Indiana Christmas Train | The Santa Train in Fort Wayne

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. About two and a half hours north of Indy, and just north of Fort Wayne, you can take your family to Pleasant Lake to ride the Indiana Christmas Train, run by the volunteers of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.

When we visited the Fort Wayne Railroad’s station, aka “Santa’s Workshop,” they had 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. Kids were allowed to climb inside a steam engine and sit in the engineer’s seat, and my little one loved seeing all the gauges and levers, as well as the coal hopper. Today, the Christmas Train boards at the historic Pleasant Lake depot, where Travelin’ Toms Coffee serves hot chocolate and seasonal drinks before you hop on board.
| More Info |

Indiana Christmas Train Experience

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

New for 2026, the Christmas Kitchen car brings freshly baked holiday treats made on board, served while families visit with Santa in the observation lounge. First Class passengers get light refreshments, holiday treats, and a holiday gift, and this year Santa’s elves are pouring hot chocolate in every first-class car. Grown-ups can book the 21-and-over Christmas Cocktail Class, which runs on Saturday trips only.

2026 Indiana Christmas Train Tickets

Deluxe Coach seats start at $34 for kids and $45 for adults, and a family package for four is $135. First Class starts at $115 per person, a Christmas Kitchen private table for four is $395, and Cocktail Class (21+) is $69. Kids 3 and under who sit on a lap ride free in Deluxe Coach only. Prices don’t include processing fees.

The Indiana Christmas Train runs three weekends in December, plus Monday, December 21, and Tuesday, December 22.
But here’s the secret: you have to buy your tickets as soon as possible. Don’t be late. They go fast! Tickets are on sale now on their webpage, and you can join their mailing list for early access to future excursions.

2026 Santa Train Fort Wayne Departure Times

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

Saturdays (December 5, 12, and 19): 12 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:45 pm
Sundays (December 6, 13, and 20): 12 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:30 pm
Monday, December 21: 2:15 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:45 pm
Tuesday, December 22: 2:15 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:45 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, which is also where you’ll find ADA parking. General parking is at 1525 Main Street, Pleasant Lake.

Take an Affordable Ride on the Reindeer Run

Celebrate Christmas a little early with a shorter ride! For 2026, the Fort Wayne Railroad’s longtime Christmas Caboose rides have been reimagined as the Reindeer Run, a one-hour holiday train ride with Santa, Christmas music, and festive decorations that stops in a different small town each day over Thanksgiving weekend. Tickets come at a big discount compared to the full Christmas Train: Deluxe Coach is $17 for kids and $30 for adults, a family package for four is $85, and a First Class table for four is $225. Kids 3 and under who don’t take a seat ride free.

Friday, November 27: Edon, Ohio (206 S. Michigan St.) at 4:15 pm, 6 pm, and 7:45 pm
Saturday, November 28: Hudson, Indiana (5530 W. Indiana 4) at 11:45 am, 1:30 pm, 3:15 pm, and 5 pm
Sunday, November 29: South Milford, Indiana (7570 790 E) at 11:45 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:15 pm
Note that these are different departure stations from the Indiana Christmas Train.

Other Excursions by the Indiana Rail Experience

The Indiana Christmas Train is run by the Indiana Rail Experience, a partnership between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. Climb aboard one of their vintage trains 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 & Whiskey Train or the Wine & Winter Cozy. History buffs and homeschoolers will want to check out World War II Weekend. After the holidays, the Hot Chocolate Train returns February 13 and 14, 2027. More options are being added, so keep an eye on the Indiana Rail Experience calendar!

There are so many things to do in Fort Wayne with kids!

Find all Indy holiday events here.