Polar Express train rides in Ohio.
Ohio has one licensed Polar Express train ride for 2026: Dennison Railroad Depot Museum in Dennison. It runs Dec 3-13.
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 Ohio
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.
Rides in nearby states
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.
Questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Ohio?
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum runs it from Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, 400 Center St. in Dennison.
When does the Polar Express run in Ohio in 2026?
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum: 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).
How much is the Polar Express train ride in Ohio?
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum: Coach $55-$65, Deluxe $66-$74, First Class $75-$85, plus a $4 fee per ticket; private compartment for 6 is $595. Check the official site for the price on your date.
See every Polar Express train ride in the US or Christmas in Cincinnati.
Other states: Arizona · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Georgia · Illinois · Indiana · Louisiana · Massachusetts · Michigan · Missouri · North Carolina · New Jersey · New York · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Tennessee · Texas · Washington