It’s August, so why are we talking Christmas? You guessed it- it’s time to think of The Polar Express! This is a popular holiday tradition that you won’t want to miss out on!
Take a step back in time to experience the wonder of the holiday season by hopping aboard a train or trolley. Prepare for some old-fashioned fun and have a one-of-kind adventure on these unique locomotives. In addition to the train or trolley ride, many of these events also include a variety of other festive activities.
The information provided below is intended as a resource and things could change at any time. Be sure to check the details (dates, time, pricing, etc.) directly with the business.
Polar Express Rides
Although it will require some travel to reach the following train station locations, the experience is completely worth it. These magical rides often sell out, so purchase your tickets early. {When traveling at night, it may be dark outside making it harder to see anything outside of the train windows.}
Cuyahoga Scenic Valley Railroad
Features: This event sells out VERY quickly! Departures for the Polar Express leave from 2 stations- the Rockside Station and Akron Northside Station. The trains are full of Christmas fun and activity on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway. The train pulls into the lighted North Pole. It is a 30-mile trip that takes 2 hours. Cookies and hot cocoa along with the story of the Polar Express are some of the features! In the past, there are three levels of seating to choose from starting at $47 dollars. Tickets go on sale to the general public in October.
Location: Independence, OH and Akron, Ohio (all about 2 hours from Columbus)
2021 Dates: Dates will be released in August!
Cost: Tickets start at $47 per person and sell out QUICK! Prices will be updated in October if possible. (CVSR members get early ticket access in September.)
Website: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
LM&M Railroad
Features: During the hour-long journey, Santa and his elves will make their way through the train spending time with each family. Every child will receive a bell from Santa’s sleigh and a cookie. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa. Balloon artists will also be on board the train. It’s a true Polar Express Experience! Hot chocolate is included with a mug to take home too! There are two types of seating- deluxe and Lackawanna seating.
Location: Lebanon, OH (1 hour and 15 minutes from Columbus)
2021 Dates:
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- Dates will be confirmed the first week of August on their website.
Cost : Prices start at $22 for children and adults and $26 for adults. Deluxe coach seats will be an additional cost. An increase may occur on certain times which will be reflected on the pricing page.
Website: LM&M Railroad
The Polar Express at Dennison Railroad Depot
Features: Wear pajamas and board the train headed for the North Pole! On this exciting train ride, storytellers will read “The Polar Express” and elves will entertain with songs, games and activities. Hot Cocoa and chocolate chip cookies will be served. Before returning home, Santa will board the train to visit each child and give them a special jingle bell. They are offering the opportunity to rent an entire private First Class Car for your group. The coach can seat up to 28 people, and the cost is $3,000. There is only one private First Class Car per trip, so don’t delay in calling! It is a 40-mile trip that takes 90 minutes.
Location: Dennison, OH (2 hours from Columbus)
2021 Dates: December 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2021
Departure Times:
Friday trips depart at 6 pm and 8 pm.
Saturday and Sunday trips depart at 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm and 8 pm.
Cost: $45 and up
Website: Dennison Depot
Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad Santa Train
Features: Depart from Nelsonville Station on this 20 mile, 2-hour round trip adventure. Santa visits each child as the train rolls along the valley. Children also receive a candy treat during the ride. This is a 40-year-old tradition! {Tip from a CM writer-we took this train at night and since it was dark you couldn’t see anything outside. There wasn’t singing or much entertainment while onboard so my children were bored at times. A daytime trip on this train might be a better option.}
Location: Nelsonville, OH (1 hour from Columbus)
2021 Dates: Begins November 30 through December 22 on Saturday and Sunday. (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Additional Friday night train at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $16 for kids, $17 for seniors and $21 for adults
Website: Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad
North Pole Express at Northwest Ohio Railed Preservation
Features: The short ride on a quarter-scale train runs through a Christmas wonderland of outdoor displays. This is a 1/2 mile track and the ride takes 10-15 minutes. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there on various nights. After taking a ride through the winter wonderland, families can visit the NWORRP gift shop and museum. This train is open-air and unheated so plan to dress accordingly or bring a blanket! This is a nice ride for those who may be short on time or have young children.
Location: Findley, Ohio (1 hour, 45 minutes from Columbus)
2021 Dates:
November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022: North Pole Express
Fridays & Saturdays 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sundays 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $4.00 Adults and $3.00 Children
Website: Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
Whitewater Valley Railroad
Features: Journey through the quiet countryside to stop at the North Pole and allow Santa to board The Polar Express. The experience length is 1.5 – 2 hours depending on train capacity.
Location: Connersville, Indiana (2 hours from Columbus)
2021 Dates: various dates beginning November 12, 2021 – December 18, 2021
Cost: $37.50 per person for ages 2 and up. Tickets are on sale now.
Website: Whitewater Valley Railroad
Holiday Trains
Huntington Holiday Train Display
Features: The beloved Huntington Holiday Train will be back on display at the Main Library if the library is able to open. Check the library website for operating hours.
Location: Main Library
2021 Dates: Typically set up the week of Thanksgiving. Check their website for exact dates to see if library opens.
Cost: Free
Santa in the Caboose at Historical Village at Weaver Park
Features: Enter the red caboose to interact and take photos with Santa in his suit from the 1800s. Historical Village will also be open with live music, art projects, refreshments and more.
Location: Hilliard, Ohio
2021 Date: Website will be updated soon!
Cost: Free
Annual Golden Spike Open House at The Depot
Location: The Depot (921 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43220)
Features: Tour the train cars decorated for the season, take a ride on the Scioto Railway through the decorated light display, enjoy light refreshments, work on a craft and watch a holiday movie.
2021 Date: See their Facebook page for updates.
Cost: Admission is typically a coat for the needy (hats, gloves and scarves are welcome) or 1 unwrapped gift per person for the benefit of Firefighters For Kids Toy Drive and TriVillage Chamber Coat Drive.
EnterTRAINMENT Junction
Location: West Chester, Ohio (North of Cincinnati)
Features: Here you’ll find the world’s largest indoor train display, the A-Maze-N Funhouse, play area and a Christmas Journey. This is a great spot with lots of activities to keep everyone entertained!
2021 Dates: Open year-round, but the Christmas Journey begins 11/13/21- 1/2/22.
Cost: Tickets start at $14.95
TROLLEYS
Celebrate the season by taking a festive trolley ride. This jolly experience is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
HolidayVille
Features: Jolly trolleys take riders to Clintonville area businesses for free and discounted goodies. The fun continues at Mozarts, the event headquarters, with hot cocoa, cookies, activities and visit from Santa himself.
Location: Clintonville
2021 Date: TBD
Cost: Free
Discovery District Holiday Trolley Hop
Features: Ride the complimentary trolley through the popular Discovery District as it stops for shopping, crafts, tours and activities.
Location: Discovery District downtown Columbus
2021 Date: TBD
Cost: Free
Easton Town Center Trolley
Location: Easton Town Center
Features: Take a fun trolley ride around the beautifully decorated Easton Town Center grounds to take in the sights and sounds of the season. Rides are free, but tips are welcome to benefit charity.
Location: There are three designated pick up and drop off locations at Easton– across from the Brio Tuscan Grille in the south district, in front of Bon Vie in the north district, and at the Easton Gateway across Stelzer Road. While there, don’t miss the festive train display next to the 50 ft. Christmas tree.
2021 Dates:TBD
Cost: Tips help fund Easton’s Change for Charity Program.
