Polar Express train rides in Indiana.
Indiana has one licensed Polar Express train ride for 2026: French Lick Scenic Railway in French Lick. It runs Nov 6 - Dec 23.
On the ride, kids hear the story, get hot chocolate and a treat, and meet Santa. Each railroad sets its own dates, prices, and rules for lap kids and strollers, so check the details below. Rides often sell out, so book early.
Polar Express rides in Indiana
French Lick, IN
French Lick Scenic Railway
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Dec 23 · Select dates, Nov 6-Dec 23, with shows at 12:30, 2:30, 5:30 or 7:30 pm
- Depot
- French Lick depot, 8594 West State Road 56
- Price
- $47-$117 by date (value, moderate and peak nights)
- Length
- About 65 minutes
- Lap children
- Under 2 ride free (the railroad's general rule; confirm when you book)
- Included
- Ticket punch, hot chocolate and cookies, the story read aloud, Santa giving each guest a silver sleigh bell, and carols on the way back
A 65-minute ride from the French Lick depot to the North Pole and back. Chefs serve cocoa and cookies, Santa hands out bells, and elves lead songs on the return trip.
Booking: Buy tickets ahead; there are no walk-ups. The depot opens at least 2 hours before the train. Boarding starts about 15 minutes before, and the train does not wait. The show uses flashing lights.
Parent tip: Most 2026 shows were sold out by late October. Check the calendar for single open seats, and look at Sunday evening and early November dates first.
Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.
Rides in nearby states
Monticello, IL
Monticello Railway Museum
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 6 · Fridays to Sundays, Nov 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and Dec 4-6, at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm (no 8:00 pm train on Sundays)
- Depot
- Wabash Depot, 200 E. Livingston St., downtown Monticello (not the museum grounds)
- Price
- Coach $48, Special Coach $60 (ages 2 and up); Deluxe $340 per table of 4; private cars cost more. Sold out for 2026
- Length
- About 1 hour round trip
- Lap children
- Under 2 ride on an adult's lap or with their own ticket
- Included
- Story read-along, hot chocolate and a treat, caroling, and Santa with a sleigh bell for each child on the way back. Special Coach adds a mug
A one-hour round trip from the old Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello. Kids follow the story, drink cocoa, sing carols and get a bell from Santa on the ride back.
Booking: Tickets are ready at the depot from 3:30 pm on your day. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. All seats are assigned. Email the museum with ticket questions instead of calling.
Parent tip: All 2026 tickets are already sold out. Sales for the next season usually open on a summer weekend, so watch the museum's site.
Dennison, OH
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
- Dates
- Dec 3-13 · Dec 3-6 and 10-13; 6 and 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 2, 4, 6 and 8 pm on weekends
- Depot
- Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, 400 Center St.
- Price
- Coach $55-$65, Deluxe $66-$74, First Class $75-$85, plus a $4 fee per ticket; private compartment for 6 is $595
- Lap children
- Everyone 1 year and up needs a ticket and seat. A baby carrier on a seat needs its own ticket
- Included
- Hot chocolate and cookies, the book read aloud, songs and games with elves, and a jingle bell from Santa for each child. Deluxe and First Class kids get an engineer cap and whistle
Ohio's licensed ride runs for just two weeks in December from a historic depot. Storytellers read the book, elves lead games, and Santa boards with bells.
Booking: Arrive 1 hour early. Boarding starts 30 minutes before, and gates close 5 minutes before. Strollers go to stroller parking, not on the train. Skip open-toe shoes and slippers.
Parent tip: Babies over 1 need their own seat here, which is stricter than most rides. The 8 pm Thursday and Sunday trains are the cheapest.
Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.
Questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Indiana?
French Lick Scenic Railway runs it from French Lick depot, 8594 West State Road 56 in French Lick.
When does the Polar Express run in Indiana in 2026?
French Lick Scenic Railway: Nov 6 - Dec 23 (Select dates, Nov 6-Dec 23, with shows at 12:30, 2:30, 5:30 or 7:30 pm).
How much is the Polar Express train ride in Indiana?
French Lick Scenic Railway: $47-$117 by date (value, moderate and peak nights). Check the official site for the price on your date.
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