Climb Aboard 5 Ohio Holiday Trains
Here are festive family excursions to make part of your season. Just know tickets for these train rides often go fast.
Make holiday memories aboard these Ohio train rides, where families can visit Santa, sip hot chocolate and enjoy festive traditions. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended as these excursions fill up fast.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: The North Pole Adventure takes passengers on a holiday-themed train ride through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Cozy up in your pajamas as heated coaches are filled with festive decorations and Christmas elves. Enjoy complimentary milk and cookies and write a letter to Santa for the North Pole Master to deliver as you sing merry songs along the way. Nov. 13–Dec. 22, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence 44131, 330/439-5708, cvsr.org
LM&M Railroad: Journey aboard the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad’s North Pole Express in Warren County to meet Santa and his elves amid holiday lights and festive decorations. Kids receive a souvenir bell and a cookie, while hot chocolate is available for purchase. The train travels along the historic right-of-way of the Cincinnati, Lebanon and Northern Railway, which began operating in 1881. Select dates in November and December, 16 E. South St., Lebanon 45036, 513/933-8022, lebanonrr.com
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum: Climb aboard The Polar Express train ride for a an experience that replicates Chris Van Allsburg’s award-winning book. Hear the story read aloud in vintage decorated coaches while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. Pajamas are encouraged as festive elves sing and lead games and activities. See Santa and his workshop out the train window before the big man climbs aboard to deliver a special jingle bell from his reindeer’s harness. Thursday through Sunday Dec. 3–13, 400 Center St., Dennison 44621, 740/922-6776, dennisondepot.org
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway: Visit with Santa, while traveling through the historic Hocking River Valley aboard this seasonal train excursion. The Nelsonville Christmas Train Experience is the railway’s longest-running annual event, and each coach is decorated inside and out for the season. Be sure to bring your Christmas wish list to share with Santa and receive a candy cane treat. Thursday through Sunday Nov. 28–Dec. 20, 33 West Canal St., Nelsonville 45764, 855/323-3768, hvsry.org
Ohio Railway Museum: Discover Ohio’s electric railway heritage and enjoy a holiday experience aboard the Letters to Santa train ride. Visit Santa, write and send a letter to him, and explore additional seasonal activities amid twinkling lights. Friday and Saturday Nov. 27–Dec. 19, 990 Proprietors Rd., Worthington 43085, 614/885-7345, ohiorailwaymuseum.org
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