Indiana Christmas Train | The Santa Train Fort Wayne Experience for Your Winter Break Getaway

Living near Indianapolis, we have a lot of fun train rides for kids. If you’ve already been on some of our amazing local holiday trains, you might be looking to explore experiences in other parts of Indiana! The Indiana Christmas Train, a Santa train Fort Wayne experience, would make a great addition to a winter break getaway with your family.

Ride the Train with a Holiday Season Celebrity

I have a toddler who loves trains, so I figured there was no better way to see Santa than to take him on a train ride with Santa aboard.  Just two hours northeast of Indy you can take your family to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Museum to ride the Santa Train.

Inside their station, aka “Santa’s Workshop,” they have model trains on display for kids to see, as well as two full-size steam engines. One of the steam engines is the iconic engine no. 765.  Your kids are allowed to climb inside a steam engine and sit in the engineer’s seat: your little ones will love seeing all the gauges and levers as well as the coal hopper. Also inside the station, there are snacks and souvenirs available for purchase.

Indiana Christmas Train Experience

The Indiana Christmas Train ride is around one and a half hours long. The best part is that Santa rides along in the train car with you! Kids can sit on his lap while you take that perfect Christmas train photo. Plus, you have to admit, family pictures in a caboose make for great Christmas cards too!

The Indiana Christmas Train runs the first three weekends in December. 

But here’s the secret: you have to buy your tickets as soon as possible.  Don’t be late. They go fast! If I were you, I’d visit their webpage and click on the link to have them e-mail you a reminder of when the tickets go on sale so you are sure to get them.

Santa Train Fort Wayne Departure Times

Departure times vary by day. Popular time slots will sell out, so grab your tickets right away!

Friday: 6:30 pm

Saturday: 12 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:15 pm, 6:15 pm

Sunday: 12 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:15 pm

Monday, December 23: 6:30 pm

Where do I Board the Indiana Christmas Train?

The Indiana Rail Experience’s Indiana Christmas Train departs from the station at 1469 West Main Street, Pleasant Lake, Indiana.

Take an Affordable Ride on the Christmas Caboose

Celebrate Christmas a little early and book a ride on the Christmas Caboose. In 2024, the Caboose will run on November 15-17 and 22-24. Each ride is just 20 minutes long but tickets come at a steep discount compared to the full-price Christmas Train excursions. For just $10 per ticket, your family can enjoy all the holiday fun aboard the train without breaking the bank!

The Christmas Caboose departs from 15808 Edgerton Road, New Haven. Note that this is a different departure station from the Indiana Christmas Train.

Other Excursions by the Indiana Rail Experience

The Indiana Christmas Train is run by the Indiana Rail Experience.  Climb aboard one of their trains from the 1940s and 50s for a fun, themed excursion, with a range of experiences available throughout the year.

Ride the Fall Colors Steam Special for a full day of breathtaking leaf-peeping, or take a shorter ride on the Autumn Limited. Take your date on the Wine and Chocolate Train or the Wine and Whiskey Train. History buffs and homeschoolers will want to check out World War II Weekend. More options are being added, so keep an eye on the Indiana Rail Experience calendar!

Fort Wayne is a great place for a getaway with kids!

Find all Indy holiday events here.