Polar Express Train Ride Ohio

Make unforgettable family memories this holiday season by going on the Polar Express Train Ride Ohio.  There are a couple of train ride options that work, read on for details.

Ride The Polar Express Ohio

We all know the story of the Polar Express. If you do not, we need to catch you up! You can buy the classic Christmas movie on Amazon, here or the Polar Express book, here.  There is technically one officially trademarked Polar Express Ohio, but there are also several other Christmas themed or Holiday themed train rides in Ohio. We will discuss them all below. 

Be sure to grab your favorite pair of Christmas pajamas and your comfy Christmas slippers to make your ride complete! As a bonus most of these train rides in Ohio provide you with cookies and cocoa! So they have got the snack covered! 

As a rule these Christmas train rides in Ohio will sell out quickly and pretty far in advance, so plan accordingly. Some open ticket sales months in advance. Start planning your strategy of which Polar Express Ohio ride you want to take, starting in August! Yes, that is correct, you need to think about it that early in the year. Usually holiday train ride dates are released in August/September and ticket sales open up often in September/October.

Polar Express Train Ride Ohio QUICK Tips

• Start looking for “dates” of rides in August
• Book tickets FAR in advance (some open up ticket sales in September/October)
• Decide if you want a “day” or “night” ride. Consider your drive time and your kids sleeping schedule.
• Pick out some comfy Christmas Pajamas to wear and let the countdown begin!

We cover a lot of information about Holiday Train Rides in Ohio, in this post. If you would like to SKIP to a specific section, simply click the name of the names below and it will “jump” you to that section.

Official Polar Express Train Ride Ohio (Dennison) | The North Pole Adventure (Cuyahoga Valley) | Santa Train Ride (Hocking Hills) | The North Pole Express | North Pole Express (Northwest Ohio) | Letters to Santa Ohio Railway Museum | Official Polar Express Train Ride (Indiana) 

Polar Express Train Ride Ohio Map

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum - Polar Express Train Ride Ohio

When it comes down to it there is only one official Polar Express Train Ride Ohio.  BUT it is offered at TWO different locations. The officially trademarked experience takes place at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. When it comes to Polar Express Train Ride Ohio, the Dennison Depot offers up the authentic Polar Express train ride, which is sanctioned by the Warners Brothers and Rail Events. 

This Polar Express Train Ride Ohio event is part of an experience that is offered around the United States, Canada and even the United Kingdom. 

On the Polar Express Train Ride in Ohio, you can expect a reenactment of the book, The Polar Express. When you arrive, you will board the decorated vintage rail cars as the Storytellers read the award winning story aloud. As the train heads toward the “North Pole” you will be entertained the entire way with song, activities and even games.

Mrs. Claus will share some holiday cookies and a beverage with you during the journey. When the train arrives, you will see (out your window, passengers do not get off) Santa and his workshop. The train will pick up Santa. On the return trip, Santa will visit with children on the train and give them a special jingle bell. If you remember, you ring the bell if you believe! 

Tickets for the official Polar Express Train Ride Ohio book up QUICK. You need to plan and book your visit well in advance. You can book your tickets here.

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum  is located at 400 Center Street, Dennison, Ohio 445621 - 740-922-6776 - Website

The North Pole Adventure - Previously Polar Express Ohio

The Scenic Railroad holds the North Pole Adventure. This holiday themed Ohio train ride, replaces the Polar Express Ohio. The railway President felt that it was time for a change after listening to the feedback from the community. 

The North Pole Adventure will offer families a journey of a lifetime. Participants will be able to hand deliver their litters to Santa at the North Pole. Similar to the Polar Express Train Ride Ohio, you will be able to enjoy cocoa, cookies, entertainment such as singing and activities with Santa’s elves.

Be sure to book your tickets far in advance, any themed Polar Express Ohio rides book up quickly and far in advance. You can book your tickets OR sign up to volunteer on the North Pole Adventure, here.

TIP: Ticket sales open to the general public at the start of October.  

The North Pole Adventure or Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has three main stations: Rockside Station 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131 -  Peninsula Depot 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, OH 44264 - Akron Northside Station 27 Ridge Street, Akron, OH 44308 - 330-439-5708 - Website

Santa Christmas Train Ride Ohio - Hocking Valley Scenic Railway 

Head to Hocking Hills to ride the Ohio Christmas Train! It is the longest running annual event at the Hocking Hills Railway! Families have been enjoying this Ohio train ride for over 40 years!  Starting at the end of November and running through right before Christmas, the Santa train rides operate on the weekends. 

