-minute holiday train ride through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Along the way, kids can write letters to Santa, meet the North Pole Postmaster and enjoy songs and activities with Christmas elves.
Passengers are served milk and cookies aboard the decorated, heated train. The journey includes a stop at the North Pole, where Santa boards to greet children and give them a small gift.
Trains depart from Rockside Station at 5 p.m. and 7:55 p.m. Families are encouraged to arrive at least 45 minutes early. Pajamas are welcome, and free parking is available at the station.
This one requires a longer drive from Southwest Ohio, but it’s an option for families planning a holiday getaway in Northeast Ohio.
North Pole Adventure
Holiday Magic Step aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and let the magic of the season come to life on our beloved…
The Polar Express at Dennison Depot
Location: Dennison Railroad Depot Museum | 400 Center St., Dennison, OH 44621
Dates: Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 10-13
Price: Coach tickets $55-$65; deluxe tickets $66-$74; first-class tickets $75-$85, plus a $4 ticket fee per ticket
View Dennison Polar Express tickets and departure times
The Dennison Depot’s officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride brings the classic children’s book to life aboard decorated vintage railroad coaches.
Storytellers read The Polar Express as the train travels toward the North Pole. Along the way, elves lead songs, games and activities, and passengers enjoy cookies and a beverage.
When the train reaches the North Pole, families can see Santa’s workshop from their windows. Passengers remain aboard while Santa joins the train, visits with children and gives each one a special jingle bell.
Departures are available at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, with additional 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. departures on Saturdays and Sundays. Children ages 1 and older must have their own ticket.
The Polar Express at The Dennison Depot
Make lifetime family memories! The Dennison Depot offers the authentic POLAR EXPRESS™ Train ride, sanctioned by Warner Brothers and Rail Events. Join…
North Pole Express
Location: Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation | 12505 County Road 99, Findlay, OH 45840
Dates: Nov. 20-Dec. 27, Fridays through Sundays
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30-9 p.m.; Sundays, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Price: Adults, $5; children ages 12 and younger, $3. Tickets are sold at the museum, with no advance ticket sales.
View North Pole Express admission and event details
For families looking for a Christmas train ride that won’t cost a fortune, the North Pole Express in Findlay is worth considering.
Visitors ride quarter-scale trains through a display of Christmas lights and decorations. Inside the museum and train barn, families can see model trains running through holiday scenes and hundreds of decorated Christmas trees.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit on select nights. Dress warmly for the outdoor train ride, and plan to purchase admission when you arrive.
North Pole Express with Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
Don’t miss our most popular event! Hop on board our quarter scale trains for a magical trip through a winter wonderland…
North Polar Express at Cincinnati Zoo
Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 3 (closed Nov. 26, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25)
Time: Train rides begin at 2:30 p.m.
Price: Festival of Lights is included with zoo admission; admission prices vary by date.
View Festival of Lights tickets and information
The Cincinnati Zoo’s North Polar Express is a holiday favorite for families visiting PNC Festival of Lights. Climb aboard the electric train for a ride through the zoo’s Christmas light displays, including a lighted tunnel that makes the trip especially fun after dark.
Train rides begin at 2:30 p.m., so families can arrive early to see the animals before enjoying the lights. The zoo’s holiday celebration also features 5 million LED lights, seasonal entertainment and visits with Santa through Dec. 23. It’s an easy way to combine a Christmas train ride with an evening of holiday activities.
PNC Festival of Lights
2026 Dates, November 19, 2026-January 3, 2027 | The Cincinnati Zoo is shining bright for the 44th annual PNC Festival of Lights!…
Christmas Train Rides at Carillon Historical Park
Location: Carillon Historical Park | 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409
Dates: Nov. 24-Dec. 30 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Time: Miniature train rides scheduled for 6 p.m.
Price: Park admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 60 and older and $10 for children ages 3-17. Children ages 2 and younger and Dayton History members are free. Rail & Steam Society miniature train rides are free, with donations appreciated.
View A Carillon Christmas tickets and information
A Carillon Christmas gives Dayton families a chance to enjoy holiday lights, historic buildings and train rides all in one evening. The Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society operates a miniature railroad through the park, with holiday rides scheduled during the Christmas celebration.
The small-scale railroad is a favorite for younger train enthusiasts, but there’s plenty more to explore after the ride. Families can walk through the decorated park, visit Santa through Dec. 23 and enjoy seasonal activities throughout the historic grounds. The miniature train rides are free with park admission, although donations are appreciated. Train schedules are subject to change.
A Carillon Christmas
2026 Dates, November 24-December 30, 2026 | Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dayton’s newest holiday tradition! Join us for A…
Indiana Christmas Train
Location: Indiana Rail Experience | 1469 W. Main St., Pleasant Lake, IN 46779 (boarding location)
Dates: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22
Price: Deluxe Coach tickets, $34-$45; four-person family package, $135. First-class experiences and private accommodations are also available. Processing fees are additional.
View Indiana Christmas Train dates and purchase tickets
The Indiana Christmas Train takes families on a 90-minute journey through the countryside aboard vintage passenger cars. Operated by the Indiana Rail Experience, the holiday excursion includes Christmas music, seasonal decorations and a visit from Santa on every ride.
Families can choose from several seating options, including climate-controlled Deluxe Coach cars, first-class accommodations and private tables. First-class tickets include refreshments, holiday treats and a commemorative gift. Hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks are also available for purchase at the station before departure.
Children ages 3 and younger who don’t need their own seat can ride free in Deluxe Coach. With several departure times available, including afternoon and evening rides, families can choose the trip that works best for their holiday plans.
Indiana Christmas Train
RAIN DATES DECEMBER 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd Summary Celebrate the season aboard a seasonal, 1.5-hour holiday journey through…
Reindeer Run Christmas Train
Location: Indiana Rail Experience | Edon, OH; Ashley/Hudson, IN; and South Milford, IN
Dates: Nov. 27 in Edon, Nov. 28 in Ashley/Hudson and Nov. 29 in South Milford
Price: Deluxe Coach tickets are $17 for children and $30 for adults; four-person family packages are $85. First-class tables for four are $225. Processing fees are additional.
View Reindeer Run dates and purchase tickets
The Reindeer Run brings Christmas train rides to three small communities across northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana over Thanksgiving weekend. Each town hosts the train for one day, giving families a chance to take a shorter holiday excursion aboard historic passenger cars.
The approximately one-hour rides are pulled by a historic diesel locomotive. Families riding in Deluxe Coach can enjoy Christmas music, seasonal decorations and a visit from Santa during the trip.
Climate-controlled coach seating and family packages are available, along with a first-class dining car experience featuring light refreshments and holiday treats. It’s a good option for families who want a Christmas train ride without committing to a longer excursion.
