Santa’s taking the train this year. In Indiana. And you can ride along.
The Indiana Christmas Train, run by the Indiana Rail Experience, is a 90-minute holiday train ride through the northern Indiana countryside, leaving from Pleasant Lake. Santa visits every single ride. Every one. The man has a surprising amount of stamina.
When does the Indiana Christmas Train run?
Eight days only: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22.
- Saturdays: 12 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
- Sundays: 12 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22: 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
Heads up: Pleasant Lake is on Eastern time. That 12 p.m. departure is 11 a.m. our time. Plan accordingly, or get ready to explain to your kids why Santa left without them.
How much are Indiana Christmas Train tickets?
- Deluxe Coach: $34 to $45 per person. Kids 3 and under ride free if they’re on a lap.
- First Class: starts at $115, but $275 for a four-person table, with holiday treats, refreshments and a commemorative gift.
- Cocktail Class: 21 and over, with a cash bar, starting at $69. The grown-ups’ car. You’ve earned it.
- Private car: $1,500 for the Lawton Park lounge car, which fits up to 28. That’s about $54 a head if you fill it. I did the math. You’re welcome. You can bring your own food, drinks and gifts for Santa to hand out.
What’s new this year?
The Christmas Kitchen Car. Santa’s executive chef (yes, Santa has an executive chef now, stay with us) makes holiday treats on board. They’re served during your visit with the big guy in the observation lounge. And for the first time, elves will be pouring hot chocolate in every First Class car.
Before you board, Travelin’ Toms Coffee will be at the station with hot chocolate and seasonal drinks.
How far is Pleasant Lake from Chicago?
About three hours. Close enough for a day trip. Far enough that someone in the backseat will ask “are we there yet” roughly 40 times.
The feel-good part: the whole thing is a fundraiser run by volunteers with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and all proceeds go to local railroad preservation. So it’s basically charity. With cocoa.
One last thing: book everyone under one reservation if you want to sit together, and know that refunds are only available 30+ days out. Trust us, read the fine print.