There are two Santa Christmas Trains that operate and both have the same theme.  Santa will get on board and visit with each child as the train rides along the Hocking River Valley. 

Each rail car is decorated and heated! When your child visits with Santa they will get a special candy cane treat. Make sure they bring their Christmas wishlists! Book your Santa Christmas Train Ride in Ohio, here.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is located at 33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 - 740-753-9531 - Website

The North Pole Express - Polar Express Ohio

The North Pole Express is run by LM&M Railroad. This railroad offers themed rides all year round. Around the holiday season you can ride in festive decorated rail cars.  The ride takes about 75 minutes and during the Ohio train ride you can spend time visiting with Santa and his elves. 

Each passenger on this special holiday themed train ride will get a pre-packaged cookie, along with a souvenir bell. The Holiday Express Train ride typically starts the weekend before Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas. Just like all of the other themed Polar Express Ohio train rides, this one sells out quickly. You can buy tickets here.

LM&M Railway is located at 16 East South Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036 - 513-933-8022 - Website

North Pole Express - Polar Express Ohio

The North Pole Express is run by the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc, located out of Findley. This popular holiday quarter scale train ride is a magical trip through a winter wonderful scene of holiday lights and holiday decorations.  Note that this is a quarter scale train. 

While there you can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on select nights and view holiday decorated train barn and museum. 

There are no advance ticket sales, you must purchase tickets upon arrival. There is a small admission fee and hours are on the weekends starting around Thanksgiving and running through January 1st. 

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. is located at ​12505 County Road 99, Findlay, Ohio 45840 - 419-423-2995 - Website

Letters to Santa - Ohio Railway Museum

Head to the Ohio Railway Museum and take a train ride on the Ohio Public Service 1925 car. Children can bring their letters to Santa and mail it right in the Railway Post Office Car. This family friendly event also has other themed holiday activities.

Ohio Railway Museum is located at 990 Proprietors Road, Worthington Ohio 43085 - 614-885-7345 - Website

The Polar Express Train Ride Ohio - White Water Valley Railroad

The Polar Express Train Ride Ohio at the White Water Valley Railroad is also an official trademarked experience. (Just like Dennison Railroad above). This Polar Express Ohio ride serves the Dayton, Cincinnati and Indianapolis areas. (2 hours from Columbus) The actual boarding of this ride is in Indiana, but it is close enough to the border that many Ohioans take advantage of this holiday train. 

Just like the Dennison Polar Express Ride, this one recreates the classic children’s story. Holiday train passengers are served hot cocoa and a tasty treat by elves, while they enjoy a read aloud of the classic story. All passengers will receive the “first gift of Christmas”, a silver sleigh bell after Santa and his joyful elves hop on the train. 

Another special touch is that the conductor will punch each passenger's GOLDEN ticket during the ride.  Passengers will have a brief visit with Santa as well. 

Just like ALL the other rides, this books up VERY quickly.

White Water Valley Railroad boarding is at 455 Market Street, Connersville, Indiana 47331 - 765-825-2054 - Website

The Santa Train Event - Zanesville And Western Scenic Railroad

Jump on the train with Santa at Mt. Perry! There is lots of festive fun to be had on this Santa Train, with a visit from the main man himself!

The Train Conductor & Santa will be onboard to meet and greet all visitors, and may even have some goodies to hand out too!

The journey will take approximately 40 minutes and due to the seating being in both covered and uncovered areas, it is advised that you dress warmly to fully enjoy the experience!

The train departs on the hour from 2pm through to 7pm, so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early!

Zanesville And Western Scenic Railroad boarding is at: 5700 OH-204, Mt Perry, OH 43760. Tel: 614-595-9701. Website

Let’s go to the Polar Express Train Ride Ohio! 

There are several options you can choose from, whether you select the officially trademailed Polar Express Ohio or a similarly themed holiday train ride, you will create lasting memories that your children will remember for years to come! 

Have you taken any of the Polar Express Ohio rides listed above? We would LOVE to hear about your train ride. If you have any tips or tricks to share with other readers, drop them in the comment box below!