4 Santa & Holiday Train Ride Excursions to Take This Season

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Written by Step Out Columbus

Published on November 13, 2023
Photo by Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad via Facebook

“All aboard!”

*in Tom Hanks’ voice*

It’s the most wonderful time of the year when even the simplest of things become unexplainably magical and bright. With the goodness of this season lifting spirits left and right, it is abundantly clear that Christmas is here.

With Holiday season in full swing, it’s our time to take advantage of all the festivities that are right at our gloved-fingertips. Grab your tickets and head to the station for these perfect holiday-themed train rides in Ohio! From meeting Santa to visiting the North Pole, to gifts for children and an abundance of hot chocolate – we love this holiday activity for so many reasons.

Here’s where to catch a holiday-themed train ride in Ohio this year!

Get your tickets soon before they sell out to ensure you get a spot on one of these magical trains!

Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway – The Ohio Christmas Train

33 W Canal St, Nelsonville, OH 45764

Bring you and your kin to this spectacular Santa-themed train excursion with Hocking Valley Scenic Railway on their Ohio Christmas Train Ride! For over 40 years, this Santa Train tradition has continued to bring holiday cheer to families all over! You and your child will receive a very special visit from a jolly individual as you travel down the tracks. Any guesses on who it could be?

Your coach will be decked out with Christmas decorations (and probably a little Christmas magic) to add to the overall experience. Bring your wishlists, cozy up, make a lasting holiday memory, and look forward to a special candy cane treat!

Photo by Hocking Valley Scenic Railway via Facebook

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – North Pole Adventure

27 Ridge St, Akron, OH 44308

Rally up the kids and head out to Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for an optimal holiday adventure to the “North Pole!” Travel 26 miles from Akron all the way to the depths of the North Pole and enjoy the sight of Santa’s elves to keep you company along the way. Sip on hot chocolate to your heart’s content, munch on cookies, and take in all the sights from your heated coach.

To the North Pole we go!

Photo by Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad via Facebook

LM&M Railroad – North Pole Express

16 E South St, Lebanon, OH 45036

“This is the North Pole Express!”

Take an hour long journey with LM&M Railroad and soak in the magic of of the holidays with a special visit from Santa and his elves! In the spirit of all things cozy (and in reference to the Polar Express), come in your best Christmas pjs! Hang around for delicious hot chocolate, cookies, the reading of “The Polar Express,” and receive a special bell from Santa’s sleigh.

Off we go!

Photo by Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad via Facebook

Dennison Railroad Depot – The Polar Express

400 Center St, Dennison, OH 44621

Another Polar Express-themed train ride awaits! Come in your coziest pjs and enter a beautifully decorated Christmas train! Enjoy a fantastic reenactment of the well-loved Polar Express movie as you head to the North Pole. Of course, this Christmas train wouldn’t be complete without some of Santa’s best workers – the elves.

Take a look at Santa’s workshop from your view out the train window, and wait for him to hop on board!

Photo by Dennison Railroad Depot Museum via Facebook

Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!

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